Jobs in the garden for March
Written by Daily Fix - Published 01-Mar-2019, last updated 21-Jun-2024
Spring usually arrives in mid-March and hopefully warmer temperatures and the odd sunny day will encourage you to get out in the garden after your winter hibernation.
It's time to get busy in ther garden!
Prune roses
Late winter (February or March) is often a good time for pruning bush and climbing roses. This can help you shape your plants and improve the health and lifespan of any rose.
Each type of rose has its pwn pruning requirements (climbers or ramblers need pruning differently to shrub or bush type roses), so check on the particular recommendations for your type of rose.
In general though, cut out dead and diseased stems and spindly and crossing stems and aim to leave the plant with well-spaced stems that allow free air flow.
What to plant in March
March is a great month for planting a variety of crops in your garden. One of the highlights is getting your early potatoes and onion sets into the ground. These crops thrive in cooler temperatures, giving them a head start before the warmer months arrive.
Broad beans and peas are also excellent options for March planting. They prefer cool weather and can be directly sown into the soil. These vegetables provide nutritious and delicious additions to any meal.
If you're eager to grow your own tomatoes, March is the perfect time to start. Depending on your climate, you can either sow seeds indoors or purchase young plants to transplant later. Just ensure they receive plenty of sunlight and consistent watering as they establish their roots.
And don't forget about summer-flowering bulbs! Many beautiful blooms, such as dahlias, gladiolus, or lilies, need to be planted ahead of time so they can blossom during the warmer seasons. By putting them in the ground now, you'll have stunning flowers adorning your garden once summer arrives.
Mow the lawn
In March, it's time to start thinking about mowing your lawn. As the weather begins to warm up, you may notice signs of growth in your grass. When these signs become apparent, it is crucial to choose a dry day for mowing. Wet grass can easily get clumped and clog up your mower, making the task more difficult than necessary. Additionally, mowing wet grass can lead to uneven cuts and damage the turf.
During this initial session in March, aim to only trim off the tips of the grass blades. This approach will encourage healthy growth and prevent any strain on the lawn. By avoiding harsh cuts or scalping, you promote a lush and vibrant lawn that remains resilient throughout the season.
As spring progresses, be prepared for varying rates of growth in different lawns. Depending on factors such as sunlight exposure and soil conditions, some lawns may require mowing once every two weeks, while others might need attention once a week.
Consistency is key. Maintaining a regular mowing schedule allows for even growth across your lawn. It also prevents any potential overgrowth that could result in more demanding maintenance tasks later on.
So keep an eye out for signs of growth in March and choose a dry day for your first trim. Be mindful not to cut too short and maintain a consistent mowing schedule throughout spring according to your lawn's individual needs. These small actions will contribute towards achieving a beautiful and healthy lawn this season!
Top dress containers
March can be a good time to top dress containers. This not only provides essential nourishment to existing compost but also serves as an excellent method for controlling weed growth. By adding a layer of top dressing, gardeners can maximize the health and productivity of their container plants.
Top dressing involves applying a thin layer of organic matter on the surface of the soil in containers. This could consist of compost, worm castings, or well-rotted manure. The addition of these nutrient-rich materials revitalises the soil and supplies vital elements that may have become depleted over time.
Top dressing also acts as an effective natural weed suppressant. By creating a barrier between weeds and sunlight, it restrains their germination and reduces their chances of thriving in containers. This helps to maintain a clean and visually appealing container garden while simultaneously reducing the need for constant weeding.
And if all this isn't enough to convince you how great top dressing is, it also aids in moisture retention. The layer of organic matter forms a protective shield that prevents excessive evaporation from the container's soil. As a result, water is retained more efficiently within the roots of plants, reducing the frequency of watering required.
So March is an ideal time for top dressing containers as it marks the beginning of spring when many plants start actively growing again after winter dormancy. Ensuring they receive a nutritious boost during this critical period sets them up for vigorous growth throughout the upcoming season.
A look forward to April
Here's a sneak preview of some of the gardening jobs for April.