General Gardening Tasks for March

Prepare Garden Beds
March is the perfect time to get your garden beds ready for planting. Start by clearing away any weeds, dead plants, and debris left over from the winter. Loosen the soil with a garden fork or tiller, and if your soil is heavy or clay-based, consider adding some organic compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and soil health.

1. Prune Shrubs and Trees
   Late winter to early spring is a good time to prune deciduous shrubs and trees. Cut back any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to help your plants thrive in the coming growing season. For fruit trees like apples and pears, make sure to prune them in March before the buds begin to swell.

2. Clean and Maintain Tools
   Winter weather can take a toll on your gardening tools. Take some time to clean, sharpen, and oil tools like shears, hoes, and spades. It’s an easy task that will save you time and effort once you start digging into spring gardening tasks.

3. Plant Bare-Root Trees and Shrubs
   If you ordered bare-root trees or shrubs, March is a great time to plant them. The roots are dormant, and the cooler temperatures make it easier for the plants to establish themselves before the warmer weather arrives.

4. Start Preparing Your Lawn
   If your lawn has suffered from winter damage, March is the perfect time to rake up dead grass, thatch, and debris. Aerate the soil if necessary, and overseed any bare patches. You can also apply a light spring fertiliser to help your lawn wake up from its winter dormancy.

5. Mulch Your Garden
   If you haven’t already done so, add a layer of mulch to your garden beds. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and insulates the soil. Just be sure not to mulch too deeply or too close to plant stems—this could cause rotting.

6. Check for Pests
   As the temperature rises, pests like aphids, slugs, and snails will start to become more active. Keep an eye on your plants and take action if you see signs of infestations. It’s much easier to deal with pests early on before they get out of control.

7. Pruning

   This is the last month that you’ll be able to prune any fruit trees (except stone fruit) and roses.

8. Cutting back plants

   If you have not done so, cut back any herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses. Seek advice on how to cut each plant if you need too.

Veg Seeds to Sow in March

March is a fantastic time to start sowing seeds indoors or directly in the garden. The soil is warming, and you can get a jumpstart on the growing season.

Direct Sowing (Outside)

1. Peas
   March is the perfect time to plant peas outdoors, especially if you live in a mild climate. Choose early varieties that will mature quickly. Just make sure the soil is workable and not too wet, as peas prefer well-drained soil.

2. Carrots
   If the soil is not frozen and can be worked, March is the time to sow carrots directly into the ground. They thrive in cool temperatures, so getting them in early will give you a head start on the harvest.

3. Spinach
   Spinach is a cold-hardy green that can be directly sown in March. It grows well in cooler weather and is great for early spring harvests. Ensure the soil is rich and well-drained, and keep it consistently moist for the best results.

4. Radishes
   Radishes are another cold-hardy crop that thrives in early spring. They grow quickly, so you can expect to see results in just a few weeks. They are ideal for sowing in March, and they’ll provide you with an early crop.

5. Onions
   While you can plant onion sets or sets of shallots outdoors, March is the time to sow onions from seed indoors. Once your seedlings are ready, you can plant them outside after the frost has passed.

Indoor Sowing

1. Tomatoes
   Start tomato seeds indoors in March if you want an early harvest. By sowing them now, you’ll have young plants ready to go outside once the danger of frost has passed. Choose varieties suited for your climate, and provide them with plenty of light.

2. Peppers
   Like tomatoes, peppers need a long growing season, so starting them indoors in March is crucial. Keep the seeds in a warm location to help them germinate and grow strong before being transplanted outdoors in late spring.

3. Cabbage and Cauliflower
   Brassicas like cabbage and cauliflower benefit from an early start in March. Start them indoors and transplant them outdoors when the seedlings are strong enough and the weather has warmed a bit.

4. Leeks
   Leeks are slow-growing, so starting them indoors in March gives them the extra time they need to mature. They’ll be ready to transplant outdoors in late spring when the soil is warm.

5. Lettuce
   Lettuce can be sown indoors or outdoors in March, depending on your climate. If you start them inside, you’ll have baby lettuce leaves ready to harvest in early spring. If you’re sowing directly outdoors, make sure the soil is workable and not too soggy.

6. Herbs
   You can also start many herbs indoors in March. Basil, parsley, and thyme are all great candidates for early sowing. You’ll have fresh herbs ready to go in your garden or kitchen when the weather warms up.

Tips for Successful March Gardening

• Watch the Weather: March can be unpredictable, so keep an eye on the forecast for any late frosts. Be prepared to cover tender seedlings if needed.

• Hardening Off: If you’re starting plants indoors, don’t forget to harden them off before transplanting them outside. Gradually introduce them to the outdoors by placing them outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time over a week or two.

• Keep Track of What You’ve Sown: Keep a garden journal or make notes of what seeds you’ve planted, where, and when. This can help you track growth and plan future plantings.

• Focus on Soil Health: Healthy soil is key to a thriving garden. In addition to adding organic matter, consider testing your soil to see if it needs any specific nutrients.

Conclusion

March is a month of renewal in the garden. With a little bit of preparation and attention to detail, you’ll set the stage for a successful growing season. Whether you’re starting seeds indoors or sowing directly outside, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Don’t forget to enjoy the process—spring is right around the corner, and your garden will soon be flourishing with fresh vegetables, vibrant flowers, and lush greenery.

Happy gardening! 🌱