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  4. March

March in the Garden

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Gardening in March

In March, the days are noticeably longer, and it’s an opportunity to get out into the garden to enjoy some early spring sunshine. Frosts and sometimes windy weather mean that some tasks must wait, but there is optimism in the air with warmer weather and longer days ahead. As the weather gets warmer and plants start to wake up, so do pests and diseases, so it’s useful to make some early checks on the health of your garden. Spring is here, and it’s time to get busy in the garden again.

What to plant and do in March?

There’s lots to start doing with fruit, vegetables and herbs in March so that you can harvest delicious homegrown crops later in the year. To find out what to plant in March – whether fruit, herbs, bulbs or flowers (and a little more), choose a category below and enjoy our top March gardening tips for a rich and plentiful garden.

  • Vegetables
  • Fruit
  • Roses
  • Lawns
  • Herbs and spices
  • Ericaceous plants
Cucumbers

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus)

Delicious in salads and sandwiches, the crisp, sweet crunch of a cucumber is one of the joys of summer.

Read more about Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus)
Peas

Peas (Pisum sativum)

Nothing beats home-grown peas for their tenderness and taste.

Read more about Peas (Pisum sativum)
How to grow onions

Onions (Allium cepa)

Onions (Allium cepa) are an essential ingredient in every cook’s store cupboard.

Read more about Onions (Allium cepa)
how to grow courgettes

Courgettes (Cucurbita pepo)

Courgettes are a common summer staple in the vegetable garden.

Read more about Courgettes (Cucurbita pepo)
How to grow runner beans

Runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus)

Runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus) are among the easiest and most rewarding vegetables to grow.

Read more about Runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus)
growing salad leaves

Salad leaves (various)

Grow your own salad and you can pick exactly how much you want and need.

Read more about Salad leaves (various)
growing sweetcorn

Sweetcorn (Zea mays)

Sweetcorn, or maize, is sweet, tender and delicious – especially when cooked as soon as it is picked. Plenty of sun and...

Read more about Sweetcorn (Zea mays)
how to grow spring onions

Spring onions (Scallion)

Spring onions are a delicious addition to a whole range of dishes, from summer salads to stir-fries.

Read more about Spring onions (Scallion)
How to grow potatoes

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are tubers that grow and form at the plant’s roots.

Read more about Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)
How to grow tomatoes

Tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum)

Nothing beats the taste of your own home-grown tomatoes, freshly-picked and warm from the summer sun.

Read more about Tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum)
How to grow garlic

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is the base of so many delicious dishes, and growing garlic at home is now very popular.

Read more about Garlic (Allium sativum)
How to grow pumpkins

Pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata)

Delicious in pies, soups and stews, and full of vitamins and minerals, pumpkins are a tasty autumn and winter treat.

Read more about Pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata)
How to Grow Lupins

Lupins (Lupinus)

Lupins are a traditional addition to any garden, providing colourful flowers from late spring through to mid-summer.

Read more about Lupins (Lupinus)
How to Grow French Beans

French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

French beans are a versatile vegetable, producing attractive, long, thin pods, and creamy haricot beans.

Read more about French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
How to grow and care for Cavolo Nero

Cavolo Nero (Lacinato kale)

‘Cavolo Nero’ is a variety of kale, closely related to broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.

Read more about Cavolo Nero (Lacinato kale)
How to grow and care for Rocket salad leaves

Rocket (Eruca vesicaria)

Salad rocket, like its name, is a fast-growing salad leaf, perfect for adding a peppery spiciness to your salads.

Read more about Rocket (Eruca vesicaria)
How to grow and care for Chard

Chard (Beta vulgaris)

Chard, or Swiss Chard, is a delicious and beautiful plant which will bring harvests to the kitchen and colour to the...

Read more about Chard (Beta vulgaris)
How to grow sorrel

Sorrel (Rumex)

Sorrel is a great substitute for spinach, with a similar texture but a sharper citrus flavour.

Read more about Sorrel (Rumex)
How to grow sugar snap peas

Sugar snap peas (Pisum sativum)

​Sugar snap peas are a deliciously sweet, fun and quick-cropping vegetable to grow.

Read more about Sugar snap peas (Pisum sativum)
Sections of harvested horseradish root and grated horseradish on a wooden table

Horseradish

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a hardy perennial known for its hot and peppery roots, widely used in cooking and...

Read more about Horseradish
how to grow strawberries

Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa)

If you’re a strawberry fan, the many varieties of ‘Fragaria × ananassa’ are easy to grow at home.

Read more about Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa)
How to grow raspberries

Raspberries (Rubus idaeus)

What could be better than a bowl of sweet, freshly-picked raspberries in summer?

Read more about Raspberries (Rubus idaeus)
How to grow blueberries

Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum, Vaccinium angustifolium)

Eaten fresh, baked in muffins or as the star attraction in jams or desserts, blueberries are always delicious.

Read more about Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum, Vaccinium angustifolium)
Avocado

Avocado (Persea americana)

Avocados are a favourite fruit used in kitchens around the world - why not try planting the stone to grow your own?

Read more about Avocado (Persea americana)
How to Grow Banana Plants

Banana (Ensete, Musa)

With their exotic and enormous foliage, banana plants add a taste of the tropics to the garden.

Read more about Banana (Ensete, Musa)
How to grow butternut squash

Butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata)

Butternut squash are a late season favourite, with attractive fruits which will keep well throughout the autumn and...

Read more about Butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata)
How to grow and care for peaches

Peach (Prunus persica)

What better way to round off a summer meal than with a luscious peach? Even better, a peach you’ve grown yourself!

Read more about Peach (Prunus persica)
How to grow and care for mango trees

Mango (Mangifera indica)

Everyone loves mangoes, but did you know that you can grow a mango tree from a seed?

Read more about Mango (Mangifera indica)
How to grow and care for cherry trees

Cherry (Prunus subg. Cerasus, Prunus sect. Microcerasus)

Cherry trees are truly beautiful, with different species offering gorgeous flowers, bark, leaves, and fruit. You can...

Read more about Cherry (Prunus subg. Cerasus, Prunus sect. Microcerasus)
 Close-up of ripe figs on fig tree branch.

Fig Tree

Fig trees (Ficus carica) are Mediterranean natives that thrive in climates with hot, dry summers and cool winters...

Read more about Fig Tree
How to grow roses

Roses (Rosa)

Roses (Rosa) are among the UK’s favourite garden plants – and deservedly so.

Read more about Roses (Rosa)
how to grow basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Cultivated in herb gardens for centuries, Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow from seed and it makes a delicious...

Read more about Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
how to grow coriander

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Coriander is a must in salads and as a fragrant green addition to Indian, Thai and Chinese curries.

Read more about Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
How to grow chillies

Chillies (Capsicum annuum)

It seems that most people now have at a few chilli pepper plants at home.

Read more about Chillies (Capsicum annuum)
How to grow and care for peppermint plants

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

Peppermint is super easy to grow. The flowers attract beneficial wildlife to the garden, and peppermint plants are...

Read more about Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
How to grow borage

Borage (Borago officinalis)

Borage, or starflower, is an easy-to-grow herb with edible flowers and leaves.

Read more about Borage (Borago officinalis)

Vegetables

What vegetables to plant in March

It’s a prime time to sow vegetables and there are so many options to choose from. Consider the space you have available and pick your favourites from the following list:

  • Asparagus
  • Aubergines
  • Beetroot
  • Broad Beans
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Celeriac
  • Celery
  • Chard
  • Chilli peppers
  • Globe artichokes
  • Leeks
  • Lettuce
  • Onions
  • Parsnips
  • Pea shoots
  • Peas
  • Potatoes
  • Radish
  • Salad onions
  • Spinach
  • Spring cabbage
  • Summer cabbage
  • Sweet peppers
  • Tomatoes
  • Turnips

If the weather is still very cold, put cloches or mini-tunnels in place for a week or so first, to warm up the soil. However don’t worry if you are delayed by a few weeks, as seeds will usually catch-up.

What vegetables to harvest in March

Plants sown in the summer and autumn last year will produce the following crops in March:

  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cauliflower
  • Celeriac
  • Chard
  • Kale
  • Leeks
  • Lettuce
  • Purple-sprouting broccoli
  • Spring cabbage

Vegetable plant maintenance in March

Hoe around all plants to ensure minimal competition for water and nutrients. Do this several times throughout the spring, and you will find that very few weeds pop up later in the year.

Other vegetables have additional specific needs:

  • Aubergines, peppers and other plants sown under glass earlier in the year can be moved to larger pots.
  • Broad Beans - stake tall varieties in case of early spring winds. Later in the month, pinch out the top 3in of each plant to deter blackfly.
  • Peppers (chilli and sweet) - pot seedlings up and start to prepare a warm and sunny position for them to move to in early summer.
  • Carrots - use a fine mesh of 1mm to cover the crop to prevent carrot root fly. This pest can go largely unnoticed until the crop is dug up, only to find small brown tunnels have spoiled the root.
  • Onions - birds sometimes like to pull sets from the ground, so check regularly and poke them back in if necessary. Hand weed around onions.
  • Peas - these need supports, as peas like to wrap their tendrils around to grow upwards. Twigs with a knobbly surface that have been pushed into the earth, or netting attached to supports at either end of a row of peas, will do the job nicely.

Fruit

What fruit to plant in March

There’s just enough time left to plant fruit bushes and trees, including:

  • Apricots
  • Blackberries
  • Blackcurrants
  • Cherries
  • Figs
  • Gooseberries
  • Grapes
  • Mulberries
  • Peaches
  • Plums
  • Quince
  • Raspberries
  • Redcurrants

Under glass you could also sow the following seeds:

  • Melons
  • Physalis (cape gooseberries)

Melons and Physalis will need to be potted on several times before they can be planted out in the garden in late spring. They will thrive in a long, warm summer, and are a great talking point for visitors to your garden.

What fruit to harvest in March

Rhubarb is the only ‘fruit’ which can be picked at this time of the year. The last of the apples and pears kept from last year may still be available if you were lucky enough to have sufficient quantities to store.

Fruit plant maintenance in March

March is a very busy time in the fruit garden. There’s a lot to do to give your fruit trees a good start to the year and to optimise the amount of fruit you will be able to harvest later in the year.

Weeding:

  • Perennial weeds, such as bindweed and dandelions, will start to appear soon. Remove them straight away, and either drown or dry them out to kill them, before adding to the compost heap.
  • Weed around soft fruit in particular. Many varieties are comparatively shallow rooted and will suffer if there is competition from other plants for water and nutrients.
  • Raspberry plants may start to pop up beyond the patch you have dedicated for them. Dig them out if you can as they will spread to areas where you may not want them.

Prune:

  • New plum trees if they are still being trained to a particular shape.
  • Container-grown figs.

Feed and/or mulch:

  • Apricots, currants, gooseberries, nectarines, peaches and raspberries with compost from the heap.
  • Strawberries with straw so that the developing fruits will not touch the soil.
  • Citrus plants with a special citrus feed and repot if needed using a compost specifically made for citrus plants.

Pests and diseases:

  • Net currant bushes, blueberries, gooseberries and raspberries to prevent birds from getting to the fruit before you do. Prop the netting up on canes with upturned pots on top of each one. Remember to remove the netting from time to time to allow pollinators to get to the flowers.
  • Check for woolly aphids on apple trees. These are small, pale fluffy aphids which can cause damage to plants which then allows infection in. Squash or spray with water to displace them. Monitor and repeat if needed.
  • Drape fleece or hessian over cherry trees, peaches, apricots and nectarines to protect from frost damage.

Roses

What roses to plant in March

It’s the last opportunity to plant bare-root roses, and you may be able to pick up a bargain as growers clear the last of their stocks ahead of a new season.

Buying online can be convenient and give you a huge range from which to purchase. If buying them at a garden centre, you can check the quality more carefully. Check that the rose:

  • Does not show signs of pests or diseases which could spread to other plants
  • Has a healthy root system which has not dried out and is evenly developed.
  • Comes with a multi-year guarantee, so that you can get a refund or replacement if it fails to survive after you have planted it.

What roses to prune in March

March is the last opportunity to prune roses which were planted last year.

Pruning at this time of year is usually to remove diseased or dead branches, or branches which are rubbing against others, which may damage them. The following roses can be pruned now:

  • Bush roses
  • Groundcover roses
  • Patio and miniature roses
  • Shrub roses

Rose maintenance in March

Feed roses with a specially formulated food which contains ingredients particularly suitable for roses.

Mulch roses after feeding, making sure that the mulch does not touch the stem.

Re-pot roses in containers, using a specialist compost which contains the right balance of nutrients for roses.

Monitor for early signs of the following problems:

  • Rose rust: Look out for yellow and orange marks on leaves, which may turn black. Prune and destroy affected growth.
  • Rose aphids: Groups of small green or pink insects on young growth, sticky residue, and black ‘soot’. Encourage ladybirds and hoverflies or use a chemical control.
  • Rose black spot: Look out for black patches on leaves and lesions on stems. Remove affected growth, including fallen leaves, and destroy.

Lawns

Lawn maintenance in March

Mowing your lawn in March:

  • Leave an area of lawn uncut to provide pollinators with flowers to forage from. Clover and daisies are attractive and beneficial to bees and butterflies.
  • Sharpen the blades of your lawnmower before using it to give the grass a light mow. Cut it shorter again later in the month.
  • Add grass clippings to the compost heap. This will provide a good source of nitrogen and help to get it active again.
  • Trim the edges of your lawn using a half-moon edging tool. Cut against a plank of wood for straight edges, or a firm hosepipe for perfect curves.
  • Create a 5-8cm (2-3in) deep edge along any borders which are next to the lawn. This will make it easier to access and maintain the grass edges throughout the rest of the year.
  • Plant any freshly cut remnants of turf in a pot or seed tray. Allow them to grow and use them as grass fillers when repairing the lawn later in the year.

Problems to prevent:

  • Avoid walking on the grass if there are any late frosts or after heavy rain. Doing so will damage the grass, destroying patches of lawn which will then need to be repaired.
  • Look out for chafer grubs and leatherjackets which can damage your lawn. Treat as needed.
  • Aerate the lawn using a garden fork. Pay particular attention to heavily worn patches, pushing the fork 3-4 inches into the lawn every 3-4 inches or so, and wiggling it around. This can help to reduce unsightly moss.
  • Add sand to help drainage if over the winter you noticed particularly damp areas.

Other proactive lawn maintenance tasks at this time of year include:

  • Use a spring-tined rake to remove dead grass. Leave some of the dead material in a pile to allow birds to collect and use it in their nests.
  • Top dress the lawn if there are hollows to even out, incorporating lime to promote strong growth.
  • Sow grass seed if there are any noticeably bare patches.
  • Feed the lawn with a high-nitrogen fertiliser. Fertilisers specifically made for lawns are aimed at giving grass exactly the nutrients it needs. Water afterwards to help the roots to absorb the fertiliser.

Herbs and spices

What herbs and spices to plant in March

Seeds of the following herbs can be sown indoors, on a windowsill or in a greenhouse:

  • Basil
  • Chives
  • Coriander
  • Dill
  • Lemon balm
  • Marjoram
  • Oregano
  • Parsley
  • Sage

Once they have germinated they can be pricked out to bigger pots to grow on further. They can then be moved outside to containers, or to the edge of a flower bed where they can easily be reached for harvesting once the threat of frost has passed.

Other herbs can be planted straight outside, either in to borders or large pots. They will be ready to harvest later in the same year, adding fragrance and flavour to dishes. These include:

  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Tarragon
  • Thyme

Rosemary, sage, tarragon and thyme are perennials. They will provide you with a crop for many years with very little effort - just prune to keep the plants at a size and shape which suits your garden.

Thyme is widely available as a common variety, but there are some unusual cultivars which will provide even more interest in the garden. Look out for thyme plants that also carry the scent of caraway, lemon, lime and orange.

What herbs and spices to harvest in March

With the hours of daylight increasing by the day, many herbs will quickly put on a lot of growth in March. The following plants will produce leaves that can be harvested now:

  • Chives
  • Coriander
  • Mint
  • Parsley
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Thyme

Herb and spice plant maintenance in March

  • Prune rosemary to keep it at an attractive size and shape.
  • Divide thyme plants and feed with seaweed or a general plant food.
  • Lift and divide chives into smaller portions if they are looking tired or congested.

Ericaceous plants

What ericaceous plants to plant in March

The following plants love slightly acidic soil, and can be planted in the garden in March:

  • Azaleas
  • Blueberries
  • Heathers
  • Hamamelis (witch hazel)
  • Hydrangea
  • Magnolias
  • Pieris japonica
  • Rhododendrons

When planting a blueberry, try to plant it near another to encourage cross-pollination between them. Use a large pot which is at least 45cm (18in) across and deep. Fill with ericaceous compost, and await delicious and plentiful crops of blueberries in the summer.

When buying Rhododendrons, avoid common or pontic varieties, as they are invasive. There are plenty of other varieties to choose from, some deciduous and some evergreen.

Rhododendrons range a great deal in how big they are once full-grown. Select one which is suitable for the amount of space you have available. They are a woodland plant, so happiest in dappled shade where they will supply your garden with large, showy blooms.

What ericaceous plants to prune in March

The following ericaceous plants can be pruned in March:

  • Anemone hupehensis (Japanese anemone)
  • Blueberries
  • Camellias
  • Heathers
  • Hydrangeas
  • Nandina domestica (Heavenly bamboo)
  • Rhododendrons

It is not essential to prune them, however. Prune Nandina domestica and Camellia plants only to retain their shape. Remove dying flowers and foliage from Camellias, Hydrangeas and Japanese anemone only to improve their appearance.

Ericaceous plants maintenance in March

March is a busy time for looking after ericaceous plants:

  • Feed plants in containers fortnightly with a suitable liquid plant food.
  • Feed Rhododenrons and camellias with a slow-release specialist plant food.
  • Water ericaceous plants with rainwater if available from a garden water-butt.
  • Mulch plants in the ground with ericaceous compost, or sulphate of ammonia.
  • Deadhead Trillium chloropetalum (Giant wake-robin) and Pieris japonica.
  • Divide Anemone hupehensis, Liriope mascara (Lily turf), and Gaultheria procumbens (Checkerberry).
  • Weed around newly planted smaller plants, such as heather, to reduce competition for moisture.
  • If Azaleas were kept in a cool room over winter to provide them with dormancy, bring them back into a warmer room.

Monitor all ericaceous plants for yellowing leaves, which can indicate that the soil is not acidic enough. Adjust this with a mulch of specialist compost, pine needles, leaf mould or decomposed wood chip.

Things to do this month
Hoe all bare soil before the first weed seeds appear. Remove any larger weeds by hand.
Mulch hungry plants with a suitable compost.
Top up decorative wood chip and pebbles or stones.
Repair any garden structures that were damaged over the winter.
Make a bug hotel to attract beneficial insects to your garden. Collect small planks of wood, bricks, pots and tiles for the main structure. Fill the gaps between with natural materials gathered from around the garden, such as twigs, grass, shingle and fir
Install an irrigation system. Plan and order everything you need to set up an automated means of watering your garden throughout the summer. This will make it easier for you to focus on other tasks and allow you to go away without needing to ask helpers t
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