Spring Garden Prep Time and Things to do in Forsyth County and North GA this week
For you Forsyth and North Georgia gardeners, early spring preparation focuses on cleaning up winter debris, applying pre-emergent herbicides to control weeds, and conducting soil tests to amend red clay. Prune dormant shrubs, start seeds indoors, and prepare raised beds for planting.
Immediate Spring Prep Tasks:
With the warmer weather these tasks should be underway and near completion:
Cleanup: Remove old leaves, matted debris, and decayed annuals to prevent disease and pests.
Soil Preparation: Test soil via the UGA Cooperative Extension and add compost to improve clay soil.
Weed Control: Apply pre-emergent herbicides to lawns and beds to prevent summer weeds like crabgrass.
It’s also time to prune summer-blooming shrubs (e.g., crape myrtles), roses, and fruit trees while they are still dormant. Please be very careful with how you prune your crape myrtles. No saws or chainsaws should ever be used on a crape myrtle unless you are removing one. Far too many folks are pruning them too drastically ruining the look of the tree and its lifespan. Don’t forget to apply fresh mulch to protect early emerging plants and suppress weeds.
So many fun things to do in Forsyth County and North Georgia this week!
Celebration of Excellence (Forsyth County Schools & Partners) – Friday, March 13, evening, (ticketed event). Cheer on teachers, staff, and community partners as the Chamber and Forsyth County Schools recognize outstanding educators and supporters at this annual awards night.
Cumming Farmers Market 8:00 am, March 14 – Cumming Farmers Market, 423 Canton Rd, Cumming, GA, 30040
Special Talents of Forsyth at City Center – Sunday, March 15, Cumming City Center. Cheer on neighbors with disabilities as they take the big stage to sing, dance, and perform in this inclusive community talent show that’s free and open to the public.
Suburban Angst at Lou Sobh Amphitheater – Friday, March 13, evening, Cumming City Center. Kick off St. Patrick’s weekend with a free outdoor concert from Suburban Angst as the City Center’s spring music season gets rolling.
Say Yes! Chic Occasions Wedding Show – Saturday, March 14, daytime. Newly engaged couples can meet local vendors, sample services, and plan their big day at this wedding showcase supported by the Forsyth County Chamber.
Blue Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Saturday, March 14, afternoon, Downtown Blue Ridge. Head to the mountains for a small‑town St. Paddy’s parade with local businesses, community groups, and plenty of Irish cheer, plus shopping and dining before or after.
Taste of Suwanee – Saturday, March 14, daytime, Town Center Park, Suwanee. Sample bites from local restaurants and food vendors while enjoying live entertainment and kids’ activities at this popular community food festival.
North Georgia Folk & Outsider Art Fest (Cumming) – Saturday, March 14, daytime, Cumming, GA. Explore a vibrant outdoor showcase of folk and outsider art, with regional artists, live demos, and plenty of one‑of‑a‑kind pieces to bring home.
St. Paddy’s Day Rock Fest (Cumming) – Saturday, March 14, afternoon–evening, Cumming, GA. Put on your green and enjoy live rock bands, festive food and drink, and St. Patrick’s‑themed fun close to home.
Blue Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Blue Ridge) – Saturday, March 14, afternoon, Downtown Blue Ridge. Head to the mountains for a small‑town St. Patrick’s parade where local businesses, community groups, and plenty of Irish spirit fill the streets—perfect to pair with lunch and shopping downtown.
Family‑friendly 5K with a kids’ fun run and a St. Patrick’s “Lucky Dawg” theme, great for local runners and school families.
Lucky Dawg Dash 5K & Kids Fun Run (Cumming) –
Date/Time: Sunday, March 15, 2026, 8:30 am
Location: Cumming, GA (race is based out of the Bethelview/Big Peach Running Co. area)
Learn more: search “Lucky Dawg Dash 5K & Kids Fun Run Cumming” on Find A Race or RunSignUp.
St. Patrick’s‑themed regional 5Ks worth the Drive:
-Sweet & Sour 5K/10K/15K (Sugar Hill, Sunday March 15).
-Run the World with ICSAtlanta 5K & Fun Run (Alpharetta, Sunday March 15).
Camp Sunshine’s 2nd Annual Sunshine Spectacular – Sunday, March 15, afternoon. Support children with cancer and their families at this family‑friendly fundraiser featuring activities, entertainment, and opportunities to give.
Special Call for Volunteers!!
Spring Forsyth County Lions Club Trail and Garden Cleanup
10a-12p Saturday, March 21st
Fowler Park, 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming 30040 (follow signs to the Skate Park and Greenway entrance). Helpers are needed to assemble and install 2 new park benches and 8 signs. Bring gloves, garden tools, and smiles. Refreshments and fun fellowship provided. Call Karen 678-936-1648 or email forsythcountylions.org with questions.
