As the days grow longer and the first signs of spring brighten our landscapes, March is a pivotal month for gardeners. It's a time of renewal and preparation, with the promise of vibrant blooms and productive crops ahead. Here’s how to make the most of this exciting month in your garden.
1 The Ground Awakens
Winter may have left the soil compacted and lacking nutrients, so now is the time to invigorate it. Begin by clearing away any lingering debris and adding a generous layer of organic compost or well-rotted manure to enrich your beds. As the soil warms, this will provide the perfect environment for strong, healthy growth.
2 Planting and Sowing
March is a prime time to sow seeds, both indoors and outdoors. Hardy annuals like calendula, cornflowers, and larkspur can be sown directly into prepared beds. If you’re eager to start your summer displays, sow half-hardy annuals such as cosmos and zinnias indoors in seed trays. Vegetable growers can also get started. Broad beans, peas, spinach, and early varieties of carrots can be sown directly into the ground. For crops like tomatoes, chillies, and aubergines, start them off indoors or in a heated greenhouse.
3 Pruning and Tidying
March is the month to tackle pruning tasks before the sap starts to rise. Trim back roses, cutting just above outward-facing buds to encourage strong new growth. Late-flowering clematis can also be pruned now, cutting back to about 30cm from the ground. Clear away the remnants of last year’s perennials and ornamental grasses, cutting them down to ground level to make way for new shoots.
4. Wildlife-Friendly Gardening
As the garden awakens, so does the wildlife. Welcome pollinators by planting nectar-rich flowers such as hellebores, lungwort, and early primroses. Provide a source of water for birds and bees, and keep bird feeders topped up as natural food sources remain scarce. If you’ve been considering a wildlife pond, March is an ideal time to start. Even a small pond can attract frogs, newts, and dragonflies, adding vitality and balance to your garden ecosystem.
The gardening year is just beginning, and the work you put in now will reward you with a season of beauty and abundance. So, grab your gloves, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make March a month to remember in the garden.
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