March is the time when the garden awakens from its winter slumber and demands our attention. Although the weather can be unpredictable, and frosts still occur, the work done now will impact the appearance and health of plants for the rest of the season. What tasks are an absolute must-do for every gardener? Here are five key jobs worth tackling in the ornamental garden this March.
1️⃣ Pruning Shrubs and Perennials – Surgery for Plants
Severely pruned roses will reward us with strong growth topped with large blooms.
March is the perfect time for spring pruning of ornamental plants. During this period, we trim species that bloom in summer and autumn, as their buds are just beginning to form.
What’s Worth Pruning?
Roses – Trim the stems of hybrid tea and floribunda roses, removing old, diseased, and dead branches.
Panicle and Smooth Hydrangeas – Prune them quite heavily (though not necessarily very low) to encourage strong new shoots and abundant flowering.
Buddleia (Butterfly Bush) – These butterfly-attracting plants bloom on new growth, so bold pruning stimulates their development.
Ornamental Grasses – Cut back miscanthus and reed grass close to the ground to allow fresh blades to sprout.
💡 Tip: Using well-sharpened shears and pruners reduces the risk of infection and allows for clean, fast healing of cuts.
Why Is Pruning Important?
After pruning, plants produce more young, healthy shoots, leading to lush flowering. It's also worth noting that pruning improves air circulation between branches, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
2️⃣ Cleaning Up Flower Beds – Post-Winter Tidying
Flower Beds Should Be Cleared of Plant Debris, Dead Plant Parts, and Weeds, and the Soil Should Be Loosened.
During winter, organic debris accumulates in the garden—dry leaves, broken branches, and dead perennial parts. Removing them not only improves aesthetics but also prevents fungal diseases from developing.
How to Tidy Up in Spring?
✔️ Remove dry leaves and plant debris, especially those affected by diseases.
✔️ Check the condition of mulch and bark; replenish if necessary.
✔️ Aerate the soil by gently loosening it around plants.
✔️ Clean up paths and bed edges to make the garden look neat and ready for the new season.
💡 Fun Fact: In March, you may spot the first signs of earthworms in your garden—these little allies significantly improve soil structure with their activity!
3️⃣ Fertilization – The First Meal for Plants
March marks the beginning of plant growth – it’s worth giving them a boost with natural and synthetic fertilizers.
As temperatures rise, plants start absorbing nutrients more intensively. Proper early spring fertilization is the key to lush growth and abundant flowering.
What fertilizers should you use?
Compost and manure – excellent natural sources of nutrients that improve soil structure.
Mineral fertilizers – e.g., nitrogen-based to stimulate leaf growth or multi-component for balanced nutrition.
Basalt meal – great for enhancing soil structure and supplying microelements.
Plant teas – extracts from nettle, horsetail, or garlic strengthen plants and protect them from pests.
💡 Tip: Remember to fertilize wisely! Too much nitrogen can make plants focus on leafy growth at the expense of flowering.
4️⃣ Planting New Plants – The First Steps of Spring
Planting and transplanting have the best success rate from autumn to spring. As long as the soil isn't frozen, it's worth doing.
March is a great time to plant frost-resistant plants. You can add new perennials, trees, and ornamental shrubs to your garden.
What plants should you plant in March?
Deciduous trees and shrubs – e.g., lilacs, dogwoods.
Perennials – e.g., rudbeckias, asters, coneflowers, which will have time to establish roots before the growing season.
Pollinator-friendly plants – they will attract beneficial insects to your garden.
💡 Fun fact: Plants planted in March have more time to acclimate before summer, making them more resistant to drought!
5️⃣ Frost Protection – Spring’s Unpredictable Weather
March Weather Is Unpredictable – Be Ready for Frost Protection! Spring weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to keep protective materials close to frost-sensitive plants and stay alert to sudden temperature changes.
Even though the days are getting warmer, nights can still bring unexpected frost. Some plants need extra protection from sudden cold snaps.
How to Protect Your Garden?
Frost cloth (horticultural fleece) – a lightweight fabric that covers sensitive plants overnight.
Mulching – a layer of bark, straw, or sawdust helps retain soil warmth.
Branch and straw covers – perfect for protecting young shrubs and trees.
Smoke candles in polytunnels – help maintain temperature for sensitive crops.
💡 Tip: In case of a sudden but mild frost, placing buckets of water in the garden can help – the evaporating water slightly raises the temperature around the plants!
Summary
March is a time of intensive gardening work that determines the success of the entire season. Pruning, cleaning, fertilizing, planting, and frost protection are the foundations of a thriving garden. By taking action now, we ensure the perfect conditions for plant growth and blooming.
What about you? Do you have your own spring gardening routine? Share it in the comments! 🌿😊