March

General

Continue weeding, and then apply a layer of mulch to suppress weeds.

Provide support to tall perennials.

Protect emerging shoots from snails and slugs; there are many options to choose from. It is important to keep the vulnerable areas clear of plant debris, regularly check pots and plants and manually remove the pest.

Deadhead daffodils do not tie or cut the foliage.

Planting and Pruning

Lift, divide and replant clumps of herbs particularly chives and mint.

Divide and replant clumps of snowdrops, hellebores and winter aconites after flowering. Snowdrops need to be re-established in the green.

Late March direct sow hardy annuals and label. Possibilities include Nigella damascene - love-in a-mist, Calendula officinalis - pot marigold, and Limnanthes douglasii - poached egg plant all very easy to grow.

Prune deciduous grasses by cutting back to ground level.

Prune evergreen grasses by cutting out dead and old stems, remove dead leaves.

Prune honeysuckles to reduce size or congestion, cut back to where you can see new shoots emerging from bare stems.

Prune shrubby herbs cut into last year’s growth to within 5-10cm of new buds. Do not cut into old wood unless there is new growth visible.

Lawn

Lawn maintenance progresses;

Remove plant debris from the lawn’s surface this includes moss and thatch. Disperse worm casts when dry use a stiff broom or besom.

Improve drainage by aerating the lawn with a hollow-tine or fork, finish by brushing in grit or sharp sand ensure both are of horticultural quality.

Prepare areas for the laying of turf.

Later in the month be prepared to make the first cut of the season with the warmer weather ensure that the surface is dry. For the first cut set the blades at their highest and collect all grass clippings.