March in the garden
We made it! March marks the true beginning of the gardening year, as spring officially arrives and growth accelerates noticeably. While frost remains a risk, particularly in northern regions, this is a month of significant garden activity. Here are the top 10 tasks to focus on:
1. Sow Hardy Vegetables and Flowers
As soil temperatures rise above 7°C (45°F), direct sow hardy vegetables including:
- Broad beans, peas, and early carrots
- Parsnips, beetroot, and spinach
- Spring onions and early lettuce varieties
Hardy annual flowers can also be sown directly where they are to flower, including calendula, nigella, and sweet peas. Continue sowing more tender varieties indoors or in a heated greenhouse.
2. Plant Early Potatoes
Chitted early potato varieties can be planted in late March when soil has warmed. Plant tubers 10-15cm deep in rows 60-75cm apart, with tubers spaced 30cm within rows. In colder areas or during unsettled weather, consider planting in containers that can be moved to protected positions if needed.
3. Prune Roses and Late-Summer Flowering Shrubs
March is ideal for pruning roses, buddleia, hydrangea paniculata, and other shrubs that flower on new wood. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches first, then shape plants according to their specific requirements. Apply rose fertilizer after pruning.
4. Lawn Care and New Turf Installation
March is the perfect time to address lawn issues after winter. For existing lawns, begin mowing when grass reaches 5-7cm tall, setting blades high for the initial cut.
However, if your lawn has suffered winter damage or has bare patches, March offers ideal conditions for laying new turf. The soil is warming while spring rainfall provides natural irrigation, creating perfect establishment conditions. Fresh, quality turf laid now will root quickly and be well-established before summer stress. We stock the best quality lawn turf for local delivery or collection from here at the nursery. For best establishment, prepare ground thoroughly by removing old grass, stones and weeds, then rake to a fine tilth before laying your new turf.
Apply a spring lawn feed to both existing lawns and newly-laid turf toward the end of March when grass is actively growing.
5. Mulch Beds and Borders
Before perennial growth becomes too advanced, apply a 5-7cm layer of well-rotted organic matter around plants. This suppresses weeds, improves soil structure, and helps retain moisture as temperatures rise. Leave a small gap around plant stems to prevent rot.
6. Divide and Move Herbaceous Perennials
March offers the perfect opportunity to divide overcrowded perennials including hostas, asters, and hardy geraniums. Lift clumps carefully, divide with two forks back-to-back, and replant sections promptly, watering well afterward.
7. Begin Regular Greenhouse Ventilation
As temperatures rise, ventilate greenhouses during the day to prevent disease and prepare young plants for eventual outdoor conditions. Close vents by mid-afternoon to retain heat overnight. Check greenhouse plants regularly for pests that become active in rising temperatures.
8. Protect New Growth from Pests
As tender new growth emerges, protect against slugs and snails using your preferred method (barriers, traps, or environmentally friendly pellets). Check for aphids on soft new growth and deal with infestations early before they multiply.
9. Plant Summer-Flowering Bulbs
In milder areas, begin planting summer-flowering bulbs, corms, and tubers including:
- Gladioli, lilies, and dahlias (in warmer regions)
- Crocosmia, agapanthus, and begonias
- Cannas and tigridias (in sheltered spots or pots)
In colder regions, start these in pots under protection for planting out after the risk of frost has passed.
10. Install Water Collection Systems
Before spring rains give way to drier conditions, ensure water butts are clean, connected to downpipes, and ready to collect rainfall. Consider installing a simple irrigation system for vegetable beds or greenhouse plants to ensure consistent watering as the season progresses.
Weather Wisdom: March in the UK lives up to the adage “in like a lion, out like a lamb” – though sometimes the reverse is true! Be prepared for rapid weather changes from frost to warm sunshine, sometimes within the same day. Keep horticultural fleece accessible for sudden cold snaps, and never be too eager to consider winter completely finished. The last frost date varies significantly across the UK, from early April in the southwest to late May in parts of Scotland.