Hang on to your hats, here it comes, the month that ‘Springs’ upon you is here. Nature stirs into growth as the weather improves and the soil warms. March winds and Daffodils

Borders

Finish off pruning Roses to outward facing buds then give a good feed and mulch.
Prune late summer flowering clematis to within 30cm of the ground.
The perfect month for planting shrubs, roses and early perennials.
Mulch any areas of garden missed in the autumn
Perennials can be tidied now if not done in autumn, weather permitting.
Cut back Cornus and Salix stems to encourage new growth next year
Clean and tidy grasses like Misanthus to aid new growth.
Potted bulbs will be available this month to cheer up your winter pots.

Fruit & Veg

Mulch Raspberry canes with compost or manure
In warmer areas spray Peaches and Nectarines to help control Peach leaf curl, your garden centre will be able to advise you.
In mild areas plant early crop potatoes and shallots. Warm the soil with cloches or fleece if cold. Apply ‘growmore’ a couple of weeks beforehand.
Finish digging over ground

Lawns

Lay new turf when there is no frost
If seeding a lawn prepare the area now
If cutting grass, cut with the mower set at its highest setting, keep an eye on the forecast for frost.

Greenhouse

Sow seeds of beetroot, leek, lettuce and summer cabbage in a heated greenhouse
Sow tender annuals in a heated propagator
Start Dahlia tubers into growth
Watch out for fungal diseases and spray if necessary, check for greenfly on new growth.

General Tasks

Hard landscaping can begin in earnest
Keep greenhouse heaters working efficiently
Re-pot houseplants into bigger pots
Plant hardy herbs once clear of frosts, often grown under cover making them a little soft.

Plants which are at their best in March

Camellia
Chaenomeles
Euphorbia Varieties
Double Primula (Primrose)
Corydalis (Pere David)
Clematis Armandii & other evergreen varieties
Primula Veris (Cowslip)
Pulmonaria
Salix Caprea Kilmarnock (Kilmarnock Willow)
Daphne Mezereum vars
Forsythia (Golden Bells)