Gardens are starting to become greener and lush as spring is starting to arrive in March which means there are plenty of gardening jobs to do now. 

Springtime officially begins on March 20, which means gardeners across the country are spending more time outside as the days become sunnier and warmer. 

Monty Don, the celebrity gardener and expert horticulturist, has shared there are plenty of jobs to do in March such as taking care of the lawn or pruning shrubs, but there is also plenty to plant. 

On his blog, Monty explained: “Although March is often too early to plant out tender young seedlings it is a very good time to plant woody shrubs. 

“The roots can start to grow before the demands of new foliage become too stressful and this is especially true of any bare-root plants.”

READ MORE: Monty Don warns of essential garden job not to do in March – leave it for June

What to plant in the garden in March 

Woody Shrubs 

March is often the best month to plant woody shrubs such as roses, but make sure to never plant new rose seedlings in a spot where roses have previously grown as there is a higher risk of replanting diseases.

When planting shrubs, it is important to clear out the entire spot and loosen the soil to give the flowers the best chance of thriving. 

Monty explained: “Because these are plants that will hopefully remain in the garden for years to come it is worth taking some trouble with their planting. Make sure that every scrap of perennial weeds are removed and dig a wide but shallow hole about 9 inches deep. Loosen the subsoil but do not add any compost or soil improver.”

Shrubs such as roses tend to be the most responsive when planted in well-draining soil in a sunny spot in the garden away from shade or dry soil. They will also need to be fed and mulched now so they flower in summer. 

Monty said: “Water generously before mulching thickly with good compost.” 

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Dahlias 

Dahlias are the jewel of any garden as not only do they come in a wide range of colours and shapes, but they bloom spectacularly in the summertime. 

Now is the time to begin planting them in pots from tubers so they can begin growing healthy and strong in a frost-free spot before being planted in the garden once the risk of frost damage has passed, which is usually in May. 

Monty said: “I pot them so the tubers are just covered, using a standard peat-free compost mix, doubling up if necessary on smaller tubers of the same variety to make for larger plants. 

“Having given them a good soak these then go into cold frames or the greenhouse,  but will spend a couple of weeks in May hardening off before their final planting in borders or more decorative terracotta pots.” 

Vegetables

There are plenty of hardy vegetables which do well at this time of year as long as the soil conditions are right, so now is the time to prepare a vegetable patch. 

Monty said: “Sow seeds under cover such as cabbage, lettuce, celery, beetroot and tomatoes. 

“Do not sow any seeds outside if the ground feels cold to touch. If warm and dry enough, sow broad beans, beetroot, rocket, spinach, mizuna, parsnips, radish and winter lettuce.”

However, Monty has suggested the number one crop you should prioritise planting in March is shallots, as you are likely to get dozens of individual bulbs from one single plant. 

Monty said: “I think shallots are even more essential to the cook than onions. They have a sweeter taste, tend to be easier to grow and store incredibly well, lasting a year or more in a cool, dark well-ventilated place” 

Shallots should be planted outside in the garden around nine inches apart in rows which are a foot apart to make them easy to hoe.  They should also be covered with a fleece during the first few weeks of being planted as they are an easy target for birds. 

Monty added: “Shallots come in many shapes, colours and sizes but I suggest a slender, red variety like ‘Simiane’ or ‘Longor’ as well as a round one like ‘Meloine’.” 

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Post source: Express