March Gardening Tips

Lawns

Begin mowing your lawn once it is noticeable your grass has started growing, and when the weather is dry. If your lawn has visible odd looking lumps of soil (worm-casts), rake these into the lawn prior to mowing. Set your blades to the highest level and lower them gradually over the next few cuts. To eliminate weeds in your lawn and give it the nutrients it requires to keep healthy, a product called ‘Evergreen Weed and Feed’ is available from your local gardening centre or DIY store. Read instructions carefully prior to application. Now that the weather is improving and the days are getting longer, it’s a good time to re-seed or turf to create that spectacular lawn for this year.

Planting

Late March and early April is a good time to plant and transplant shrubs and trees. Best when the soil is workable, prior to buds swelling or breaking open. Evergreens and hedges should be planted now, making sure they’re kept watered. Now’s the time to also plant primroses, pansies and any ready-grown bulbs if you forgot to plant them back in November!

Pruning

Finish pruning fruit trees this month, prior to buds swelling. Prune roses now if you haven’t already, pruning hard now will produce a better show later, with the exception of rambler roses that were pruned last summer. Remove all dead, diseased and damaged shoots, then prune approximately 1cm above new buds, one a 45degree angle facing outwards. Prune hard any other summer flowering shrubs and any summer flowering clematis. Prune winter jasmine and heathers once flowering is over. Cut back any other dead stems that haven’t been cut back already.

Weeding

It’s best to pull any weeds out of your garden or lawn whilst young to prevent spreading. For weeds on driveways, pathways, or outdoor entertaining areas, a product called Round-up is best used to keep your weeds under control. Be sure to check the forecast for several consecutive dry days to ensure best results. Be very careful NOT to let this product go anywhere near your lawns, shrubs or trees. Make sure your read the instructions carefully prior to application. March is also a good time to spread a layer of bark mulch to deter weeds. Apply a layer of approximately 5cm in depth.

Additional Tips

- Turn over your compost pile, removing any sticks/branches and mix in some coarse mulch from your    garden bed.
- Jet-Wash the algae and moss from your paving slabs and brickwork to rejuvenate them and eliminate any    preventable accidents.
- Repair any damaged or weak fencing that has broken over winter to prevent crime.
- Clean out your birdhouse so it’s ready for when the birds return (if they haven’t already).