Jobs for the Month - March

By mid-March, we usually start to notice the days are longer and we are finally getting a bit more sunshine. March is a month to tidy up the garden from winter and start getting busy with Spring's jobs.

 

What to plant: 

  • Dahlia tubers
  • Begonia tubers
  • Bare-root roses
  • Gladioli bulbs
  • Lily bulbs
  • Other Summer-flowering bulbs
  • Agapanthus
  • Alstromeria
  • Rhubarb
  • Early seed potatoes 
  • Strawberry plants
  • Apple trees
  • Pear trees 

 What to order: 

  • Summer-flowering bulbs
  • Summer bedding plug plants

 

Pruning 
Pruning chores continue, keep on top of climbing plants and tidy up winter shrubs. March is a great month to prune varieties such as Sambucus, Buddleia, Hydrangea or Fuchsias. Rose bushes will need pruning from mid-March. Make sure any dying or diseased stems are removed, as well as shoots that have become damaged. Fertilise the soil well with organic compost to their base.

Lawn Care 
The first lawn trims should start in March during dry weather to promote healthy lawn growth through the year. Lawn edges also need tidying up to define border edges. Avoid cutting too low and scalping the grass! 
 
Preparation 
Once the last of your winter jobs are done, it is important to prepare your garden as March is an important month for planting. Deal with weeds before they get out of hand, clear the remains of last year's beds and borders before bulbs come through. Dig compost into your beds, especially with heavy clay soil as planting will become easier and more effective with this preparation. 

 

Top Tips: 

  • Easy care pruning method: simply cut the established bush with secateurs or a hedge trimmer to half the original height. It is even optional to cut out weak or dead wood at the base. 
  • This is the ideal time to sprinkle granular fertilizer around your roses for the year ahead. 
  • New shoots are beginning to appear so make sure you protect them from insects such as slugs with organic pellets. 
  • For existing flowers deadhead regularly for further flowering and water regularly to keep your pots looking well through the coming spring months.