* PRUNE ROSES: We advised you to hold off on pruning your rose bushes in February because of the unseasonably mild temperatures intermingled with an occasional bout of legitimate winter weather. Even though there is still a chance for frost, the trend from now on will be toward warmer soil temperatures and an end to whatever dormancy your rose bushes have enjoyed. See our feature article this month, Pruning Roses, for tips on pruning for a healthier plant.
* PLANT SEEDS INDOORS: Starting your seeds indoors will give them a head start on the spring growing season while protecting them from late frosts. It also helps satisfy that powerful urge to get our hands into gardening brought on by warm spring days.
* CHECK CACTUS FOR FUNGUS: Cacti have few natural enemies, but when they strike it is difficult to stop them. One of the worst problems is Black Fungus, affectionately known as "creeping cholla crud". As the name implies, it generally attacks members of the cholla family, spreads easily, and is extremely unattractive. The treatment is to remove all infected parts, as well as any pieces of fungus that have fallen to the ground, and to treat the cactus with sulfur. Unfortunately, by the time the fungus appears on the outside of the cactus, extensive damage has already been done to the internal structures. Keep treating with sulfur and hope for the best, or pull out the entire plant and start over.
* PLANT COOL SEASON VEGETABLES: If the urge to plant outdoors is irresistible, go ahead and plant some cool season vegetables such as lettuce, cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, and beets in your garden. Be prepared, however, to give the young plants extra protection on the cold nights that still occur in March and early April.
* RECONSIDER YOUR WATER USAGE: Plan ahead to take advantage of the wonderful summer rains to come in July. Examine the water drainage patterns in your landscape. Are there ways you can take advantage of roof runoff? Should you consider a drip irrigation system to get your garden through the hot dry months? Do your trees and shrubs have water basins out to their drip lines for deep watering in May and June? Does rain water run right off your property, away from your plants and into the street? Call or write the Extension Office for information on making maximum use of your water.
* REMOVE WINTER MULCHES: Rake off any winter mulches you put around your plants at the end of this month. Be sure to bag or compost it to get rid of any insects that may be overwintering there.