In March there is a lot of activity in the garden, because there is now a wide range of work on the agenda. Spring is not just an important planting time. In addition, various maintenance tasks have top priority so that your garden shines in all its splendor in summer. These tips get to the heart of what needs to be done in the ornamental and kitchen garden.
What to do in the garden in March?
In March, plants should be cut in the garden, the soil prepared, perennials and trees planted, crops sown and the lawn cared for. Protective measures against snails are also important.
Continuous use of secateurs – cutting dates at a glance
When the vegetation is in the starting blocks in March, this is the last opportunity for professional pruning. Cut back the following trees and perennials in the first month of spring:
- Prune and thin out rose varieties that bloom more often
- Cut off frozen shoot tips of evergreen cherry laurel and rhododendron
- Thinning out summer-flowering and twice-flowering clematis
- At the beginning of March, shorten all subshrubs by half
Shortly before the fresh shoots are the best time to carry out shape and maintenance pruning on berry bushes. Furthermore, cut back strong-growing apple trees in March to reduce their vigor and increase yield.
Soil preparation sets the course for vital growth
If you haven't already done so in the fall, pay special attention to the garden soil in March. Rake the soil several times to give microorganisms an extra dose of oxygen. Then enrich the weed-free soil with 3 to 5 liters of sifted compost and 100 grams of horn meal per square meter.
These plants want to go into the ground in March
March offers a second opportunity for all home gardeners who missed the autumn planting date for perennials and trees. Nurseries still have bare-rooted shrubs in their program until the end of the month to plant an inexpensive, living garden fence. Ring in the new season in the kitchen garden by growing horseradish and sowing peas, red cabbage, carrots and radishes. Beetroot, onions and lamb's lettuce will be added at the end of March.
Fitness treatment for the lawn – what to do in March
The hardships of winter can be clearly seen on the lawn in spring. So that the green area is transformed into a velvety green carpet, the following care program stimulates the growth of the noble grasses:
- Mow for the first time at a height of about 8 cm
- Fertilize and water the lawn
- After a waiting period of 2 weeks, scarify the area
Once you have combed out the moss and weeds, close any gaps with grass seeds or a lawn patch.
Tip
Just in time for the beginning of spring, voracious snails are there to feast on the fresh greenery of your ornamental and useful plants. By regularly spraying liverwort extract diluted with water, you will spoil the appetite of the voracious pests. If you protect individual young plants with a snail collar or surround the entire bed with a snail fence, the voracious snails will look disgruntledly around for other pastures.
