March

March welcomes Spring, and some sunshine is most welcome. The Equinox on the 20th marks equal day and night. The increasing levels of light are coaxing more plants out of dormancy and the vibrant flush of colour offered by spring bulbs is a taster of brighter times to come. We humans are also energised by the light and heat and feel the strong pull of the first sunny days of the year driving us out to the garden. Spring sun is very special because we know tomorrow it is just as likely to snow!

Weed it out

It’s worth getting on top of the weeding at this time of year. Clearing away the plants you don’t want, early on, will leave more space and nutrition for those that you do want to grow.

Mulch it up

Follow up your weeding by applying a mulch of organic matter. Mulch helps to retain moisture, supress weeds and gently feeds the soil. Well-rotted manure or garden compost is ideal.

Cut it back

Now is the time to finish pruning wisteria, summer-flowering clematis and roses. The sap is rising and if you leave it much longer you will be cutting away valuable energy from the plants.

Dogwoods, willows and cotinus can be cut right down to the base if you want to create some space and promote vigorous new growth.

Also, take the opportunity to prune out any wind-damaged branches on trees and shrubs to keep plants healthy.

Plant it out

It’s a good time to plant bare rooted strawberries; try putting some in hanging baskets to keep the fruits (when they come) away from hungry slugs.

If you have been chitting potatoes and have some shoots forming, the earlies can go in towards the end of the month. Even a single seed potato planted in a large container can yield a good harvest and is a lovely project for children to get involved with.

Summer flowering bulbs such as lilies can be planted in pots and borders, and this is also good time to put in new roses and other shrubs and climbers.

Tidy it up

As alpines start to flower; remove any dead leaves, then mulch with grit to keep the foliage off damp soil – they will look so much happier!

Deadhead spring bulbs so they don't set seed but let the foliage die back naturally to keep plants vigorous.

Show it off

Many of us enjoy bringing something of the garden indoors to appreciate. Daffodils, hellebores and primroses are just a few of the blooms that can help beautify our homes at this time of year and remind us why we put the hard work in.

Want the garden waste collection service?

Wealden’s Garden Waste Service enables residents to subscribe to have up to four garden waste bins emptied on a fortnightly basis. The new subscription year has already started but you can still sign up by visiting www.wealden.gov.uk/gardenwaste. If you have already subscribed but want an extra bin please call us on 01323 443322. Happy gardening!