Garden tips for March: Spring into action

March marks the arrival of spring, and your garden is starting to awaken from its winter slumber. With longer days and milder weather, it’s the perfect time to get outside and give your garden the care it needs to thrive in the months ahead. From planting new life and tackling essential garden maintenance to planning new hard landscaping in your garden, such as raised flower beds and seating areas. Here are some top tips for March to help you make the most of this exciting season.

Tip 1. Prepare your garden beds

March is the ideal time to prepare your soil for planting.
• Clear debris: Remove weeds, dead plants, and debris from beds to create a clean slate.
• Enrich the soil: Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
• Turn over the soil: Loosen the soil with a fork or tiller to improve drainage and aeration.

Tip 2. Start planting

March is all about planting and sowing seeds for a flourishing garden later in the year.
• Vegetables: Directly sow hardy vegetables like carrots, spinach, lettuce, and peas. Start tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers indoors.
• Flowers: Plant summer-flowering bulbs like lilies, gladioli, and dahlias for a stunning display in the warmer months.
• Bare-root plants: It’s the last chance to plant bare-root roses, trees, and shrubs before they start to grow.

Tip 3. Lawn care for a healthy start

Your lawn needs some attention after winter to prepare for a season of lush growth.
• Rake and remove debris: Clear leaves, twigs, and moss to let your grass breathe.
• First mow: Give your lawn its first cut of the year, setting the mower blades high to avoid stressing the grass.
• Feed the lawn: Apply a spring fertiliser to give your lawn a nutrient boost.

Tip 4. Prune and tidy

March is the time to tidy up your garden by pruning and trimming.
• Trim summer-flowering shrubs: Prune shrubs like hydrangeas and buddleias to encourage healthy growth.
• Cut back perennials: Remove dead growth from perennials to make way for fresh shoots.
• Tidy hedges: Trim evergreen hedges to maintain their shape and promote dense growth.

Tip 5. Protect against frost

While the days are warming up, frost can still strike in March.
• Cover tender plants: Use fleece or cloches to protect vulnerable plants on cold nights.
• Move pots to shelter: Place potted plants in a greenhouse or against a warm wall for added protection.

Tip 6. Encourage wildlife

Support wildlife as they emerge from hibernation and return to your garden.
• Feed birds: Keep bird feeders stocked with seeds, nuts, and suet.
• Create shelters: Leave piles of logs or stones to provide homes for insects and small animals.
• Plant Pollinator-Friendly Flowers: Choose plants like lavender, crocuses, and primroses to attract bees and butterflies.

Tip 7. Start a compost heap

March is a great time to start a compost heap if you don’t already have one.
• Collect organic waste: Add kitchen scraps, grass clippings, and garden trimmings to your compost bin.
• Layer materials: Alternate layers of green (wet) and brown (dry) materials for balanced compost.
• Turn regularly: Aerate the compost to speed up decomposition.

Tip 8. Plan your garden projects

With the growing season in sight, now is the time to plan any big garden projects.
• Design new hard landscaping features: Consider adding raised beds, a seating area, or water features.
• Order plants and seeds: Stock up on everything you need for planting in April and beyond.
• Book garden maintenance services: If you need professional help, schedule maintenance or landscaping work early to avoid peak season delays.

Tip 9. Plant fruit trees and bushes

March is the perfect time to plant fruit trees and bushes.
• Choose varieties: Apples, pears, plums, and cherries are great options for Welsh gardens.
• Plant in a sunny spot: Ensure fruit trees and bushes receive plenty of sunlight to thrive.
• Mulch around the base: Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Tip 10. Embrace spring blooms

Celebrate the arrival of spring by adding seasonal colour to your garden.
• Plant spring bedding: Fill pots and borders with pansies, violas, and forget-me-nots for vibrant displays.
• Add early perennials: Plant perennials like hellebores, lungwort, and primroses to enjoy blooms now and in future seasons.
• Force Bulbs Indoors: Bring the beauty of spring inside by forcing bulbs like hyacinths and tulips in pots.

Bring your garden to life this March

March is a month full of opportunity for gardeners, with tasks ranging from planting new life to planning exciting garden projects for the year ahead. By preparing your soil, caring for your lawn, and supporting wildlife, you’ll set the foundation for a healthy, vibrant garden.

Need help with your March garden tasks or looking to transform your outdoor space? Green Dream Concepts is here to help with bespoke garden designs, maintenance, and expert advice tailored to your needs. Get in touch today and let’s make this spring your garden’s best yet! 🌿