What to Do in the Garden in March | UK Gardening Jobs
Discover what to do in your garden in March, including pruning, lawn care, planting, fruit and vegetables, hard landscaping, spring weather advice and the best plants to enjoy this month.
What to do in my garden in March
March is one of the most important months in the gardening calendar. The days are noticeably longer, temperatures are beginning to rise and plants throughout the garden are starting to wake from their winter dormancy.
Across the UK, March can still bring frost, cold winds, heavy rain and even snow, but periods of warmer weather encourage rapid new growth. Buds begin to break, spring bulbs come into flower and lawns start growing again.
This makes March a month of preparation and action. There are borders to tidy, shrubs to prune, lawns to prepare, seeds to sow and new plants to establish before the warmer months arrive.
The key is to work with the weather rather than the calendar. Avoid planting or cultivating waterlogged soil and be prepared to protect tender new growth when late frosts are forecast.
Top 10 tips
1. Finish cutting back herbaceous perennials
Remove the remaining dead stems and foliage from perennial borders before new growth becomes too established.
Take care around emerging shoots, particularly hostas, delphiniums, peonies and other plants whose new growth can easily be damaged.
2. Start dividing overcrowded perennials
March is an excellent time to lift and divide many established herbaceous perennials.
Dividing congested plants can improve vigour and flowering while providing additional plants for other areas of the garden.
3. Prune summer-flowering shrubs
Many shrubs that flower on new season's growth can be pruned during March.
The exact pruning method depends upon the species, so avoid applying the same technique to every shrub.
4. Begin lawn maintenance
As grass begins actively growing, start mowing when conditions are dry enough.
Keep the mower setting relatively high initially and avoid removing too much growth at once.
5. Prepare vegetable beds
Clear weeds, incorporate organic matter and prepare seedbeds whenever soil conditions permit.
Avoid walking across or digging saturated ground.
6. Plant trees, shrubs and perennials
March remains an excellent planting month, particularly before temperatures rise and plants begin putting on strong growth.
Water new planting thoroughly and monitor it during dry periods.
7. Start controlling weeds
Warmer temperatures encourage weed growth.
Removing weeds while they are young prevents them from competing with ornamental plants and reduces the likelihood of them setting seed later in the year.
8. Check garden structures
Inspect fences, pergolas, trellis, gates and other structures for winter damage before climbing plants and surrounding vegetation begin growing strongly.
9. Start sowing
March marks the beginning of the main sowing season for many flowers and vegetables.
Some can be sown outside in suitable conditions, while others benefit from starting under glass or indoors.
10. Watch the weather
Late frost remains a serious possibility.
Keep horticultural fleece available and avoid assuming that warm daytime temperatures mean winter is completely over.
Herbaceous Perennials
March is when herbaceous borders begin to change dramatically.
Plants that appeared completely dormant only a few weeks earlier may now be producing strong new shoots.
Complete the removal of old stems and dead foliage before new growth becomes too difficult to work around.
Cut old growth back carefully at the base, avoiding damage to fresh shoots.
March is also one of the best times to divide many herbaceous perennials.
Plants that have developed large congested clumps can be lifted, divided and replanted.
Suitable candidates may include:
Geraniums
Hemerocallis
Hostas
Rudbeckias
Asters
Persicarias
Some ornamental grasses
Division can rejuvenate older plants while allowing established planting schemes to be repeated elsewhere in the garden.
Apply organic matter around established plants where appropriate, taking care not to bury crowns.
March is also a useful month to install plant supports around perennials that are likely to require them later.
Positioning supports now allows plants to grow naturally through them rather than trying to restrain mature growth during summer.
Keep an eye out for slugs and snails as fresh growth appears.
Young hosta shoots, delphiniums and many other emerging plants can be particularly vulnerable.
March is an important month for both pruning and planting trees and shrubs.
Deciduous trees are beginning to break dormancy and many shrubs are entering active growth.
Winter pruning should therefore be completed where appropriate before plants become fully active.
Shrubs that flower on new season's growth may be pruned now according to their individual requirements.
Examples can include some forms of:
Buddleja
Cornus grown for winter stems
Hydrangea paniculata
Hydrangea arborescens
Perovskia
Some Spiraea
Do not heavily prune spring-flowering shrubs that are carrying developing flower buds unless there is a specific reason to do so.
Many spring-flowering shrubs are best pruned after flowering.
March also remains an excellent planting month for container-grown trees and shrubs.
Bare-root and root-balled planting should be completed as soon as practical before plants enter full growth.
Check recently planted specimen trees after winter weather.
Inspect stakes, anchoring systems and ties and make sure there is no movement around the rootball.
Newly planted trees and shrubs may require watering during dry March weather even if temperatures remain relatively cool.
Evergreens in particular can lose considerable moisture through their foliage.
March is when lawn care begins in earnest.
As temperatures increase, grass starts producing stronger growth and mowing can gradually resume.
Wait until both the lawn and soil surface are reasonably dry.
Initially, keep mower blades relatively high.
Removing too much grass at the first cut can weaken the lawn just as it is beginning its spring growth.
A useful principle is never to remove more than around one third of the grass height in a single mowing.
Clear leaves, twigs and other debris before mowing.
March is also an excellent time to assess:
Bare patches
Moss
Waterlogging
Compaction
Poor drainage
Uneven areas
Excessive shade
Light scarification may begin where conditions are suitable, although aggressive renovation is better carried out once grass is actively growing.
Aeration can help relieve compaction and improve movement of air and water through the soil.
Spring lawn feeding can also begin once strong growth is underway.
Do not apply fertiliser simply because it is March. Wait until the grass is actively growing and conditions are appropriate.
March is a busy month in the fruit garden.
Complete winter pruning of apples and pears if this has not already been done.
Avoid pruning stone fruit such as cherries and plums during winter or very early spring because pruning at the wrong time can increase susceptibility to diseases including silver leaf.
New fruit trees and bushes can still be planted while conditions remain suitable.
Water newly planted specimens thoroughly after planting.
Mulch established fruit trees and bushes with well-rotted organic material, keeping mulch away from direct contact with trunks and stems.
Autumn-fruiting raspberries should have been cut down during winter, but this can still be completed before strong new growth develops.
Tie in summer-fruiting raspberry canes and check supporting wires.
Strawberries can also be tidied.
Remove old dead leaves and check plants for signs of damage, disease or rot.
Protect early blossom on vulnerable fruit trees where severe frost is forecast.
Early flowering peaches, nectarines, apricots and some other fruit crops can be particularly susceptible to frost damage.
March is one of the most exciting months in the vegetable-growing year.
Seed sowing increases considerably and vegetable beds begin returning to productive use.
Prepare beds whenever soil conditions permit.
Remove weeds and incorporate compost or well-rotted organic matter where appropriate.
Do not work heavy clay soil while it remains saturated.
Depending on location, weather and soil conditions, vegetables that may be sown outside during March include:
Broad beans
Peas
Carrots
Parsnips
Beetroot
Radishes
Spinach
Spring onions
Lettuce
Some early varieties of brassica
Many crops can also be started under glass or indoors.
These may include:
Tomatoes
Chillies
Peppers
Aubergines
Leeks
Brassicas
Celery
Celeriac
First early potatoes may begin to be planted towards the end of March in suitable areas and soil conditions.
Protect early seedlings from slugs, snails and severe frost.
Successive sowing rather than sowing everything at once can provide a more manageable harvest later in the season.
March marks the beginning of stronger growth for many perennial herbs.
Remove dead winter growth and tidy around established plants.
Perennial herbs such as mint, chives and oregano may begin producing fresh shoots.
Overcrowded clumps can often be divided and replanted.
Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, thyme and sage require good drainage and should not be allowed to sit in saturated soil.
Avoid severe pruning into old woody growth unless the species and plant condition make this appropriate.
Many annual herbs can now be started from seed under protection.
These may include:
Basil
Coriander
Parsley
Dill
Chervil
Hardier herbs may also be sown outside as conditions improve.
March is a good time to create or renovate a herb garden before plants become established for the season.
Locate frequently used culinary herbs somewhere convenient and consider planting sun-loving Mediterranean species separately from herbs that prefer richer, more moisture-retentive soil.
March is a good month to prepare water features for spring and summer.
Remove accumulated leaves and organic debris from ponds, reservoirs and water channels.
Clean pumps and filters before bringing systems back into regular operation.
Check:
Pumps
Filters
Pipework
Electrical connections
Liners
Water outlets
Reservoirs
Grilles
Joints and seals
Frost can cause movement or cracking within some materials, so inspect decorative water features carefully before restarting them.
If topping up ponds, avoid sudden dramatic changes to water temperature where wildlife is present.
Aquatic plants may begin producing new growth as temperatures rise.
Remove excessive dead foliage while retaining sensitivity towards wildlife that may be using the pond.
March is also an excellent time to plan new water features because surrounding planting can become established during spring.
March is an excellent month for inspecting and maintaining patios, paths and other hard landscaping.
Winter conditions often leave surfaces covered with algae, moss and organic deposits.
These can make paving slippery as well as detracting from its appearance.
Clean paving using a method appropriate to the material.
Particular care should be taken with natural stone and specialist surfaces to avoid damage from aggressive chemicals or excessive pressure washing.
Inspect:
Porcelain paving
Natural stone
Paths
Steps
Garden walls
Retaining walls
Edging
Drainage channels
Manholes
Raised beds
Driveways
Look for loose paving, damaged joints or movement caused by frost.
Clean drainage channels and gullies before heavier spring rainfall.
Persistent standing water should be investigated rather than accepted as normal.
Poor falls, blocked drainage or saturated ground may indicate a wider drainage issue.
March is also an excellent time to begin landscaping projects so that major construction work can be completed before peak summer garden use.
Inspect garden structures before vigorous spring growth begins.
Check:
Fences
Gates
Pergolas
Trellis
Privacy screens
Gazebos
Garden buildings
Raised beds
Timber retaining structures
Bin stores
Log stores
Repair loose fixings and damaged timber.
Pay particular attention to fence posts and structural timbers at ground level, where decay is often most advanced.
Clean timber surfaces before applying appropriate protective treatments if required.
Check pergolas and climbing plant supports before climbers begin producing substantial new growth.
Gates may have swollen or moved during winter, so adjust hinges, catches and posts where necessary.
Clean gutters and rainwater outlets on sheds and garden buildings.
March is also a useful time to paint or treat structures before surrounding planting grows up around them.
Increasing daylight means most house plants begin growing more actively during March.
As growth increases, watering requirements usually start to rise.
Continue checking the compost before watering rather than applying water to a rigid timetable.
Plants that have been kept relatively dry during winter may gradually require more regular watering.
March is an excellent time to:
Remove dead leaves
Clean dusty foliage
Check for pests
Rotate plants for even growth
Begin repotting
Take cuttings
Resume feeding where appropriate
House plants that have become root-bound can be moved into slightly larger pots.
Avoid dramatically increasing pot size, as excessive compost surrounding a small root system can retain too much moisture.
Inspect new growth carefully for aphids, spider mites, scale insects and mealybugs.
As sunlight becomes stronger, plants positioned close to south-facing windows may also need monitoring for scorching.
March Garden Weather
March is famous for unpredictable weather.
Spring may appear to have arrived one week and temporarily disappear the next.
This variability has a direct effect on gardening decisions.
Frost
Late frost remains one of the biggest risks during March.
New shoots and early blossom can be particularly vulnerable.
Keep horticultural fleece available for tender plants and recently emerging growth.
Avoid planting frost-sensitive plants outside too early.
Heavy Rain
March can bring substantial rainfall.
Avoid cultivating waterlogged soil, particularly heavy clay.
Repeatedly walking over wet lawns or borders causes compaction and can damage soil structure.
Strong Winds
March can be extremely windy.
Inspect tree stakes, fences, screens and structures following storms.
Recently planted evergreens can be particularly vulnerable to wind rock.
Warm Sunshine
Warm spring sunshine can quickly dry containers and newly planted trees or shrubs.
Do not assume that cool air temperatures mean plants cannot dry out.
Check moisture levels regularly.
Snow
Snow remains possible in March, particularly in northern and elevated parts of the UK.
Heavy snow accumulating on evergreen shrubs can bend or break branches.
Carefully remove excessive weight where necessary without violently shaking frozen plants.
Plants to enjoy in March
Border and rock garden
Narcissus – Daffodils
Daffodils are among the defining plants of the March garden.
Their yellow, cream, white and orange flowers provide colour across borders, lawns and woodland planting.
Crocus
Crocuses continue flowering during March and work particularly well when naturalised through lawns or beneath deciduous trees.
Helleborus
Hellebores remain at their best through much of March.
Their elegant flowers work particularly well in shaded and woodland-style planting.
Primula
Primroses and other hardy primulas provide valuable early spring colour.
Primula vulgaris is particularly effective in informal woodland planting.
Pulmonaria
Pulmonaria begins flowering strongly during early spring, combining blue, pink or purple flowers with attractive spotted foliage.
It is particularly useful for partially shaded borders.
Brunnera macrophylla
Small blue flowers resembling forget-me-nots appear above attractive foliage.
Brunnera is particularly useful for woodland-style planting and shaded borders.
Aubrieta
Aubrieta begins producing carpets of purple, pink or blue flowers over walls, gravel gardens and rockeries.
Bergenia
Bergenias produce strong spring flowers above broad evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage.
Muscari
Grape hyacinths provide intense blue spring colour and can naturalise effectively in suitable locations.
Iris reticulata
Early dwarf irises can still provide excellent flowers during the beginning of March.
Trees and shrubs with foliage of interest
March is a transitional month in which evergreen foliage remains important while fresh deciduous leaves begin to emerge.
Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin'
New shoots provide vivid red foliage during spring, creating a strong contrast against older green leaves.
Pieris japonica
Many Pieris varieties produce bright red, pink or bronze young foliage during spring.
The foliage is often accompanied by clusters of small bell-shaped flowers.
Fatsia japonica
Large evergreen leaves continue providing bold architectural structure.
Mahonia
Strong evergreen foliage remains attractive as winter flowers fade and spring growth begins.
Euonymus fortunei
Variegated evergreen foliage can provide reliable colour throughout early spring.
Aucuba japonica
Glossy evergreen foliage is particularly useful in shaded areas where relatively few plants provide strong year-round colour.
Hebe
Many evergreen Hebes maintain attractive foliage throughout March, particularly in sheltered gardens.
Carex
Evergreen and semi-evergreen sedges provide texture and movement at ground level.
Trees with colourful fruit
By March, many winter fruits will have been eaten by birds, but some trees and shrubs may still retain colourful fruit.
Malus – Crab Apples
Certain crab apple cultivars retain small fruits for an exceptionally long period, although their persistence varies between varieties and seasons.
Ilex aquifolium – Holly
Female hollies may still retain some berries where birds have not already eaten them.
Pyracantha
Late remaining berries can provide splashes of orange, yellow or red into early spring.
Cotoneaster
Some varieties may continue carrying berries during March, particularly where fruiting has been heavy.
Sorbus
A limited number of Sorbus species and varieties can occasionally retain fruit into early spring, although most will have been eaten much earlier.
A greenhouse can become noticeably more colourful during March as improving light levels encourage new growth.
Pelargoniums
Overwintered pelargoniums may begin producing stronger growth and flowers as daylight increases.
Primulas
Primulas can provide intense early spring colour in cool greenhouse conditions.
Cyclamen
Some cyclamen may continue flowering during March in cool protected environments.
Camellias
Container-grown camellias can produce spectacular flowers during March.
Clivia
Clivias may produce striking orange, red-orange or yellow flower clusters during late winter and early spring.
Orchids
A wide range of orchids can flower during March depending upon species and growing conditions.
Forced Spring Bulbs
Daffodils, hyacinths and other bulbs grown under protection may provide colourful greenhouse displays.
Preparing the Garden for Spring
March is when the gardening year begins to accelerate.
Growth that initially appears gradual can become remarkably fast once temperatures rise.
Jobs completed now can prevent a considerable workload later in spring.
Clear borders before foliage expands, repair structures before climbing plants cover them, deal with weeds while they are still small and complete planting while conditions remain cool and moist.
At the same time, avoid being tempted into treating every warm March day as the beginning of summer.
Frost, snow, heavy rain and cold winds remain possible throughout the month.
Successful March gardening is therefore about balancing enthusiasm with patience.
Use favourable weather to get ahead, protect vulnerable new growth when conditions deteriorate and enjoy watching the garden come back to life.