Spring Fever Hits, But Winter Isn’t Done Yet.

Fort Worth, TX – The recent warm spell we’ve had here in Benbrook has everyone reaching for their gardening gloves.

But don’t get too comfortable—winter is making a comeback next week. While the urge to jumpstart spring is tempting, experts caution against moving too fast.

Here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) do in your garden right now.

Fruit Trees & Vineyards

Peaches & Plums – Prune immediately to shape trees for better fruit production before warm weather triggers early blooms.
Apples & Pears – Only remove dead or damaged branches and watch for fire blight.
Grapes – Cut back 80-85% of last year’s growth to promote strong clusters.
New Plantings – Now’s the time to plant fruit and pecan trees. Trim them back at planting for healthier development.
Spring Prep – Start planning your insect and disease control program as buds begin to swell.

Vegetable Gardens

Already Planted – Onions should be in the ground.
Plant Now – Cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and Irish potatoes need cool weather to mature.
Coming Soon – Leafy greens and root veggies can be planted in a few weeks, or sooner if protected from late freezes.

Flowers & Landscape

Winter Blooms – If frost hit your pansies, consider planting frost-hardy annuals like petunias, cyclamen, and foxgloves, but protect them from hard freezes.
Hold Off On Summer Flowers – Wait until late March to plant marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos.
Tree & Shrub Transplants – Move dormant woody plants ASAP before they start budding.
Pruning Rules – Trim evergreen shrubs and summer-flowering plants now, but never top crape myrtles.

Lawn Care

Weed Control – Apply a broadleaf weedkiller now for dandelions and clover.
Pre-Emergent Patience – Don’t apply weed preventers until mid-March—warm weather is misleading.
Hold Off on Fertilizer – Grass won’t benefit from feeding until soil temperatures warm up in April.

With colder weather around the corner, timing is everything. For the full gardening guide, visit Star-Telegram.