In Texas, the only certainty about March weather is …. uncertainty!   We will likely get a real mix of conditions, ranging from frosty cold to hot and humid.

Even with the recurring chilly weather this month, it is not too early to direct-seed some warm-season bedding plants into flats or pots. Some great ones to consider are cleome, cosmos, Dahlberg daisy, marigolds and rudbeckias. Once planted, keep an eye on the weather. As long as the daytime highs are in the 60's and 70's you may leave seedlings outside. Bring them in during chilly or windy weather.

  As for planting summer-blooming bulbs, hold off till April when the warmer weather is more consistent.

If you've been thinking about transplanting some of your perennials, now is the time to do it. If you wait until April, chances are greater that they will suffer transplant shock. As for adding new perennials, keep in mind that they may not look like much now, but in a month or two most will be in full bloom!

This is also a good month to take a good look at your roses, and see if some should be replaced. If they are sprouting poorly or have only a few weak living canes, dig them up and replace with fresh new plants. Then, no more pruning this season!

Get busy with your spring vegetable garden. No more procrastinating!