March marks a turning point in the gardening year. Winter’s icy grip loosens, and whispers of spring begin to fill the air. Here at Genesis Gardens, we’re excited to see gardens come alive again. But before the full flush of spring arrives, there are some essential tasks to ensure your garden thrives throughout the warmer months. Work your way through our essential to-do list and both you and your garden will look and feel fantastic!
Preparing the Soil
Clear the Ground: The first step is to clear away any remaining debris from winter, such as fallen leaves, dead stems and weeds. This allows light and warmth to reach the soil, encouraging new growth.
Test and Amend: Consider testing your soil’s pH level. Ideally, you want your soil to be slightly acidic (pH 6.0-6.8) for most plants. If the pH is off, add lime to raise it or sulphur to lower it.
Compost Power: Now’s the perfect time to dig in some well-rotted compost. The organic matter improves soil structure, drainage and fertility, providing a nutrient-rich base for your plants to flourish.
Planting and Sowing
Early Birds: Whilst some areas may experience late frosts, March is a great time to sow hardy vegetables directly outdoors. This includes broad beans, peas, spinach and carrots.
Under Cover: Get a head start on the season by sowing seeds indoors or in a greenhouse. Tomatoes, peppers, chillies and courgettes are all prime candidates for starting under cover now.
Summer Bulbs: Plant summer-flowering bulbs like lilies, gladioli and alliums to add a splash of colour later in the year. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil for optimal results.
Taking Care of Existing Plants
Pruning Power: Prune roses, shrubs and trees while they are still dormant. This encourages bushier growth and promotes better flowering. Remember to follow specific pruning guidelines for each variety.
Weed Wisely: Regularly remove weeds to prevent them from competing with your plants for water and nutrients. Focus on removing them when they are young and manageable.
Scarify Lawns: If your lawn suffers from moss build-up, March is an ideal time to scarify it. This involves raking the surface of the lawn to remove moss and allow for better drainage and air circulation.
Spring Cleaning
Clean Ponds and Water Features: Give your ponds and water features a good clean to remove debris and fallen leaves. This helps maintain the water quality and prevents the build-up of algae.
Greenhouse TLC: Clean your greenhouse windows to ensure maximum light reaches your seedlings. Additionally, disinfect surfaces to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
Garden Furniture Refresh: After a long winter, give your garden furniture a good clean or light coat of paint or stain if necessary. This prolongs its life and ensures it’s ready to enjoy those first sunny days spent outdoors.
Looking Ahead
March is a month of anticipation in the garden. By completing these essential tasks, you’ll be laying the groundwork for a vibrant and flourishing garden throughout the spring and summer months. Remember, our team at Genesis Gardens is always here to help. We offer a wide range of gardening services, from initial garden design and implementation to regular maintenance and one-off clean-ups. So, contact us today if you need a helping hand in bringing your garden to life this spring!