March is the month that marks the dawn of spring, and is a time when upcoming gardening exploits will be at the forefront of our minds – what plants will you grow this year, how is your garden looking after wet winter conditions, and what can you be doing now to see vibrant blooms come June and July?
Thankfully, as ever, we are here to give you a helping hand, with a plethora of tasks and jobs you could be getting on with in the garden, right now!
So read on, for some inspiration and reminders…
Sweet Treats For All To Eat!
Few summer fruits quite match the splendour of a strawberry, and this is the year for you to grow your own!
Enjoy a feast of sweet and juicy berries for years to come, from these low-maintenance and reliable growers, which you can get planted now.
Thriving happily and quickly in your garden’s sunniest spots, these plants produce white spring flowers, which evolve to heavy yields of fruit. And with so many varieties available on the market, there is sure to be a strawberry for you! Ranging from the huge fruits of Strawberry ‘Sweet Colossus’, to the ever reliable Strawberry ‘Cambridge Favourite’.
For a start to finish guide on growing impressive strawberries, check out our expert guide here.
While it is exciting to establish fresh plants at this time of year, it is also important to give some attention to those already in your garden, such as trees and shrubs…
Spruce, Tidy, and Cut Back Trees and Shrubs
Take your time to stroll around your garden, examining which of your current crop of trees, shrubs, and plants need a bit of TLC before spring really takes hold.
For example, any seed heads and stems that you left on perennials for interest across the winter should now be cut back as far as possible, just be sure to avoid damaging emerging growth.
Mophead and lacecap Hydrangeas should be trimmed as buds start to swell, while flowerheads can be removed using secateurs, cutting back to the nearest pair of healthy-looking buds.
Place supports around the emerging stems of perennials to prevent flopping later in the season. Link stakes are ideal for larger clumps, while wire mesh rings are great for multi-stemmed perennials, such as asters.
Tie individual stems of delphinium, hollyhock, Verbascum and other tall-growing plants to stout canes with garden twine.
Around The Kitchen Garden
Many of us use the garden to produce delicious crops of fruit, vegetables, and more, cutting down grocery lists and costs.
In March, spread a thin, roughly three inch, layer of shredded horse manure around the cane, bush, or tree of fruit plants, to give them a much-needed boost. Just be sure to leave a clear gap between the stem and the manure.
For those in milder parts of the country, or are growing in sheltered positions of the garden, sow seeds of beetroot, broad beans, peas, and summer spinach in well-prepared soil.
Enjoy a crop of summer blueberries by planting young bushes in large pots filled with ericaceous compost.
Last, But Certainly Not Least…
Spring cleaning is not just an exclusive task for the home – your greenhouse will also appreciate some attention!
On a dry day, clear as much of the contents as you can, including potting benches, pots, and compost bags, out of the greenhouse, then give the benches and floors a good sweep and clean. Tidy up the pots and trays, removing dead leaves or flowers from last year, before putting everything back in an organised fashion.
Prepare the ground for starting new lawns from seed. Rake the soil level, remove stones, and broadcast seed by scattering them across the area. Rake gently into the surface, then water. You may want to cover the seeded area with netting to protect from the threat of birds.
