Gardening in March: A To-Do List for Early Spring Planting

If you’re a gardener, early “almost spring” is a frustrating time. After surviving a long winter I’m always more than ready to plant, but in most areas it’s still too early. I invariably rush to the nursery to wander the aisles and there’s not much there. The garden workers look at me like, “Calm down, Lady, it’s not time yet.”

Well, you’ll be happy to find out that there might not be a lot to offer in garden centers right now, but there are still a lot of things you can do in your gardens.

Here are a few ideas:

Prune. March is the perfect time to prune your shrubs. Boxwood, holly, hedges, etc. are ready to have their dead branches removed and to be reshaped. It’s much easier to do this now before new growth appears.
Remove. Likewise, remove the dead stems from your perennials. This will allow the new stems to grow through. This is also easier to do before new growth appears.
Deadhead. Cut off any spent blooms of early bloomers (crocuses, snowdrops, etc.).
Divide. March is a great time to separate any overgrown perennials. I just divided a huge cluster of rhubarb and gave away the extra to members of my “Buy Nothing” group.
Roses. Now is the time to plant bare root roses (the kind that come with exposed roots with no soil around them). There are countless varieties. Choose one with a nice fragrance. March is also the perfect time to prune and fertilize any existing roses you have.
Bulbs. You can plant summer blooming bulbs right now (daylilies, ranunculus, etc.)
Clear. Rake up any leaves and/or mulch to allow spring bulbs and perennials to poke through. Use a plastic rake to avoid damaging delicate new growth. If you’re getting some sun, removing the mulch layer will also allow your soil to warm up faster.
Hoe. Dig up any weeds, remove stray rocks, old roots and other bits of “rubbish”.
Sprinkle. Put down a light coating of general-purpose organic fertilizer or compost over your garden areas and rake the surface.

You’re now ready to start a new growing season with a clean slate! So, what can you plant in a vegetable garden right now? The following list can be planted in early spring in most areas.

Lettuce, kale, cabbage, spinach and other leafy greens.
Broccoli.
Peas.
Carrots, beets, turnips and parsnips.
Leeks, garlic, shallots and spring onions.
Broad beans.
Herbs.
Brussel sprouts.
Early potatoes
Perennials like asparagus and strawberries.

So, there you have it, lots of things to do right now in your garden to get ready for the onset of the warmer, brighter days ahead. I, for one, can’t wait!