{"id":28221,"date":"2024-03-06T09:01:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-06T09:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/?p=28221"},"modified":"2024-03-06T14:38:48","modified_gmt":"2024-03-06T14:38:48","slug":"gardening-in-march","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/gardening-in-march\/","title":{"rendered":"Gardening in March: A Comprehensive Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As we step into March, thoughts turn to gardening with the anticipation of more sunlight and milder days. As the first month of meteorological spring, it offers the promise of forthcoming warmer weather. While winter fades, March can still offer glimpses of frost or snow. Interestingly, some parts of the UK are more likely to witness snow in March than in December, the initial winter month. Stay prepared for the unpredictable weather as we delve into essential gardening jobs for March!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seeds to sow in March<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

March is the perfect time for planting a variety of seeds. Some do well directly outside, while others benefit from starting indoors until the frost risk is lower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For sturdier plants, try planting directly outdoors after checking soil temperature with a thermometer. Use cloches or cold frames to protect seeds from harsh weather. Hardy annuals, like those in ‘poor’ soil, do best with no extra fertilisation. Half-hardy annuals, such as dahlias and cleome, along with perennials, thrive when initially planted under glass and later moved to fertile soil post-frost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March is also a great month for sowing wildflowers<\/a>. Sow them anytime from March to October and enjoy blooming 60-80 days later. If you sow in early spring (March\/April), you are planting for summer flowers. Early autumn (September\/October) sowings result in early spring blossoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"forget<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What to plant in March<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In March, kickstart your summer blooms by planting lilies indoors. Opt for a moist, soilless mix for a healthy start. Pot up stored bulbs<\/a> like begonias, dahlias, and calla lilies. Make sure they receive enough light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For plants like caladium, elephant ears, tuberous begonia, keep them warm until new growth appears. Once they show signs of growth, gradually transition them under grow lights. Introduce them to warm weather conditions before placing them outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vegetable garden in March<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s time to get those cool-weather veggies into the soil\u2014carrots, beetroots, kale, leeks, broccoli, horseradish, chicory, turnips, spring onions, peas, shallots, and parsnips. Enrich your soil with organic matter for an extra boost for your vegetable garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March marks the last opportunity for planting bare-root fruit trees and bushes. It’s also an ideal time for planting bare-root strawberry runners, asparagus crowns, Jerusalem artichokes. Make sure that these plants are planted in well-prepared soil with proper drainage to support healthy root growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, let’s talk herbs<\/a>. Whether you’re doing it indoors or in a greenhouse, it’s time to prep basil, dill, parsley, chives, and coriander. The tough herbs can handle the cooler temperatures, but the delicate ones like basil and coriander need some extra care until later in the year. Hold off on their outdoor debut until May for optimal growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"parsley\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Garden maintenance in March<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether it’s pruning, feeding, or general upkeep, March is the month to start your spring gardening and to set the stage for a vibrant and flourishing backyard.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pruning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Shape your backyard for the season ahead by pruning your shrubs and trees. Start by finishing the pruning of rose shrubs<\/a> and climbers early in the month, ensuring a more manageable garden in the coming summer. Cut back dogwoods and willow to encourage robust new growth. As alpines begin to flower, tidy them up by removing dead foliage and mulching with grit to prevent moisture on the leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeding shrubs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is the opportune moment to feed acid-loving shrubs, including rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias<\/a>, and pieris, using an ericaceous fertiliser. With these shrubs gearing up for flowering and fresh growth, a well-timed feed in March will provide them with a nourishing boost.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\t\tFertiliser for acid-loving plants\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\"\"\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\tFertiliser for acid-loving plants\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tBio rhododendron, hydrangea & azalea fertiliser\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t