Tips for Gardening in March

March marks the start of spring in the UK, and it is an exciting time for gardeners as it is a month full of potential and new beginnings. After a long and dark winter, the garden comes back to life in March, with bulbs and flowers blooming, and trees and shrubs starting to leaf out. There are many jobs that gardeners can do in March to help prepare their gardens for the growing season ahead.

Here are some top garden jobs to do in March:

Prepare soil beds: March is the perfect time to start preparing soil beds for planting. Turn over the soil, remove any weeds and add some organic matter such as well-rotted compost or manure to improve soil structure and fertility.

Prune trees and shrubs: Late winter/early spring is the ideal time to prune many deciduous trees and shrubs, including roses, fruit trees, and ornamental trees. Pruning will encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape and health.

Cut back perennials: Many perennials, such as herbaceous borders, can be cut back to ground level in March to encourage new growth. This will also help to prevent any diseases from lingering from the previous year.

Start sowing seeds: March is the perfect time to start sowing seeds indoors for plants such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Ensure that they are in a warm, bright place, and keep the soil moist.

Plant bulbs: March is the last month to plant spring-flowering bulbs, such as daffodils and tulips. They will provide a splash of colour and add some much-needed cheer after the long winter months.

Clean and sharpen tools: March is an excellent time to clean and sharpen garden tools, such as secateurs and shears, before the start of the growing season. This will ensure that they are in good condition and ready to use when needed.

Feed the lawn: If you have a lawn, now is the time to give it some much-needed nutrients. Apply a spring lawn feed to help it grow strong and healthy.

In summary, there are plenty of garden jobs to keep you busy in March. From preparing soil beds to sowing seeds and pruning trees and shrubs, there are many tasks that will help prepare your garden for the growing season ahead. By taking these steps now, you can help ensure a beautiful and healthy garden in the months to come.