Garden Jobs in March 2020

Spring is so close we can almost taste it! March welcomes carpets of colour from spring perennials and bulbs and early tree blossoms flutter in the breeze on the warmer sunny days. It is a month full of preparation for the new season and anticipation of all last year's hard work coming to fruition. Grab those gloves and get sowing, pruning and renewing, but don't let those late frosts catch you out!

1. Revitalise containers, baskets and borders with some bright and cheerful colour. Try combining spring flowers, such as Tulips and Daffodils, Crocus, Anemone Blanda, Chinodoxa, Iris reticulata, Viola with evergreen Carex, Heuchera, Skimmia or spring heathers.

2. If a dry period presents itself tackle those early weeds when they are small and easy to remove and give existing lawns a first mow on the highest setting.

3. Prune 1/2 of established Cornus stems to promote new vibrant growth for dazzling displays later this year. Repeat next year with the remaining stems.

4. If you have left last years blooms on your mophead hydrangeas, now is the time to deadhead and prune. Cut just above the first pair of buds below each bloom and remove any weak or damaged branches.

5. Lift and divide older clumps of herbaceous perennials to encourage healthy growth and of course make new plants! Do this approximately every 4 years for best results. Dig up the whole plant with as much root as possible, pull the clump apart using two forks back to back and replant the young healthy growth.

6. Providing the weather isn't severely cold and frosty, now is the best time to prune bush and climbing roses. Pruning will rejuvenate your plant and encourage lots of strong, healthy new growth. Start by removing dead, weak and diseased stems, and then concentrate on crossing or rubbing stems. By opening the centre of the plant, you'll promote good air flow and better health. For further information, see our Rose Pruning Information Sheet.

7. Prune shrubs that flower on new stems such as Buddleja and Caryopteris to maintain shape and size and encourage healthy growth and maximum flowering. They'll respond well to a hard pruning, so you can cut the older, woody stems to within 2-3 buds. Follow with a slow release plant food and mulch.

8. Plant some charming Alpine pots for a fabulous spring display. Click here for planting advice and plant ideas.

9. Apply a balanced fertiliser such as Growmore or Fish, Blood and Bone to fruit trees and bushes. If you don't own any, then why not treat yourself . . . there is nothing tastier than freshly picked produce and you don't need a huge garden either! we have a fantastic range available grown on dwarf rootstocks, which are perfect for smaller gardens. If you are a loyalty card holder, then you'll receive 10% OFF this month (If not, then click here to sign up!)

10. Chit early potato tubers. Old egg boxes are perfect for placing seed potatoes into. Place them in a cool, light spot indoors for 4-6 weeks until they produce shoots around 2cm long. Click here to view our range of seed potatoes.

11. Treat yourself to a spring shrub or tree with sensational blooms.

. Shrubby Camellias give a spectacular show in spring. In shades of pink, white and red, these acid-loving evergreen shrubs grow well in containers.

. Daphne's are irresistible when placed in areas where you can truly enjoy their delicious scent, like near your front door of by pathways.

. Starry or bowl shaped, Magnolias are sensational when in full bloom. We have varieties to suit all gardens, deciduous or evergreen, large or compact.

. Spring tree blossoms fill the view with clouds of soft pinks and whites. Plant now before bud burst and fully enjoy their spectacular displays.

12. Cut back hardy perennials removing any remaining dead stems before new spring growth gets under way and cover beds and borders with a good layer of mulch, being careful to avoid covering developing buds.

13. Remove the top 2-3cm of old compost from permanent pots and top dress with fresh compost.