Weather in March

March marks the arrival of spring in the UK, and with it comes fluctuating weather that can both inspire and challenge gardeners. As nature awakens from winter’s slumber, watching the gradual transformation can feel invigorating. However, getting to grips with March’s unpredictable climate is essential for anyone hoping to cultivate a thriving garden.

The Weather Patterns

In March, the UK’s weather can be a mixed bag. While winter’s chill may hang on, warmer days start to creak through the frost. Expect around 15 days of ground frost and average temperatures reaching just under 10°C by month’s end—a significant rise compared to February. Regions like England experience fewer frosty nights compared to their northern counterparts, where Scotland often sees up to 10 days of air frost. March can even surprise us with a late snowfall, especially in colder regions.

Gardeners should always be prepared for sudden temperature drops, particularly during the early weeks of March. Understanding these patterns allows you to plan your gardening activities effectively.

Garden Preparations and Activities

As daylight hours increase, now is the time for gardeners to kick-start spring activities. Start by sowing seeds indoors in a greenhouse or on a windowsill. This method boosts germination rates without the risk of frost damage. Crops such as tomatoes, chillies, and aubergines thrive when sown indoors around mid to late March, giving them a head start for transplanting later.

Pruning is another vital task. March is an ideal time to tidy up rose bushes and other dormant shrubs. Clean out any dead or diseased wood to foster healthy growth. Not only does this create a visually appealing garden, but it also sets your plants up for a flourishing season ahead.

Protecting Your Plants

With the soil warming, slugs and pests begin to stir. It’s crucial to protect young seedlings and emerging shoots from these hungry invaders. Using organic methods such as planting barriers or traps can effectively manage this issue without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Additionally, consider planting summer bulbs, like dahlias and lilies, as they prefer being planted in March. Investing time in preparing your vegetable plot by enriching the soil with compost also pays off when it comes time to plant.

General Considerations for Gardening in March

March marks a pivotal month for gardeners across the UK as winter gradually gives way to spring. Understanding the crucial tasks and weather conditions in March can help you prepare your garden for a flourishing season ahead. Here’s what you need to know to maximise your gardening efforts this month.

Prepare for Variable Weather

March often brings unpredictable weather, with temperatures ranging from chilly mornings to milder afternoons. Be prepared for frosty nights, especially early in the month. Protect tender plants using cloches, fleece, or other coverings to safeguard them from sudden frosts. This precaution helps ensure your seedlings don’t suffer any set-backs as they start to emerge.

Start Sowing Seeds

As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, March provides the perfect opportunity to start sowing seeds. Consider beginning with hardy vegetables such as peas, broad beans, and onions. These crops can tolerate cooler conditions and will give you an early start on your garden. For those looking to grow summer fruits and vegetables, consider starting seeds indoors for tomatoes, peppers, and courgettes to transplant later.

Soil Preparation and Fertilisation

Before planting, focus on improving your soil. March is an ideal time to clear away any debris from winter and prepare your garden beds for planting. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and enhance its structure. Testing soil pH can also be beneficial; many plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil.

Pruning and Maintenance

This month is also vital for maintenance tasks, especially pruning. Take the time to trim back any dead or damaged stems from flowering shrubs and trees. For roses and fruit trees, prune now to encourage healthy and robust growth come spring. Ensure your tools are clean and sharp—this promotes better cuts and reduces the risk of disease.

Pest Management

As temperatures begin to rise, pests like slugs and aphids may emerge earlier than you expect. Regularly checking your garden will help you identify any issues before they escalate. Implement organic pest control methods, such as using barriers or natural repellents, to keep your plants healthy without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Enjoy Planning for the Season

March is also the perfect time to reflect on your gardening goals for the year ahead. Treat yourself to some seed catalogues and plan your planting schedule. Consider companion planting to enhance yields and deter pests naturally. This thoughtful approach will lead to a more productive garden.

Conclusion

In summary, March offers a wealth of opportunities for UK gardeners. From preparing for variable weather, starting seeds, and enriching soil, to pruning and planning, this month sets the stage for the thriving garden you envision. Embrace the changes that spring brings and watch your garden transform into a colourful paradise.

Lawns

March is the ideal time to start caring for your lawn after the winter months. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your lawn in top shape:

Rake and Remove Debris

Winter can leave lawns covered in leaves, twigs, and other debris. Begin by raking the lawn thoroughly to remove these materials, allowing the grass to breathe and reducing the risk of diseases.

Moss and Weed Control

Moss often thrives in the damp, shady areas of your lawn during winter. Apply a moss killer to problem areas, and once the moss turns black, rake it out. If weeds are present, consider applying a selective weed killer that targets broadleaf weeds without harming the grass.

Scarify the Lawn

Scarifying, or lawn dethatching, involves removing thatch—a layer of dead grass, moss, and organic matter—from the lawn. Use a lawn scarifier or a spring-tine rake to comb through the grass, improving air circulation and allowing water and nutrients to penetrate the soil.

Aerate the Lawn

Aeration helps relieve soil compaction and encourages healthy root growth. Use a garden fork or a lawn aerator to create small holes in the soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively.

Feed the Lawn

March is an excellent time to apply a spring lawn feed to promote lush, green growth. Choose a balanced fertiliser with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and apply it evenly across the lawn. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.

Repair Bare Patches

If your lawn has bare patches, now is the time to reseed them. Loosen the soil in the affected areas, sow grass seed, and cover it lightly with topsoil. Keep the area moist until the seeds germinate and establish.

Roses

Roses are a beloved feature in many UK gardens, and March is a crucial time for their care. Here’s how to ensure your roses flourish:

Pruning Roses

Pruning is essential to maintain the health and shape of your roses. In March, you should prune bush and shrub roses to encourage strong new growth and abundant flowering. Here’s how:

Hybrid Teas and Floribundas

Cut back the main stems to around 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) above ground level, making cuts just above an outward-facing bud.

Climbing Roses

Remove any dead, damaged, or weak stems, and tie in new shoots to their supports. Prune lateral branches to 3-4 buds to encourage flowering.

Shrub Roses

Lightly trim to maintain shape and remove any dead or crossing stems.

Feeding Roses

Roses are heavy feeders and will benefit from an application of a balanced rose fertilizer in March. Choose a fertiliser high in potassium to promote flower production. Apply it around the base of the plants, avoiding direct contact with the stems, and water it in thoroughly.

Mulching

Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, such as well-rotted manure or compost, around the base of your roses. Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil fertility. Be sure to keep the mulch away from the stems to prevent rot.

Disease Prevention

As the weather warms, keep an eye out for signs of diseases like black spot, powdery mildew, and rust. Regularly inspect your roses, and consider applying a preventative fungicide if these diseases are a common problem in your garden.

Herbaceous Plants

Herbaceous perennials are a key component of many gardens, providing colour and structure throughout the growing season. March is the time to start preparing them for the year ahead:

Cut Back Old Growth

If you haven’t already done so in late winter, now is the time to cut back the old, dead growth from herbaceous perennials. Use sharp secateurs to trim the plants down to ground level, making way for fresh new shoots.

Divide Overcrowded Clumps

As herbaceous perennials mature, they can become overcrowded, leading to reduced flowering and vigour. In March, you can lift and divide clumps of plants such as daylilies, hostas, and asters. Replant the divided sections in well-prepared soil, and water them in well.

Mulch and Feed

After cutting back and dividing, apply a generous layer of organic mulch around the base of your perennials. This will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil fertility. Additionally, you can apply a balanced fertiliser to give your plants a nutrient boost as they begin their growing season.

Support Early Shoots

Some herbaceous plants, such as peonies and delphiniums, produce tall, heavy flower spikes that may need support as they grow. Place stakes or plant supports around these plants early in the season to prevent damage later.

Dahlias and Bulbs

March is the time to prepare for a spectacular summer display by planting or preparing your dahlias and other summer-flowering bulbs.

Starting Dahlias Indoors

In colder regions, it’s best to start dahlia tubers indoors in March. Pot up the tubers in large containers filled with a well-draining compost mix, and place them in a bright, frost-free location. Water sparingly until new growth appears. Once the risk of frost has passed in late spring, you can plant them out in the garden.

Planting Summer Bulbs

March is the perfect time to plant summer-flowering bulbs such as gladiolus, lilies, and crocosmia. Choose a sunny, well-drained location, and plant the bulbs at the recommended depth—usually about 2-3 times the height of the bulb. Water them in well after planting.

Checking Stored Bulbs & Tubers

If you stored bulbs like dahlias, cannas, or begonias over the winter, check them for any signs of rot or damage. Discard any soft or mouldy bulbs and prepare healthy ones for planting later in the season.

Preparing the Soil

Before planting, prepare the soil by digging in plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will improve drainage and provide essential nutrients for your bulbs.

Flowers from Seed

March is the beginning of the seed-sowing season, and many flowers can be started indoors or directly in the garden:

Sowing Indoors

Tender annuals like marigolds, petunias, and zinnias can be sown indoors in March. Use seed trays or pots filled with a light, well-draining seed compost. Sow the seeds thinly, cover them lightly with compost, and keep them in a warm, bright location. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots.

Sowing Outdoors

Hardy annuals like sweet peas, calendula, and cornflowers can be sown directly into the garden in March. Prepare the soil by removing weeds and raking it to a fine tilth. Sow the seeds thinly, cover lightly with soil, and water gently. For sweet peas, consider soaking the seeds overnight before planting to encourage quicker germination.

Thinning Seedlings

If seedlings are overcrowded, thin them out to give the remaining plants enough space to grow. Follow the spacing recommendations on the seed packet, and remove any weak or leggy seedlings.

Hardening Off

Seedlings started indoors need to be gradually acclimatised to outdoor conditions before planting out. Begin hardening them off by placing them outside during the day and bringing them back indoors at night. After a week or two, they should be ready to be planted in their final positions.

Vegetable Garden

As March ushers in the first hints of spring, gardeners in the UK eagerly prepare to breathe life into their vegetable patches. The longer days and warming temperatures create a fantastic opportunity to get outside, sow seeds, and nurture plants that will yield delicious produce throughout the coming months. Here’s a rundown of essential tasks to tackle in your garden with vegetables this March.

Sow Seeds Indoors

Start your gardening journey by sowing seeds indoors. Early varieties like tomatoes, chillies, and sweet peppers thrive when given a head start. Use seed trays filled with quality seed compost and place them in a warm, bright location. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to encourage healthy germination. Remember to label your trays, so you know which varieties you have planted.

Direct Sowing Outdoors

March marks a perfect time to sow hardy vegetables directly into your garden beds. You can plant carrots, beetroot, radishes, and spinach. Prepare your soil by loosening it and removing any weeds or debris. Sow seeds in rows, following the recommended spacing guidelines, and cover lightly with soil. Regularly check moisture levels, especially if March brings dry spells.

Potato Planting

For eager gardeners, March is a fantastic time to plant first early potatoes. Chitting your seed potatoes beforehand helps ensure a successful crop. Pick a sunny spot in your garden, dig a trench about 10-15cm deep, and place your chitted potatoes a foot apart in the trench. Cover them with soil and wait for sprouts to appear.

Care for Established Plants

If you have winter vegetables like kale or leeks, continue to care for these hardy crops. Make sure to water them regularly and provide protection against late frosts, which can still occur in March. As new growth appears, consider adding a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Weeding and Pests

March also brings the first signs of weeds. Regularly check your vegetable patch and remove any emerging weeds by hand or with a hoe. Additionally, keep an eye out for pests like slugs and aphids. Use organic treatments, such as barriers and companion planting, to deter these unwanted visitors.

Prepare for the Season Ahead

Finally, take some time to plan for your spring and summer crops. Gather seeds for sowing in April, such as beans and courgettes, and make sure your gardening tools are ready for the busy months ahead.

Alpines

Alpine plants are well-suited to rock gardens, troughs, and gravel beds, where they can thrive in well-drained, low-nutrient conditions. Here’s how to care for them in March:

Cleaning Up

Remove any dead leaves, debris, and weeds from your alpine plants. This will prevent the build-up of moisture and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Planting Alpines

March is an excellent time to plant new alpine plants. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil, and add grit or sand to improve drainage if necessary. Alpines prefer poor soil, so avoid adding too much compost or fertiliser.

Top-Dressing

Apply a layer of horticultural grit or gravel around the base of your alpine plants. This will help prevent moisture from sitting around the stems and roots, which can lead to rot.

Protecting from Frost

While many alpines are hardy, young or newly planted specimens may benefit from protection against late frosts. Cover them with horticultural fleece on cold nights to prevent frost damage.

Water Plants and Ponds

As the weather warms in March, it’s time to start thinking about your pond and water plants. Here’s what you need to do:

Cleaning the Pond

Remove any dead leaves, debris, and algae that have accumulated in the pond over the winter. Use a pond net or skimmer to clean the surface, and consider using a pond vacuum to remove debris from the bottom.

Checking the Equipment

Inspect your pond equipment, such as pumps, filters, and fountains, to ensure they are in good working order. Clean any filters and replace or repair damaged parts as needed.

Planting Aquatic Plants

March is a good time to plant or divide aquatic plants like water lilies, iris, and marginal plants. If you’re planting new specimens, choose baskets or containers that allow water to circulate freely. Use aquatic compost and cover the surface with gravel to prevent the soil from washing away.

Managing Algae

As the water temperature rises, algae can become a problem in ponds. Consider adding barley straw or an algaecide to control algae growth. You can also introduce oxygenating plants to improve water quality and reduce algae.

Greenhouses

If you have a greenhouse, March is the time to get it ready for the growing season. Here’s what to do:

Cleaning the Greenhouse

Give your greenhouse a thorough clean to remove any dirt, algae, or pests that may have accumulated over the winter. Wash the glass, disinfect the benches and floors, and clean any pots or trays you plan to use.

Ventilation

As the days warm up, proper ventilation becomes increasingly important to prevent overheating and humidity build-up. Open the greenhouse vents on warm days and consider installing an automatic vent opener to regulate temperature.

Sowing Seeds

March is a busy time for sowing seeds in the greenhouse. You can start sowing a wide range of vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, as well as tender annual flowers. Use seed trays or pots filled with seed compost, and place them in a warm, bright spot to germinate.

Potting On

Seedlings that were sown earlier in the year may now be ready for potting on. Transfer them to larger pots filled with a suitable potting mix, and water them well. Keep them in the greenhouse until they are ready to be planted outside after the last frost.

Pest Control

Check your greenhouse regularly for pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Use insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects, such as ladybirds and lacewings, to control pest populations.

Shrubs

Shrubs provide structure and year-round interest in the garden. Here’s how to care for them in March

Pruning Deciduous Shrubs

If you haven’t already done so, prune deciduous shrubs that flower on new wood, such as buddleja, fuchsia, and spirea. Cut back the previous year’s growth to encourage strong new shoots and improve flowering.

Pruning Evergreen Shrubs

March is also a good time to trim evergreen shrubs, such as box, holly, and yew, to maintain their shape and encourage dense growth. Be careful not to cut into old wood, as many evergreens do not regenerate from bare stems.

Feeding Shrubs

Apply a slow-release fertiliser around the base of your shrubs to give them a nutrient boost as they come into active growth. Mulch with organic matter to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Planting New Shrubs

March is a good time to plant new shrubs, as the soil is warming up but still has plenty of moisture. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball, and mix in some compost or well-rotted manure. Place the shrub in the hole, backfill with soil, and water well.

Trees

Trees are an essential part of any garden, providing shade, structure, and wildlife habitat. Here’s what to do with your trees in March:

Pruning

Late winter to early spring is the ideal time to prune deciduous trees, as it’s easier to see the structure without the leaves. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation.

Planting Trees

March is an excellent time to plant new trees, as the soil is warming up but still has plenty of moisture. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball, and mix in some compost or well-rotted manure. Place the tree in the hole, backfill with soil, and water well.

Mulching

Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of your trees, but keep it away from the trunk to prevent rot. Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil fertility.

Checking Tree Ties

If you have young trees that are staked, check the tree ties to ensure they are secure but not too tight. Adjust or replace the ties as needed to prevent damage to the trunk.

Climbers

Climbing plants add height and interest to the garden, covering walls, fences, and trellises. Here’s how to care for them in March:

Pruning Climbers

If you haven’t already done so, prune climbing plants like clematis, honeysuckle, and wisteria in March. Remove any dead or damaged stems, and cut back the previous year’s growth to encourage new shoots and flowering.

Tying In

As climbing plants begin to grow, tie in new shoots to their supports to prevent them from becoming tangled or damaged. Use soft ties or twine to secure the stems, but avoid tying them too tightly.

Feeding Climbers

Apply a balanced fertiliser around the base of your climbers to give them a nutrient boost as they come into active growth. Mulch with organic matter to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Planting New Climbers

March is a good time to plant new climbers, as the soil is warming up but still has plenty of moisture. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball, and mix in some compost or well-rotted manure. Place the climber in the hole, backfill with soil, and water well.

Rhododendrons and Azaleas

Rhododendrons and azaleas are popular flowering shrubs that provide a stunning display of colour in the spring. Here’s how to care for them in March:

Mulching

Apply a thick layer of acidic mulch, such as pine needles or leaf mould, around the base of your rhododendrons and azaleas. This will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain the acidic soil conditions they prefer.

Feeding

Rhododendrons and azaleas benefit from an application of a specialised fertiliser formulated for acid-loving plants. Apply it around the base of the plants in March to promote healthy growth and flowering.

Watering

Ensure that your rhododendrons and azaleas receive adequate water, especially if the weather is dry. These plants prefer consistently moist soil, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Pruning

After the flowers have faded, remove spent blooms to encourage new growth and prevent the formation of seed pods. Prune any dead or damaged branches, but avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce flowering for the following year.

Hedges

Hedges provide privacy, structure, and habitat for wildlife in the garden. Here’s how to care for them in March:

Pruning

March is a good time to trim evergreen hedges, such as box, yew, and privet, to maintain their shape and encourage dense growth. Use sharp hedge shears or a hedge trimmer to create clean, even cuts. Avoid cutting into old wood, as many evergreen hedges do not regenerate from bare stems.

Feeding

Apply a slow-release fertiliser around the base of your hedges to give them a nutrient boost as they come into active growth. Mulch with organic matter to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Planting New Hedges

March is a good time to plant new hedges, as the soil is warming up but still has plenty of moisture. Dig a trench that is wide enough to accommodate the root systems of the plants, and mix in some compost or well-rotted manure. Place the plants in the trench, backfill with soil, and water well.

Checking for Gaps

Inspect your hedges for any gaps or thin areas, and consider planting additional shrubs to fill them in. This will help create a dense, uniform hedge that provides effective privacy and shelter.

Fruit

March is an important month for fruit trees and bushes, as they begin to come into bloom and prepare for the growing season. Here’s what to do:

Pruning

If you haven’t already done so, finish pruning fruit trees such as apples, pears, and plums in early March before they come into bloom. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation and light penetration.

Feeding

Apply a balanced fertiliser around the base of your fruit trees and bushes to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Mulch with organic matter to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Protecting Blossoms

In colder regions, late frosts can damage the delicate blossoms of fruit trees. Cover the trees with horticultural fleece on cold nights to protect the flowers and ensure a good fruit set.

Planting New Fruit Trees and Bushes

March is a good time to plant new fruit trees and bushes, as the soil is warming up but still has plenty of moisture. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball, and mix in some compost or well-rotted manure. Place the tree or bush in the hole, backfill with soil, and water well.

Houseplants

Houseplants also need attention in March, as they begin to come into active growth after the winter. Here’s what to do:

Watering

As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, houseplants will start to need more water. Check the moisture level of the soil regularly, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Feeding

Houseplants will benefit from a liquid houseplant fertiliser applied every two to four weeks during the growing season. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct dilution rate and application frequency.

Repotting

If your houseplants have outgrown their pots, March is a good time to repot them. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one, and use fresh potting compost. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, tease out any tangled roots, and place it in the new pot. Fill in with compost and water well.

Cleaning

Dust can accumulate on the leaves of houseplants, reducing their ability to photosynthesise. Use a damp cloth to gently wipe the leaves, or place the plants in the shower and rinse them with lukewarm water. Be sure to let them drain well afterward.

Patios

Patios provide a space for relaxation and outdoor dining, and they also offer opportunities for container gardening. Here’s how to prepare your patio for the season:

Cleaning

Sweep away any leaves, dirt, and debris that have accumulated on your patio over the winter. Use a pressure washer or a stiff brush and soapy water to clean the paving slabs or decking, removing any algae or stains.

Arranging Containers

Rearrange your patio containers to create an attractive display. Consider adding new plants or refreshing the soil in existing pots. Choose plants that thrive in containers, such as herbs, annuals, and compact shrubs.

Planting Up Containers

March is a good time to plant up containers with spring-flowering bulbs, such as daffodils and tulips, as well as early-flowering perennials like primroses and violas. Use a well-draining potting mix, and ensure the containers have adequate drainage holes.

Adding Furniture

Bring out your patio furniture and give it a clean before use. Check for any damage or wear and tear, and repair or replace items as needed. Arrange the furniture to create a comfortable and inviting outdoor space.

General Tasks

In addition to the specific tasks listed above, there are several general tasks to take care of in the garden in March:

Weeding

Weeds will start to appear as the weather warms up, so it’s important to stay on top of them. Regularly hoe or hand-pull weeds before they have a chance to establish and spread.

Edging Borders

Use a sharp edging tool to create clean, defined edges around your garden borders. This not only improves the appearance of your garden but also helps prevent grass and weeds from encroaching on your flower beds.

Checking for Pests

Keep an eye out for early signs of pests, such as aphids, slugs, and snails. Take action to control them before they become a problem, using organic methods or pesticides as needed.

Tidying Up

March is a good time to tidy up the garden, removing any dead plants, broken branches, or debris that have accumulated over the winter. A tidy garden not only looks better but also reduces the risk of pests and diseases.

Inspecting Tools and Equipment

Check your garden tools and equipment to ensure they are in good working order. Sharpen blades, replace broken handles, and clean and oil metal parts to prevent rust. Well-maintained tools make gardening easier and more efficient.

Composting

March is a good time to turn your compost heap and add fresh material. Use garden waste, such as prunings, grass clippings, and vegetable peelings, to create a nutrient-rich compost that can be used to improve your soil later in the year.

Conclusion

March is a busy and exciting month in the garden, with plenty of tasks to prepare for the growing season ahead. By following the advice in this guide, you can ensure that your garden is well-prepared for the months to come, whether you’re tending to your lawn, planting vegetables, or caring for your prized roses.

With careful planning and attention to detail, your garden will be ready to burst into life as the spring progresses, providing you with a beautiful, productive, and enjoyable outdoor space throughout the year. Happy gardening!

Check out the RHS Gardening in March article here.

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