March marks the true beginning of spring in the garden. Days are noticeably longer, the soil begins to warm, and growth gathers pace. Frosts are still possible, but there’s a clear shift from protection to active gardening. Borders fill with daffodils and early blossom, and it’s a busy, hopeful month as the growing season properly gets underway.

Planting and Sowing

With improving conditions, outdoor tasks increase:
Bare-root plants: Early March is your last chance to plant bare-root trees, roses, fruit bushes and hedging before growth accelerates.
Onion sets and shallots: Plant out in well-drained soil.
Seed sowing outdoors: Sow broad beans, peas, spinach, carrots and hardy annuals if soil conditions allow.
Indoors or under cover: Start tomatoes, chillies, brassicas and early salads.
Seed potatoes: Continue chitting early varieties and plant toward the end of the month in milder areas.

Soil Care and Mulching
Preparation now supports strong growth:

• Mulch beds with compost or well-rotted manure to feed the soil.
  
• Lightly cultivate where soil is workable, avoiding waterlogged ground.
  
• Begin preparing vegetable beds for sowing.
  

Cutting Back and Plant Care

• Cut back ornamental grasses and late perennials before new shoots emerge.
  
• Prune bush and climbing roses.
  
• Divide overgrown perennials to rejuvenate plants.
  
• Keep fleece handy to protect tender growth during late frosts.
  

Lawn Care

• Resume mowing on dry days, raising the blade height for the first cuts.
  
• Scarify lightly to remove moss and thatch.
  
• Repair bare patches and apply spring lawn feed if needed.
  

Fruit and Vegetable Maintenance

• Finish pruning apple and pear trees early in the month.
  
• Mulch fruit bushes and feed where necessary.
  
• Protect blossom from frost where possible.
  
• Harvest remaining winter crops such as kale and leeks.
  

Pests, Diseases, and Greenhouse Care

• Watch for slugs and snails as temperatures rise.
  
• Ventilate greenhouses on warm days.
  
• Sow tender crops under glass and maintain good hygiene.
  

Garden Structures and Planning

• Check supports before climbers begin active growth.
  
• Install plant supports early to avoid damaging roots later.
  
• Finalise planting plans and order any remaining seeds or summer bulbs.
  

Final Thoughts

March is a month of energy and optimism. The garden is no longer waiting — it’s growing. By staying on top of sowing, pruning and soil care, you’ll set strong foundations for the busy and abundant months ahead.