The days are getting longer, and gardens are springing to life making it a delight to get in our gardens. Here are some early spring gardening jobs this March.
March is a lovely month. It can also be a challenging one for the gardener with winter often reluctant to release us from her grip. The sun is getting stronger and plants, insects, birds and small mammals are busying themselves for the longer, warmer days to come as are some unwanted pests.
Mow your lawn – maybe… There is nothing like the smell of a newly mown lawn to make you think of spring and with our milder winters March may well be the time that you need to give your lawn the first mow of the year, but only if the weather is dry and has been dry for a little while or you could cause damage. And if you have any dandelions on your lawn, consider leaving them as they will provide vital food source for insects.
The vegetable plot. The early potatoes that you have been chitting need to planted, as do onion or shallot sets. As the potatoes sprout be watchful of potential frosts and hoe up and cover accordingly. If the forecast is mild think about sowing broad beans, peas, carrots and beetroot. Spinach and summer cabbage and cauliflower can also be sown outdoors along with some lettuces.
Flower borders. March is the perfect time to plant summer flowering bulbs such as gladioli and lilies. Because the weather in March can be variable consider sowing summer flowering annuals such as nicotiana, petunias, marigolds and salvias in the greenhouse or cold frame.
Hardy annuals such as stocks, sunflowers and poppies are by their very nature less affected by variable temperature and weather conditions and if you have a sunny area in your garden should grow well.
Pest prevention. March is the time when garden pests surge. And although some pests have a vital role to play in gardens, we are all aware that as well as our plants springing to life in March our friend the slug is also feeling the urge to fill his tummy on our newly planted seedlings. I favour opting for natural pest control as slug pellets can have a wider impact than just killing the pests you are trying to deter and have a negative effect on wildlife.
There are many natural ways to try and deter slugs. Slugs do not like to eat all plants including foxgloves, lavender and roses. They also do not seem too keen on my particular favourite, cosmos. But as slugs do love some plants perhaps consider placing a barrier around tender plants. You can buy slug barriers at nurseries or garden centres, or you could try eggshells or sharp grit. You could also try and trap slugs with beer traps, small dishes sunk into the ground filled with beer – I find they really like real ale! Finally, if you have the time you could embark on a slug hunt each night after dark!
Rob Bullock https://robbullockauthor.blogspot.com