Lets all hope the storms we had last month won’t be repeated and we can look forward to a more settled start to Spring. As the temperature starts to rise and the days continue to lengthen there seems to be more time available to get out in our gardens.
Deadhead and prune
Deadhead any early spring bulbs but try not to chop back the leaves for at least six weeks after flowering, this will enable the bulbs to give a good display next year.
If you haven’t had a chance to do so yet, hard-prune bush roses back to about 30cm, removing any dead or diseased wood, cutting back to an outward-facing bud.
Weed and mulch
Remove weeds, then mulch beds and borders with shredded bark or compost to help prevent the weeds returning and mulch around newly planted trees or shrubs.
Lawns
You should be able to start mowing your lawn regularly this month too. Try not to cut the grass too tight this month, it is best to leave the grass a little longer than normal for the first few cuts of the year.
Re-seed any worn patches of grass and repair any edges which may have crumbled over the Winter months.
Sowing & Planting
March is generally the last recommended time to plant bare-root trees, shrubs and roses until November.
Sow hardy annuals to fill gaps in flowerbeds and borders. Also sow celery, courgettes, tomatoes and cucumbers on the windowsill or greenhouse for planting out once the danger of frost has passed.
You can also plant out the Autumn-sown Sweet Peas and sow more seed to provide a fragrant display later in the year.
Plant herbs in windowsill trays and plant any early potatoes, onion sets and asparagus. When the weather is a little warmer at the end of the month, sow onions, parsnips and the first carrots, turnips, beetroots in the open soil under cloches and salad leaves in the greenhouse.
Dividing
Dig up and divide larger clumps of snowdrops and any other perennials you didn’t have time to divide in the Autumn.
Ponds and water plant
On a mild day, drain two thirds of the water from your pond and replace with fresh water. Remove any Algae which may have formed and clear off any old foliage from marginal plants.
Pots
Replace the top half of compost in planters and containers and top-dress with slow-release fertiliser, ready for planting .
General tasks
Weedkill those paths and driveways while the weeds are small and finish digging vegetable plots or flowerbeds.
Houseplants
Increase watering for your houseplants as the days lengthen feed with a liquid fertiliser to encourage the new growth.
Supporting your garden birds
While you are working in the garden you will hear the wonderful sound of the Spring birdsong and see lots of activity as the birds search for partners and suitable nesting sites.
We can all give them the best start to the nesting season by keeping feeders topped up and if you have a spare fat ball feeder, put some dog fur in this and watch the Great Tits tease out the fur to line their nests!
Alpington and Yelverton 