Indiana is well-known for its erratic weather. Hoosiers, along with all Midwesterners, have numerous sarcastic sayings regarding the weather.
“If you don’t like the weather, just wait ten minutes.”
“The forecast is made up and the seasons don’t matter.”
“It will be winter at 6 am and summer by 3 pm. Dress accordingly.”
With the impacts of climate change, Indiana will likely see increased variability in winter temperatures and increased spring precipitation, resulting in potentially cold and saturated soils early in the growing season (Bowling, et. al., 2020). Simply put, Indiana’s erratic weather is expected to become more erratic and even with 60°F days in the forecast, March is still the time for pruning and planning.
Although pruning can be done other times of the year, March is an ideal time for fruit and shade trees. The pest pressure is low and without vegetation, the branch structure is easier to evaluate. Proper pruning techniques are crucial for the overall health of the tree. Cut too close to the trunk or leave too much of a stub and the branch collar will not heal before pests discover this easy entry into the tree. For a complete review of proper tools and techniques, the Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs publication provides comprehensive details and diagrams.
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/HO/HO-4-W.pdf
When it comes to planning a garden, catalogs and magazines provide an easy source of ideas, but garden shows offer inspiration. There are a number of shows that install complete landscapes allowing visitors to essentially walk through the pages of a catalog and speak directly with industry professionals and horticulture specialists. With shows throughout Indiana, there is sure to be one nearby.
March 2-5
The Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show
Fort Wayne, IN
March 10-12
Louisville, KY
March 11-19
Indianapolis, IN
March 18
Greencastle, IN
March 25
Morgan County – GardenFest and Pansy Sale
Martinsville, IN
April 1
Lebanon, IN
April 14-15
Indiana Daffodil Society – Daffodil Show
Columbus, IN
April 15
Purdue Student Horticulture Society Plant Sale
Purdue Spring Fest; West Lafayette
April 22
Tippecanoe County – Garden Expo
Lafayette, IN
April 22-23
Indianapolis, IN
April 29
Hendricks County – Gardening for All Ages
Danville, IN
May 20
Hamilton County – Plant & Iris Sale
Noblesville, IN
For upcoming Purdue Extension Master Gardener programs and events, visit:
https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/master-gardener/events/
Bowling, L. C., Cherkauer, K. A., Lee, C. I., Beckerman, J. L., Brouder, S., Buzan, J. R., Doering, O. C., Dukes, J. S., Ebner, P. D., Frankenberger, J. R., Gramig, B. M., Kladivko, E. J. & Volenec, J. J. (2020). Agricultural impacts of climate change in Indiana and potential adaptations. Climatic Change, 163(4), 2005–2027. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-020-02934-9
