March gardening jobs
As the chill of winter begins to fade and the days gradually lengthen, March is an exciting time for gardeners. Spring officially arrives this month, bringing the promise of warmer weather and renewed plant life. It's time to shake off the winter blues, head outside, and get your garden into shape for the season ahead.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, here are the essential jobs to tackle in the garden this March.
Prune Your Roses
March is prime time for rose pruning, especially for bush, shrub, and climbing varieties. Pruning now encourages healthy growth, better blooms, and helps shape the plant. Use clean, sharp secateurs and look to:
- Remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood
- Cut out weak, spindly stems and any that cross over each other
- Create an open structure that allows airflow, which helps prevent disease
Bonus Tip: Different rose types require different pruning techniques. For example, climbing roses are pruned differently from ramblers or hybrid teas, so check guidance for your specific plant.
What to Plant in March
March is the gateway to the growing season, and there's plenty you can sow or plant now, especially if your soil has begun to warm.
Vegetables to sow or plant outdoors:
- Early potatoes - Start them now for a summer harvest. Chit them (let them sprout) before planting.
- Onion sets and shallots - Easy to grow and reliable in cooler weather.
- Broad beans and peas - Hardy and happy to grow in early spring conditions.
- Spinach, lettuce, radishes - These fast-growers thrive in cool soil and can be succession-sown every few weeks.
Start indoors (or under cover):
- Tomatoes and peppers - Sow seeds in a heated propagator or warm windowsill.
- Aubergines and chillies - These need a long growing season, so get them started early indoors.
Flowers and bulbs to plant:
- Summer-flowering bulbs like dahlias, gladioli, and lilies can be planted now in well-draining soil.
- Hardy annuals such as calendula, cornflowers, and nigella can be sown directly outdoors towards the end of the month.
Bonus Tip: Use cloches or fleece to protect young plants from unexpected frosts.
Give the Lawn Some Love
If your lawn has started growing, it's time to bring out the mower - but go easy at first. Choose a dry day and set the blades high for the first cut to avoid stressing the grass.
- Avoid mowing wet grass - it clumps and can damage your lawn.
- Trim just the tips on your first pass to stimulate healthy growth.
- Edge your lawn to neaten its appearance and stop grass encroaching into borders.
As the season progresses, adjust your mowing frequency based on growth - anywhere from weekly to bi-weekly.
Top Dress Container Plants
Container plants start waking up in March, and top dressing is a simple yet impactful job to boost their health.
What to do:
- Scrape away the top 2-5 cm of old compost
- Replace it with fresh compost, well-rotted manure, or worm castings
- Add slow-release fertiliser if needed
Top dressing not only revitalises tired soil but also suppresses weeds and helps retain moisture - a big plus as temperatures rise.
Bonus Jobs for Keen Gardeners
If you're feeling extra motivated, here are a few more March jobs that can give your garden a strong start:
- Clean and sharpen tools - You'll thank yourself later.
- Weed borders early - Catch them before they take hold.
- Mulch flower beds - Suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and adds nutrients.
- Clean greenhouses and cold frames - Let in more light and remove pests or diseases lurking in the corners.
Final Thoughts
March is all about preparing and awakening your garden from its winter slumber. With a little time and effort now, you'll set the stage for a colourful and productive growing season.
Is your garden ready for spring? What do you plan to plant this month?
