Gardening jobs to do in March

Keep your garden in the best shape possible with our monthly gardening checklists.

March is a wonderful month for gardening as spring begins to set in and the weather starts to warm up. This is the time for you to get outside and prepare your garden for the growing season ahead. Here is a list of essential gardening tasks you should consider undertaking during the month of March:

1. Clean Up and Prepare Your Garden Beds

Start by cleaning up any debris, dead leaves, or plants from your garden beds. Remove weeds and cultivate the soil using a garden fork or tiller. Rake the bed to level the soil and remove any surface weeds or debris.

2. Prune Trees and Shrubs

March is the perfect time to prune your trees and shrubs while they are still dormant. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches to encourage healthy growth. Pruning also helps to shape your plants and improve their overall appearance.

3. Start Seeds Indoors

If you want to grow your own vegetable and flower plants from seed, March is the ideal time to start them indoors. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a well-draining seed starting mix. Provide adequate light and maintain a consistent temperature to ensure successful germination and strong seedling growth.

4. Direct Sow Cool-Season Vegetables

Now is the time to direct sow vegetables that thrive in cooler temperatures such as lettuce, spinach, radishes, carrots, and peas. Prepare the soil by removing any weeds and gently loosening the surface. Follow the recommended planting depth and spacing for each crop.

5. Dividing and Transplanting

If you have overcrowded perennials, March is a good time to divide and transplant them to give them more space to grow. Carefully dig out the entire clump, separate the plants, and replant them in well-prepared soil. Water thoroughly after transplanting.

6. Prepare and Amend Soil

Before planting, enrich your soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure. Work it into the top few inches of soil to improve its texture and fertility. This will provide plants with the essential nutrients they need for healthy growth.

7. Plan Your Garden Layout

Spend some time planning your garden layout for the upcoming season. Determine which areas will receive the most sunlight and the best soil conditions for various plants. Consider crop rotation to minimize disease and pest problems. Plan your planting schedule accordingly.

8. Mulching

Apply a layer of organic mulch around your plants to help suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature. Spread mulch evenly, making sure to leave a small gap around the base of each plant to prevent stem rot or other diseases.

9. Prepare Garden Structures

If you have trellises, arbors, or garden structures, check and repair them before the growing season begins. Clean off any dirt, replace broken or rotten parts, and apply a fresh coat of paint or sealant if necessary.

10. Keep an Eye on Pests

As your garden starts to wake up, pests may also become active. Regularly inspect plants for any signs of aphids, slugs, snails, or other common garden pests. Take appropriate measures such as using organic pest control methods or introducing beneficial insects to prevent infestations.

By completing these gardening tasks in March, you will be well-prepared for a successful and beautiful growing season ahead. Remember to adapt your tasks according to your local weather conditions and specific gardening needs. Happy gardening!

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Explore all of our monthly gardening checklists: