The days are stretching longer, the air is warming, and the garden is waking up. Spring is a season of renewal, of fresh beginnings and (most importantly for us) of budding blooms. After a long winter, there’s nothing quite like getting your hands in the soil again, feeling the warmth of the sun on your back, and witnessing the first buds unfurl.
March is a month of preparation and anticipation in the garden. While we may still see the occasional chilly morning, now is the perfect time to set the stage for a thriving season ahead. Whether you’re eager to plant early blooms, refresh your soil, or simply soak in the beauty of nature’s return, this checklist will guide you through the must-dos for March gardening.
1. Wake Up Your Garden Beds
After a season of rest, your garden needs a little TLC to get back into growing mode. Start by clearing out any fallen leaves, spent plants, or winter debris (make sure daytime temperatures are consistently above 10℃ to protect any sleeping pollinators).
2. Feed Your Soil
Healthy plants start with healthy soil. This is the perfect time to work in compost and organic soil amendments such as worm castings and wool pellets to replenish nutrients. If you haven’t tested your soil in a while, now is a great opportunity to check its pH and nutrient levels so you can tailor your amendments accordingly.
3. Start Seeds & Plan Your Planting
March is when the growing season truly begins. Hardy vegetables like peas, spinach, and lettuce can be direct-seeded outdoors, while tender crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and herbs can be started indoors under grow lights or in a sunny window. If you’re dreaming of a flower-filled summer, now is the time to sow annuals like cosmos, stock, and snapdragons.
4. Prune & Shape
If you haven’t already, prune back any dead or damaged branches on fruit trees, roses, and shrubs. This helps promote healthy growth and encourages a strong structure for the season ahead. Early spring is also a good time to trim back perennials and ornamental grasses before new growth emerges.
5. Refresh Your Containers & Pots
Winter weather can take a toll on outdoor pots and planters. Give them a quick check for cracks or damage, and spray or wipe then refresh the soil with a nutrient boost, and get them ready for spring planting. Consider adding a few cold-hardy blooms like pansies, primroses, hellebores, and beautiful bulbs such as daffoldils or tulips for an early-season pop of color.
6. Get a Head Start on Weeds
As soon as the soil warms up, weeds will be quick to make their return. Tackling them early makes for much easier management throughout the season. A bit of hand-weeding now, combined with a fresh layer of mulch, will help suppress future growth and keep your garden looking tidy.
7. Support Pollinators & Wildlife
As bees and butterflies begin to emerge, they’ll be on the lookout for early food sources. Consider planting nectar-rich flowers like crocuses, lungwort, and early-blooming fruit trees to provide essential sustenance. Leaving a small patch of garden undisturbed can also offer shelter to overwintering insects.
8. Plan Your Garden Dreams
March is the month of possibilities. As you work through these early tasks, take time to dream about what you want to grow this year. Whether it’s a lush vegetable patch, a cutting flower garden, or a peaceful retreat filled with fragrant herbs or if you're anything like me - a combination of all three! Setting intentions now will help guide your planting choices in the months to come.
Spring is a time of hope, energy, and connection—to the earth, to each other, and to the rhythm of the seasons. Here at Old Farm Garden Centre, we’re celebrating the return of gardening days with fresh plants, garden essentials, and expert advice to help you every step of the way. Stop by, say hello, and let’s welcome spring together! Plus; don't miss our Welcome Spring Garden Party from 10 - 5 on March 29!
What’s on your March gardening to-do list? We’d love to hear about your plans—share in the comments or tag us in your garden updates on social media! 🌱✨
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