Marching into Spring: Essential Garden Jobs for March
Oh, the joy of March! The days are growing longer, the birds are in fine voice, and the garden is shaking off its winter slumber. There’s a tangible buzz in the air, a whisper of new beginnings carried on the breeze. But don’t be fooled by the odd sunny day—March can still throw a frosty curveball, so keep those tender plants protected. That said, now is the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and dive into some vital garden jobs.
Primping and Pruning
Winter can be brutal on our beloved plants, leaving them a bit battered and bedraggled. March is the time to get your secateurs out and give them a little TLC. Prune back shrubs that flower on new wood, such as buddleia and fuchsia, to encourage fresh, vigorous growth. Roses will also appreciate a good trim—cut them back to an outward-facing bud to shape them up nicely for summer splendour. If you haven’t already done so, it’s also a great moment to tidy up ornamental grasses by cutting back the dead growth to make way for new, fresh shoots.
Weeding and Mulching
Let’s talk about weeds. They are the bane of every gardener’s life, but tackling them now will save you a world of trouble later in the year. March is the ideal time to hoe off young weeds before they establish their pesky root systems. Once you’ve cleared the soil, give your beds a generous layer of mulch—whether it’s well-rotted manure, compost, or bark chips, this will help retain moisture and suppress any new weeds trying to sneak in.
Sowing and Growing
For those of us who can’t resist the thrill of growing from seed, March is the gateway to an exciting new season. Hardy annuals like poppies, cornflowers, and nigella can be sown directly outside now, while half-hardy favourites such as cosmos and zinnias are best started indoors. If you’re after homegrown veg, broad beans, early peas, and parsnips can be sown straight into the soil, while tomatoes, chillies, and peppers should be started off indoors on a warm windowsill or in a heated propagator. The promise of fresh produce is enough to make anyone giddy with anticipation!
Lawn Love
Your lawn is likely looking a little worse for wear after a long, wet winter, so now’s the time to give it some much-needed attention. Start by giving it a light rake to remove any dead grass and moss. If the weather is mild, you can give it its first gentle mow of the year—set the blades high to avoid shocking the grass. Bare patches can be overseeded, and a feed-and-weed treatment will work wonders in reviving its green glory.
Planting for the Future
If you’re eager to add some new stars to your garden, March is an excellent time to plant shrubs, perennials, and fruit trees. The soil is beginning to warm up, making it easier for new plants to establish themselves before the heat of summer arrives. Bare-root roses, raspberries, and hedging plants should be planted now before they start actively growing. And don’t forget about summer bulbs! Lilies, gladioli, and dahlias planted now will reward you with a riot of colour in just a few months.
Wildlife Watch
Encouraging wildlife into the garden is one of the most rewarding things a gardener can do. With birds busily nesting, put out high-energy foods such as suet and sunflower hearts to help them along. If you’re lucky enough to have hedgehogs, avoid disturbing them as they come out of hibernation, and always check for sleepy amphibians before tidying up any log piles or compost heaps.
March is a month of promise and possibility in the garden. It’s a time of clearing away the old, preparing for the new, and dreaming of the beauty to come. So grab your gardening gloves, embrace the unpredictable British weather, and enjoy every moment of your time in the great outdoors. Happy gardening!