As March rolls in, it’s the perfect time to start prepping your garden for the warmer months ahead. While the weather can still be a bit unpredictable, there are plenty of gardening tasks that will help you get a jump on the season. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, here are some essential gardening jobs to do in March.

1. Prepare Your Soil

March is a great time to start preparing your soil for planting. As the ground begins to thaw, it’s a good idea to clean up any leftover debris from winter and turn the soil to ensure it’s loose and well-aerated. You can also improve the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure, which will help increase fertility and improve drainage. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, adding organic matter will help create a more balanced texture.

2. Prune Shrubs and Trees

Pruning your trees and shrubs in early March encourages healthy growth for the upcoming spring. Focus on removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and trim back any overgrown plants. For certain shrubs, like roses, it’s important to prune before new growth begins. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the plants.

3. Start Planting Early Crops

If the ground is workable and the weather is mild, you can start planting early crops such as peas, broad beans, and spinach. These cool-season vegetables can be planted directly into the garden, as they tolerate light frosts and grow well in the cooler spring temperatures. If you have a greenhouse or polytunnel, it’s also a great time to start sowing seeds like lettuce, kale, and early spring onions.

4. Check and Repair Garden Structures

March is a good month to inspect your garden structures—such as fences, trellises, and raised beds—before the growing season begins. Repair any broken panels or supports, and tidy up any garden sheds or storage areas. This will ensure that your garden is ready for the growing season and that everything is secure when plants start to climb or spread.

5. Tidy Up Garden Beds

Take some time to tidy up your garden beds and remove any lingering leaves or weeds that might have survived the winter. Weeding in early spring prevents competition for nutrients once your plants start growing, and it helps keep pests at bay. If you’ve been mulching, add a fresh layer to help retain moisture and suppress weeds as the season progresses.

6. Start Seeds Indoors

For a head start on your summer garden, March is the perfect time to begin sowing seeds indoors. Plants like tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines can be started early to give them plenty of time to grow before being planted outdoors after the last frost. Keep your seeds in a warm, bright spot to ensure they germinate, and be sure to harden them off before planting them outside.

7. Check for Pests and Diseases

While your garden may still be in its early stages of growth, it’s important to start checking for pests and diseases as the weather warms up. Early intervention is key to preventing infestations later in the season. Look for aphids, slugs, and other common pests, and remove them by hand or with eco-friendly pest control options. Make sure to also check the underside of leaves for signs of fungal infections or mildew.

8. Prepare Containers for Spring Planting

If you’re a fan of container gardening, now is the time to start getting your pots ready for planting. Clean your containers thoroughly to remove any old plant matter or mould, and check that the drainage holes are clear. If you’re planting in hanging baskets or window boxes, add fresh potting soil and choose your favourite spring blooms, such as pansies, primroses, or petunias.

9. Feed Your Lawn

March is a great month to feed your lawn and help it recover from winter. Apply a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth as the weather warms up. If your lawn has bare patches or looks a bit tired, you can also overseed it with a suitable grass seed to help fill in any gaps. Be sure to rake up any moss or thatch to keep your lawn looking lush and green.

10. Plan Your Garden Design

March is also a good time to step back and think about your overall garden design for the year. What plants do you want to grow? How will you incorporate colours, textures, and heights into your landscape? Whether you’re planning a flower garden, a vegetable patch, or both, now is the time to create a plan and start gathering the seeds or plants you need.

Final Thoughts

With a little effort and preparation, your garden can go from winter dormancy to springtime splendour in no time. By taking on these essential gardening tasks in March, you’ll set yourself up for a productive and vibrant growing season. Remember to stay flexible with the weather, as March can bring both sunny days and cold snaps, but as long as you keep your plants and garden in mind, you’ll enjoy a flourishing garden all season long!

Happy gardening! 🌸🌱