The Start of a New Gardening Season
March is one of the most exciting months in any gardener’s calendar. After the chill and stillness of winter, daylight stretches a little longer each day, bulbs start to burst into bloom, and there’s a distinct sense of life returning to the garden.
At Vanstone Park Garden Centre, we like to think of March as the month when the garden wakes up and stretches its limbs. It’s a time for optimism and a little hard work. Whether you’re planting your first seeds or tending to well-established borders, this March Gardening Guide will help you make the most of the new season.
Planting Summer-Flowering Bulbs
If you’d like your garden to be bursting with colour come summer, now’s the moment to plant bulbs such as tulips, dahlias, lilies, or gladioli.
Choose firm, healthy bulbs and plant them in well-drained soil. Bulbs dislike sitting in water, so it helps to mix in a little grit or organic matter to improve drainage.
When planting, aim for a depth roughly three times the height of the bulb, and position them with the pointed end facing upwards. A gentle water afterwards helps them settle in.
This simple task will reward you in just a few months with vibrant, long-lasting displays that make all the effort worthwhile.
Repotting and Refreshing Houseplants
While your outdoor plants begin to stir, your indoor ones are likely ready for attention too. Longer daylight hours encourage new growth, and many houseplants will benefit from being repotted into slightly larger containers.
Check for roots poking through the drainage holes or soil that dries out too quickly, both signs that your plant has outgrown its current pot. Refreshing the compost gives them access to nutrients and air circulation for the growing months ahead.
Once repotted, water sparingly and place your plants somewhere bright but not in direct sunlight. Your houseplants will soon reward you with a healthy flush of new leaves.
Pruning Roses and Shrubs
March is prime time for pruning roses, shrubs, and climbers. The aim is to encourage strong, healthy growth and improve air circulation around the plant.
Start by removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Then shape the plant by cutting just above an outward-facing bud. For climbing varieties, trim back side shoots to a few buds from the main stems.
It’s a straightforward job, but one that makes all the difference when those blooms appear later in the season. A neatly pruned rose is a happy rose and much easier to admire without fear of being caught by a stray thorn.
Sowing Seeds for Spring and Beyond
March is when the growing year truly begins. Whether you’re working on a kitchen garden or a few pots on the patio, it’s time to start sowing.
For vegetables, you can sow early crops like lettuce, beetroot, radish, and salad onions directly outdoors once the soil begins to warm. Sowing little and often every couple of weeks ensures a steady supply rather than a single overwhelming harvest.
Hardy annuals such as calendula and love-in-a-mist can also be sown directly where they’re to flower. Rake the soil into a fine tilth, remove any weeds, and water lightly before planting your seeds in shallow rows.
If you prefer herbs, parsley, chives, and coriander are all excellent choices for sowing now. They’ll thrive in pots or beds and will soon bring fresh fragrance and flavour to your kitchen.
Preparing and Feeding the Soil
Healthy soil is the foundation of every thriving garden. Before sowing or planting, take the time to prepare your beds.
Remove weeds, stones, and old plant material. Then, fork in plenty of well-rotted compost or organic matter to improve structure, drainage, and fertility. A light application of general garden feed will give seedlings a good start once planted.
Mulching after preparation helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, which is especially useful as temperatures fluctuate in early spring. Think of this as giving your garden a nutritious breakfast before the day begins.
Cutting Back and Dividing Perennials
Many perennials left standing over winter for wildlife or structure can now be cut back to make space for fresh growth. Trim old stems close to the ground, taking care not to damage emerging shoots.
If you have overgrown clumps that have become woody or bare in the centre, this is the ideal time to divide them. Gently lift the plant, split it into sections, and replant the healthiest pieces. Not only does this rejuvenate tired plants, but it’s also a free way to fill new borders or share with friends.
After cutting back and dividing, water well and apply a light mulch to protect new growth from cold snaps.
Cleaning and Refreshing Patios and Paths
After months of wet weather, patios and paths often develop moss, algae, and general grime. A good clean in March makes a huge difference to the look and safety of your outdoor space.
Sweep first to remove loose debris, then use a stiff brush with warm water and mild detergent to scrub surfaces. For particularly stubborn patches, a patio cleaner or pressure washer can help.
Once clean, your patio becomes an inviting stage for the spring months ahead, ready for pots, furniture, and perhaps a well-earned cup of tea in the sunshine.
Lawn Care in Early Spring
By March, most lawns are starting to grow again. Begin mowing on dry days, keeping the blades high at first to avoid scalping the grass.
If you didn’t tackle moss and thatch in autumn, now’s the time to rake or scarify the lawn to remove debris and encourage new shoots.
Applying a balanced lawn feed helps strengthen roots and improve colour. If you have bare patches, lightly reseed those areas and keep them moist until established.
With a bit of attention this month, you’ll enjoy a soft, healthy lawn throughout summer.
Keeping Pests at Bay
The arrival of new shoots also means the return of slugs and snails. Protect your plants by keeping garden beds tidy, removing fallen leaves, and encouraging natural predators like birds and hedgehogs.
You can also use barriers such as copper tape around pots or sprinkle crushed eggshells around tender plants. It’s simple, effective, and kind to the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can I plant in March in the UK?
March is ideal for planting summer-flowering bulbs like tulips and lilies. You can also sow hardy annuals, early vegetables such as lettuce and beetroot, and herbs including parsley and chives.
When should I start mowing the lawn in spring?
Start mowing once the grass begins to grow, usually mid- to late-March, on dry days. Keep the mower blades high at first to avoid damaging the grass.
How do I prepare my soil for planting?
Remove weeds and debris, then dig in compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and fertility. Rake smooth and add a light feed before sowing or planting.
Can I prune roses in March?
Yes. March is the perfect time to prune roses before new growth takes off. Remove dead or crossing branches and cut back to an outward-facing bud for shape and strength.
How can I stop slugs from damaging new plants?
Keep the garden tidy and use natural barriers such as copper tape or crushed shells. Encouraging birds and hedgehogs also helps reduce slug numbers organically.
Spring Surprises Await at Vanstone Park Garden Centre
From seeds and tools to compost, pots, and expert advice, Vanstone Park Garden Centre has everything you need to bring your garden to life this spring.
As an independent, family-run business established in 1976, we pride ourselves on friendly service, quality products, and expert knowledge. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning your journey, our team is here to help you grow with confidence.
A visit to Vanstone Park is more than a shopping trip; it’s a day out for the whole family. With free parking, a café, a wildlife lake, and even a miniature railway, it’s a place to explore, relax, and be inspired.
Visit us at:
Vanstone Park Garden Centre
Hitchin Road, Codicote, Hertfordshire, SG4 8TH
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At Vanstone Park, gardening should be joyful, rewarding, and a bit muddy. Why not stop by and see what spring has in store?
