MARCH GARDENING GUIDE

Tackle the big jobs now to reap the rewards later

Gardening in the UK in March can be a bit of a mixed bag, as the weather can be unpredictable and vary greatly from region to region. However, with a bit of preparation and the right approach, you can make the most of this transitional time in the gardening calendar.

One of the biggest tasks in March is pruning shrubs and trees. As winter ends and spring approaches, now is a good time to cut back any damaged or diseased branches, as well as any old woody growth to encourage healthy new growth. This applies to deciduous shrubs, such as dogwoods, as well as evergreens, such as box and yew.

It’s also a good time to get started on preparing your soil for planting. March is a great time to add compost and well-rotted manure to your beds, as this will give your plants the best possible start. Use a garden fork to gently turn over the soil and work in the organic matter, taking care not to compact it. This will also help to warm up the soil and make it easier for you to plant in April.

If you’re planning on planting new shrubs or trees, March is the perfect time to get started. Make sure you choose the right plants for your garden’s soil type, light levels, and climate, and make sure you prepare the soil properly before planting. Give your new arrivals a good watering in, and make sure you keep them well watered throughout the first growing season.

March is also a good time to start planting your vegetable patch, if you haven’t already. If you’re starting from scratch, choose a sunny spot and make sure your soil is well prepared. If you’re planting in containers, make sure you choose good-quality compost, and make sure your containers are big enough for your plants to grow into.

This month is also a good time to start planting your annuals and perennials, if you haven’t already. Start by choosing the right plants for your garden’s soil type, light levels, and climate, and make sure you prepare the soil properly before planting. If you’re planting in containers, make sure you choose good-quality compost, and make sure your containers are big enough for your plants to grow into.

With a bit of care and attention, your garden will soon be full of life and colour, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful growing season. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, March is the perfect time to get your hands dirty and start planting.

In terms of maintaining your garden, March is a good time to start weeding. Weeds can quickly get out of control, so it’s important to tackle them as soon as you see them. Use a hoe or a hand fork to gently remove the weeds, taking care not to damage any of your other plants. Make sure you remove the weeds from the root, so they don’t come back.

Finally, March is a good time to start mulching your beds. Mulching helps to suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and regulate soil temperature. Choose a good-quality mulch, such as bark chips or compost, and spread a layer 2-3 inches deep over your beds. Make sure you don’t spread it too thickly, as this can smother your plants and cause them to rot.

In conclusion, gardening in the UK in March can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right preparation and approach, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re planting new shrubs or trees, preparing your vegetable patch, or simply maintaining your garden, March is the perfect time to get started. Happy gardening!