Gardening Jobs for March: Planting & Tips

Spring is almost here, but your garden won’t wake itself up! March is a transition month, where winter’s chill lingers, but longer days and milder temperatures signal the start of the growing season.

Now’s the time to tackle gardening jobs for March- prune dormant plants, start sowing hardy seeds, and give the lawn a well-needed boost. Preparing the soil and clearing debris now will set the stage for healthy growth in the months ahead. Whether you’re reviving flowerbeds or getting your veg patch in order, a little effort now means a thriving garden later.

We know it can be tricky to figure out where to start, which is why we’ve put together a handy guide with essential gardening jobs for March. Go on and explore our guide below and create the garden of your dreams!

1. Vegetables & Herbs to Plant in March

Get a head start on your garden with essential gardening jobs for March, from sowing hardy vegetables outdoors to nurturing delicate crops under cover. A little effort now will set you up for a productive growing season. Here’s what to plant this month, along with useful tips:

Hardy vegetables

For a successful vegetable garden, start by sowing hardy crops like carrots, parsnips, beetroot, radishes, spinach, peas, broad beans, onions, and garlic directly outdoors. Choose a warm, sheltered spot and enrich the soil with organic matter to give your plants the best start. Below are specific tips to help you grow healthy beetroot, carrots, and onions.

Beetroots:

• Sowing: Sow directly into well-drained soil from March to July, spacing seeds 10cm apart in rows 30cm apart.
• Soil Prep: Prefers light, sandy soil enriched with compost. Avoid fresh manure, which can cause forking.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent woody roots.
• Thinning: When seedlings reach 2-3 cm tall, thin them out to allow room for growth. Young leaves can be used in salads.
• Harvesting: Pick when roots reach golf ball size for tenderness or leave longer for larger beets.

Carrot Tips:

• Sowing: Sow directly into finely raked soil from March to July. Avoid transplanting as it disturbs the roots.
• Soil Prep: Prefers light, stone-free soil. Avoid fresh manure to prevent forked roots.
• Spacing: Sow thinly, then thin seedlings to 5cm apart to prevent overcrowding.
• Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy, especially during dry spells.
• Pest Protection: Cover with fleece or fine mesh to protect from carrot fly.
• Harvesting: Lift when they reach the desired size, usually after 12-16 weeks. Early varieties can be pulled young for baby carrots.

Onion Tips:

• Planting: Sow seeds indoors from January to March or plant sets outdoors from March to April. Space sets 10-15 cm apart in rows 30cm apart.
• Soil Prep: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
• Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy, especially during dry spells.
• Weeding: Keep the area weed-free as onions don’t compete well with weeds.
• Harvesting: Lift when the leaves turn yellow and start to fall over, usually from late summer. Allow bulbs to dry before storing.

Tender crops

Grow tender crops indoors in a greenhouse or on a bright windowsill, ensuring young seedlings are protected from late frosts with fleece or cloches. Before planting them outside, harden them off over 7-10 days by gradually exposing them to cooler temperatures. Below are key care tips to help each plant grow strong and healthy.

Tomatoes:

• Pinch out side shoots on cordon (indeterminate) varieties to encourage upward growth.
• Provide support with canes or string to keep plants upright.
• Feed with a high-potassium fertiliser (like tomato feed) once flowering begins.

Peppers & Chillies:

• Peppers thrive in pots, so consider growing them in containers for easier temperature control.
• Pinch out the growing tips once plants reach 30cm (12 inches) tall to encourage bushier growth.
• Water consistently, as dry spells can lead to bitter-tasting fruit.

Aubergines (Eggplants):

• Stake plants early to prevent stem breakage under the weight of fruit.
• Hand-pollinate flowers by gently shaking them or using a soft brush.
• Pick fruit while still glossy; overripe aubergines can become bitter and spongy.

Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, etc.):

• Protect seedlings with netting to prevent cabbage white butterfly attacks.
• Space plants well apart for good airflow, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
• Firm the soil around young plants to help prevent wind rock (loosening of roots).

Herbs

Growing your own herbs is a simple yet rewarding way to enhance your cooking with fresh flavours. Whether you plant them in pots or directly in the ground, proper care ensures a thriving herb garden. Here’s how to grow and maintain some popular kitchen herbs for a continuous and healthy harvest.

Basil:

• Pinch off the top leaves regularly to prevent flowering and keep it bushy.
• Water in the morning and avoid wetting the leaves to prevent disease.
• Loves warmth- don’t plant outdoors until after the last frost.

Coriander (Cilantro):

• Prefers cool weather- plant in spring or autumn to prevent bolting.
• Sow seeds every few weeks for a continuous supply.
• Keep soil moist, as it dries out quickly and can cause premature flowering.

Parsley:

• Slow to germinate- soak seeds overnight before planting for better success.
• Thrives in partial shade or full sun with regular watering.
• Pick outer leaves first to encourage continuous growth.

Chives:

• Cut back regularly to promote fresh growth, use scissors to trim.
• Produces edible purple flowers, but trim them if you want stronger leaf flavour.
• Hardy and can survive winter outdoors.

Dill:

• Has deep roots- best grown directly in the ground rather than pots.
• Attracts beneficial insects like ladybirds, which help control pests.
• Avoid transplanting, it dislikes being moved once established.

2. Flowers to Plant in March

Spring is the perfect time to kickstart your gardening jobs for March, especially when it comes to planting flowers that will bloom beautifully in the coming months. Here’s what to focus on this month:

Sow outdoors

With spring just beginning, now is the perfect moment to start gardening jobs for March, such as sowing hardy annuals. Here’s how to get the best results for sweet peas, cornflowers, nigella, and poppies.

Sweet Peas:

• Sowing: Soak seeds overnight before sowing to speed up germination.
• Location: Full sun with rich, well-drained soil.
• Support: Provide trellises or canes for climbing varieties.
• Watering: Keep soil moist but avoid overwatering.
• Pinching: Pinch out the growing tips when plants reach 10cm to encourage bushier growth.

Cornflowers:

• Sowing: Sow directly into prepared soil, raking lightly over seeds.
• Location: Full sun, tolerates poor soil.
• Thinning: Space seedlings 15 cm apart for better airflow.
• Deadheading: Regularly remove faded flowers to extend blooming.

Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist):

• Sowing: Scatter seeds on the surface and lightly rake in.
• Location: Full sun or partial shade, well-drained soil.
• Self-Seeding: Nigella readily self-seeds for blooms next year.
• Care: Minimal maintenance needed; avoid overwatering.

Poppies:

• Sowing: Sprinkle seeds directly on the surface; do not bury them.
• Location: Full sun, tolerates poor soil.
• Thinning: Space seedlings 15-20 cm apart for healthier plants.
• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers for prolonged flowering, or leave some for self-seeding.

Plant perennials

Perennials like lupins, foxgloves, and hollyhocks bring vibrant colours and vertical interest to your garden year after year. These hardy plants require minimal maintenance but benefit from a few key gardening jobs for March to keep them thriving.

Lupins:

• Soil & Sun: Prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil and a sunny spot. Avoid waterlogged areas.
• Watering: Water regularly in dry spells but avoid overwatering.
• Deadheading: Remove faded flowers to encourage a second flush of blooms.
• Propagation: Divide mature plants in early spring or collect seeds for replanting.

Foxgloves:

• Ideal Conditions: Thrive in partial shade but can tolerate full sun with enough moisture.
• Self-Seeding: Let some flowers go to seed for natural regrowth next year.
• Poisonous Warning: All parts are toxic, so handle with care if you have pets or children.
• Mulching: Apply mulch in autumn to protect young plants from harsh winter weather.

Hollyhocks:

• Spacing & Airflow: Plant at least 45 cm apart to prevent fungal diseases like rust.
• Support Needed: Tall stems may require staking to prevent them from bending in strong winds.
• Rust Prevention: Water at the base and remove affected leaves to reduce fungal issues.
• Biennial Nature: Many hollyhocks are biennials, so replant or allow self-seeding for continuous blooms.

Get bulbs in the ground

March is the ideal time to plant summer-flowering bulbs like dahlias, lilies, and gladioli. These vibrant blooms thrive when planted in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight, ensuring a stunning garden display in the warmer months. Here’s what you could do:

Dahlias:

• Start indoors for a head start: Pot up dahlia tubers in early March and keep them in a frost-free space to encourage early shoots.
• Plant after the last frost: If planting directly outdoors, wait until the risk of frost has passed and place tubers just below the surface.
• Pinch out early growth: Once shoots reach around 15cm, pinch out the tips to promote bushier growth and more blooms.

Lilies:

• Plant deep for stability: Place lily bulbs around 15cm deep in well-draining soil to support strong stem growth.
• Keep soil consistently moist: Water regularly but avoid soggy conditions, as lilies dislike overly wet roots.
• Protect from pests: Watch for lily beetles and remove them by hand to prevent damage to the leaves.

Gladioli:

• Stagger planting for continuous blooms: Plant a few corms every couple of weeks from March to May for a longer flowering season.
• Provide support early: Tall varieties benefit from stakes or plant supports to prevent them from flopping over.
• Water well in dry spells: Gladioli prefer moist soil, so ensure they get regular watering, especially in dry weather.

3. Essential Garden Maintenance Jobs for March

Get your garden back in shape after winter with these key tasks. From soil preparation to pruning, tackling these gardening jobs for March will set the foundation for a thriving outdoor space. Here’s what to focus on:

• Soil Preparation: Dig over beds and remove weeds before planting. Apply well-rotted manure or garden compost to enrich the soil. Don’t forget to test the soil pH and adjust it if needed for healthier plants.
• Pruning: Trim dead or overgrown branches to promote healthy growth.
• Weeding & mulching: Clear weeds early and apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress new growth.
• Pest control: Watch out for slugs, snails, and aphids to prevent damage early in the season.

4. Greenhouse & Indoor Plant Care in March

If you’re tackling gardening jobs for March, now is the time to start sowing tender vegetables like tomatoes and peppers indoors, along with summer flowers such as petunias and marigolds. Giving these plants a warm, sheltered start ensures they grow strong before moving outdoors. At the same time, your greenhouse needs attention to keep plants healthy and pests at bay. Here’s some tricks you could use:

• Ventilate greenhouses on warmer days to prevent mould and disease.
• Trim overwintered plants like geraniums and fuchsias to promote fresh growth.
• Check pots for dryness or waterlogging.
• Watch for pests like whiteflies and aphids- use sticky traps or natural insecticides.

5. Wildlife & Eco-Friendly Gardening in March

Creating a garden that supports local wildlife is one of the essential gardening jobs for March. Making a few simple changes now can create a thriving, self-sustaining garden in the months ahead. Here’s what you could do:

• Planting pollinator-friendly flowers like borage and lavender will attract bees and butterflies, while a small wildlife pond can invite frogs and beneficial insects to help with natural pest control.
• Ditch chemical pesticides and use organic alternatives like neem oil or companion planting (e.g., marigolds to deter pests).
• Set up bird feeders with seeds and suet to support birds, which help with natural pest control.
• Improve soil health by using compost and mulch instead of synthetic fertilisers.

Now that you know about these gardening jobs for March, it’s time to organise your tasks efficiently. With extended daylight, you have more opportunities to tend to your garden, whether it’s preparing the soil, trimming plants, or starting new growth. Sudden temperature drops can still occur, so monitor forecasts and shield tender plants when needed. Taking these steps now will help your garden thrive in the months ahead.

FAQ’s

What are the allotment jobs for March?

March is a great month to get your allotment ready for the growing season. Essential gardening jobs for March include:

• Soil Preparation: Remove weeds and enrich the soil with organic matter.
• Seed Sowing: Directly sow hardy vegetables like peas, broad beans, and early carrots, while starting tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers indoors.
• Planting: Put in onion sets, shallots, and early potatoes.
• General Maintenance: Tidy up pathways, repair structures, and clean tools to ensure everything is set for the season.

What to do to lawns in March?

One of the essential gardening jobs for March is lawn care. This includes tackling moss with appropriate treatments, aerating compacted soil to improve air circulation, and overseeding any bare patches. A slow-release fertiliser helps promote healthy growth, while a light mow- keeping the grass height around 3-3.5 inches, encourages a thicker, healthier lawn.

Can you get frost in March in the UK?

Yes, frost is a common concern when tackling gardening jobs for March in the UK. Overnight temperatures can drop below freezing, with some regions reaching lows of -3°C. Scotland, in particular, can experience heavy snowfall in late March, so it’s important to protect vulnerable plants from frost damage.

What do farmers sow in March?

Among the key gardening jobs for March, farmers focus on sowing crops such as spring barley, which is valued for its short growing season and use in brewing and animal feed. Oats are also planted for both human consumption and livestock, while sugar beet is grown in warmer regions for sugar production. Additionally, grass leys are sown for grazing and silage in livestock farming.