Hi all as we are starting to see the signs of Spring here are the key jobs that can be tackled in your garden during the month of March.
- Last chance to prune roses
- Plant onion sets and shallots
- Plant summer-flowering bulbs
- Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials
- Plant early potatoes
- Cut back herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses that have been left standing over winter
- Start off dahlia tubers in pots or trays of damp peat-free compost
- Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Dig in compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure
- Direct Sow: Lettuce, spinach, radishes, peas, broad beans, carrots, and parsnips.
- Start Indoors: Tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines
- Last chance to prune Apple & Pear Trees – Do this before they start active growth
- Prune Summer-Flowering Shrubs including buddleia, fuchsia, and hydrangeas
- Lawn care: Repair bare patches or reseed worn areas of your lawn. To improve drainage use a garden fork or aerator and brush in horticultural sand
- Finally in answer to the question; “When should we start mowing the lawn?” After consulting a variety of reputable sources its best to hold off until the Spring Equinox which this year is March 20th. Therefore I won’t be mowing until week commencing the 17th March at the earliest and weather dependant. And don’t forget first cut set the cutter at the highest level!
New service: Finally as we begin to sow seed and fill our borders I am pleased to offer an additional service. Lloyd’s of Chester now have direct access to the Planting Team at Okells Nurseries and can provide expert advice on plant choices relevant to your soil type and aspect. (Sun/Part-Shade/Shade).
We also offer soil analysis including pH testing. Please ask me for more information if you need help with plant selection, sourcing and collection.
Best regards, Steve.