Other Jobs Around The Garden This March

Prepare for Spring Growth 

• Clear debris: Remove any dead leaves, twigs, and spent flowers from your garden beds, lawn, and pathways. This helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering and allows new growth to emerge unimpeded. 
• Clean tools: Sharpen, oil, and clean your garden tools so they’re ready for the season ahead. Ensure your lawn mower, shears, and spades are in good working order. 

Prepare the Soil 

• Fork over beds: If your garden soil is dry enough, fork over garden beds to break up any compacted soil from the winter months. This will allow for better air circulation and root growth once plants start to grow. 
• Add compost or organic matter: Enrich the soil with well-rotted compost or manure. This will add essential nutrients, improve soil structure, and help retain moisture. 
• Test soil pH: March is a good time to test your soil’s pH if you haven’t done so recently. Adjust the pH if necessary to suit your plants’ needs—adding lime can raise the pH, while sulfur can lower it. 

Protect Against Late Frosts 

• Cover tender plants: If you’ve started sowing tender plants indoors or have early plants outside, protect them from late frosts by covering them with horticultural fleece or cloches on particularly cold nights. 
• Check the weather forecast: Keep an eye on the weather and be ready to bring in potted plants or protect outdoor plants if frost is expected. 

Prepare and Install

• Get rid of slimy patches on patios and paving by scrubbing with a broom or blasting with a pressure washer.
• Install water butts for the season ahead. Position them under a downpipe to make the most of rainfall.
• Scrub watering cans with hot soapy water to prevent fungal diseases.

Ponds and Water features

• Now is the ideal time to install a new pond or water feature.
• Remove any pond netting left over from the autumn/winter.

Deal with Pests 

• Check for pests: Inspect your garden regularly for pests like aphids, snails, and slugs. Handpick snails or use natural predators for aphids like ladybugs. 
• Encourage beneficial insects: March is a great time to plant flowers that attract pollinators, such as wildflowers, foxgloves, and lavender. These help support a healthy ecosystem in your garden. 

By following these tips, your garden will thrive through the spring and summer months, giving you a lush and productive outdoor space to enjoy! 🌱🌷🌼