Tasks for March

Things Are Awakening From Winter Slumber!

March is lovely; the garden is starting to wake from its winter slumber! The Crocus provide an excellent pop of colour, and more spring bulbs are beginning to appear, with more yet to be enjoyed in the coming months.

Spring Is In Full Swing

The days are stretching, but don't be (April) fooled! We can still have very wintery spells with hard frosts, so although it can be tempting to get summer bedding out, it's best to keep it somewhere protected from frost for now, or if you don't have anywhere to store it, wait until next month before you purchase your summer displays.

New shoots of Hostas, Delphiniums, Lupins and other vulnerable plants need protection from slugs and snails.

Deadhead spring bulbs so they do not waste energy setting seed. Do not cut the leaves off for at least six weeks after the last flowers; this will feed the bulbs for next year.

New lawns can be sown from seed or turf laid. Make sure you prepare the ground well before hand.

Split herbaceous perennials by diving and replanting from the outside of the clump. Throw away the older woody inner parts.

Protect the blossoms and buds of early flowering fruit trees with fleece, as they are especially vulnerable to frost.

Increase the watering of your houseplants and give a liquid feed once a month from now until September.