Hello, gardeners!
March is finally here, and with it comes the promise of brighter days, longer evenings, and a garden bursting with life. The season of growth is upon us, and it’s time to roll up those sleeves and dive into some gardening tasks.
From lawn care to planting, there’s plenty to do this month to get your garden in top shape for the year ahead. Let’s get started!
1. Lawn Care: Wake Up the Grass
Your lawn has been quietly resting all winter, but it’s now ready for its big spring debut! March is the perfect time to give it a little love. If you haven’t already, get rid of any leftover debris, like fallen leaves or twigs, to help the grass breathe and soak up those first rays of sunshine.
If the ground is firm (not soggy), consider giving your lawn a light rake to break up any thatch and moss. You could also apply a spring lawn feed to give your grass a nutrient boost as it starts growing again. But hold off on mowing until mid-month, let the grass grow a little longer before you grab the mower! If your lawn mower is looking a little worse for wear, now could be the ideal time to trade it in for a newer model. Pop down to your local lawn mower dealer who will be able to help you find your perfect lawn partner!
2. Plant Early Veggies
Spring is on its way, so it’s the perfect time to start planting early vegetables! March is ideal for sowing hardy crops like peas, carrots, and broad beans directly into the soil. If you’ve got a greenhouse or a sunny windowsill, you can also start growing crops like tomatoes, leeks, and cucumbers indoors to give them a head start.
Make sure your soil is workable (not too wet or frozen) and prepare your beds with some compost to help your veggies grow strong and healthy.
3. Prune Shrubs and Trees
If you haven’t pruned your shrubs or trees yet, March is the time to get it done. For most deciduous trees and shrubs, a good prune now will encourage fresh, strong growth come summer. This is especially true for things like roses, lilacs, and buddleia.
Top Tip: Why not invest in a pair of handy battery pruners to make pruning jobs quick and easy.
Just be sure to avoid pruning spring-flowering plants, like forsythia or magnolia, as they’ve likely already set their buds, and you don’t want to risk cutting off those gorgeous blooms!
4. Start Planting Summer Bulbs
The days are getting longer, so it’s time to start thinking about summer flowers! March is the perfect time to plant summer bulbs like dahlias, begonias, and gladiolus. These beautiful blooms will give you vibrant colour and a cheerful vibe in your garden later in the season.
Plant your bulbs in well-draining soil, and make sure they’re spaced out to allow room for their gorgeous growth.
5. Feed Your Plants
As your plants wake up from their winter slumber, they’ll be craving a little nourishment. March is a great time to apply a general-purpose fertiliser to your garden beds, especially around perennials and shrubs. This gives them a boost of nutrients to help them get ready for a season of flowering and fruiting.
6. Clean and Maintain Your Tools
Spring cleaning isn’t just for the house! It’s also a great time to give your garden tools a little TLC. Clean off any dirt, sharpen your spades and secateurs, and oil wooden handles to keep them in top condition. A quick tool maintenance session now means fewer headaches when you’re knee-deep in gardening come warmer weather. If you haven’t yet, make sure to book your lawn mower in for its annual service so its in tip top condition for the mowing season ahead!
And there you have it! March is a month of fresh starts, so get ready to dig in and make your garden shine. Whether you’re tending to your lawn, planting new veggies, or prepping for summer blooms, there’s no better time to get excited for the season ahead. Happy gardening! 🌸🌿
