Gardening Tips for Late March in Orlando (Zone 10a)

As March draws to a close in Orlando’s Zone 10a, it’s an opportune time to focus on essential gardening tasks to ensure a thriving landscape. The recent cold snap may have affected some plants; inspect your garden for frost damage and gently prune any harmed foliage to encourage healthy new growth.

Pruning and Maintenance

Late March is ideal for pruning shrubs and trees as they transition from dormancy. Trim overgrown branches to maintain shape and promote bushier development. For roses, prune to remove damaged canes and improve overall form; following up with mulching can lead to blooming in 8–9 weeks.

Lawn Care

With warmer temperatures, lawns begin active growth. Pull any weeds in your lawn to prevent warm-season weeds from germinating.

Vegetable Gardening

Late March is perfect for planting warm-season vegetables directly from seed. Consider sowing arugula, beans, beets, cantaloupe, carrots, chard, Chinese cabbage, collards, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, endive, lettuce, kohlrabi, mustard, okra, peas, southern peas, peppers, pumpkin, radish, summer and winter squash, cherry tomatoes, and turnips. Proper soil preparation is crucial; using a handheld electric cultivator can help loosen soil and create an optimal planting bed.

Companion Planting

Enhance your vegetable garden’s productivity and health through companion planting. This method involves pairing plants that offer mutual benefits such as pest control and improved growth. For example, planting basil near tomatoes can deter pests and enhance flavor. Explore resources like Pinterest for companion planting charts to guide your garden planning.

Local Resources

For those in the Dr. Phillips and Windermere areas, several local nurseries offer a wide selection of plants and gardening supplies:

•Green Isle Gardens: Specializes in Florida native plants and wildflowers, focusing on upland species.

•Lukas Nursery: Offers an extensive selection of landscape, patio, and indoor plants, along with a large native butterfly conservatory.

•South Seminole Farm and Nursery: Located on over 11 lush acres, specializing in a full range of landscape plants from flowering ground cover to full-sized trees and palms.

•Palmer’s Garden & Goods: A family-owned garden center providing quality plants and horticultural services since 2002. 

•Apenberry’s Gardens: A neighborhood garden center specializing in plants, pots, and outdoor fountains.

By focusing on these tasks and utilizing local resources, your garden will be well-prepared for the growing season ahead. Happy gardening!