March feels like a turning point. The light lingers. Buds swell. Lawns begin to grow again. The garden is stirring, and your quiet winter patience starts to pay off.
This is the month to prepare gently for the growing season ahead. A few thoughtful jobs now will set everything up for a strong, confident spring.
March at a glance
- Tidy lawns, beds and borders.
- Improve and mulch the soil.
- Prune roses and certain fruit bushes.
- Plant trees, roses and fruit while conditions are right.
- Stay alert to pests and late frosts.
Prepare lawns and outdoor spaces
First cuts and fresh starts
- If grass is growing well, mow on a dry day with blades set high.
- Rake away debris and moss to improve airflow.
- Lay new turf once soil is workable and no longer frozen.
- Scrub algae from paths and patios to prevent slips.
Keep off very wet lawns where possible. Compacted soil now leads to patchy growth later.
Soil care and mulching
Feed the ground before the plants
- Weed beds regularly as growth accelerates.
- Spread well-rotted manure or garden compost over borders.
- Lightly fork organic matter into the top few centimetres of soil.
- Top-dress containers with fresh compost to restore nutrients.
Mulch borders while soil is still moist. Bark, leaf mould or compost will help retain moisture, suppress weeds and protect roots if cold nights return.
Planting trees, roses and fruit
March is often your last comfortable window for planting deciduous trees before active growth begins.
- Plant apples, pears and cherries in a sunny, sheltered spot.
- Continue planting bare root and container grown roses.
- Move deciduous trees only if absolutely necessary and before leaf break.
- Mulch newly planted trees to conserve moisture.
If you are sending a living gift this season, consider a Star Magnolia Tree Gift as it comes into bloom, or a classic Apple Tree Gift for lasting fruit and blossom. A Pink Thank You Rose Bush Gift planted now will reward with flowers in early summer.
Pruning in March
Encourage strong new growth
- Prune roses to outward facing buds to shape and strengthen plants.
- Thin gooseberries to improve airflow and fruit quality.
- Remove dead or damaged wood from shrubs.
- Avoid pruning most evergreens until later in spring.
Always prune on a dry day with clean tools. March cuts should feel purposeful, not drastic.
Feeding and watering
- Apply a balanced slow release fertiliser to trees and hedges.
- Feed roses as growth begins.
- Use ericaceous feed for blueberries and other acid loving plants.
- Water sparingly but do not allow pots to dry out completely in dry spells.
If you grow citrus indoors, now is the time to increase feeding. Explore our citrus trees and pair them with specialist feed for the growing season ahead.
Protect blossom and new growth
Late frosts can still arrive in March.
- Use horticultural fleece to protect early fruit blossom.
- Shelter tender shoots during cold nights.
- Keep mulch in place around root zones for insulation.
Natural pest control
New growth attracts attention.
- Hand remove slugs and snails where possible.
- Encourage birds and beneficial insects into the garden.
- Check young shoots for aphids and deal with them early.
A balanced garden manages pests more easily than a chemical dependent one.
Encourage wildlife
- Install bird boxes before nesting begins in earnest.
- Create simple bee habitats using bundled hollow stems.
- Plant nectar rich flowers to support pollinators.
- Leave shallow water sources for thirsty visitors.
March is when the garden becomes a shared space again.
Indoor growing in March
- Increase watering gradually as houseplants return to active growth.
- Repot rootbound plants into fresh compost.
- Clean leaves to improve light absorption.
A Lemon Tree Gift indoors can bridge the gap between winter and spring beautifully, offering blossom, scent and the promise of fruit.
What is MyTree™?
When someone receives a Tree2MyDoor gift, they are invited to join MyTree™. It is our gentle care companion.
- Clear seasonal guidance tailored to their tree or plant.
- Simple reminders at the right time of year.
- Confidence for first time growers.
It turns a thoughtful gift into an ongoing relationship with nature. That reassurance matters, especially in early spring when new gardeners are finding their feet.
Looking ahead
- Previous month: Gardening jobs for February
- Next month: Gardening jobs for April
March asks for steady preparation rather than urgency. Tend the soil. Shape what needs shaping. Protect what is emerging. Spring will do the rest.