1. Winter Pruning
Winter pruning is essential for maintaining the health and appearance of your garden. Trim back any dead, damaged, or diseased branches from trees and shrubs. Additionally, prune Willow, Dogwood and Cotinus hard to encourage vigorous new growth for vibrant colour. Use sharp, clean tools to make precise cuts, and remove any crossing or crowded branches to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.
2. Seed Sowing
March is the perfect time to start sowing seeds indoors for early vegetables. Choose cold-hardy crops like lettuce, spinach, and radishes, which can tolerate cooler temperatures and are quick to germinate. Fill seed trays or pots with a quality seed-starting mix, plant seeds according to packet instructions, and place them in a warm, sunny location. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and transplant seedlings outdoors once the threat of frost has passed.
3. Soil Care
Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden. Take the time to assess your soil's moisture level and texture, and make any necessary adjustments. Incorporate organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mulch to improve soil structure, increase fertility, and promote beneficial microbial activity. Mulching with organic materials also helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, creating optimal conditions for plant growth.
4. Blooms Await
Spring bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses are a welcome sight after the long winter months. Ensure they're snug in the soil, with the tips pointing upwards, and add a sprinkle of bulb fertiliser to encourage strong root growth and vibrant blooms. Water bulbs thoroughly after planting, and keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. As the weather warms up, keep an eye out for signs of new growth, and anticipate the colourful display of flowers that will soon grace your garden.
5. Fruit Trees
Pruning fruit trees in early spring helps maintain their shape, stimulate new growth, and improve fruit production. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as any crossing or overcrowded branches that may impede airflow or sunlight penetration. Use sharp, clean tools to make clean cuts at a slight angle, just above a bud or lateral branch. After pruning, apply a balanced fertiliser to provide essential nutrients and encourage healthy growth throughout the growing season.
6. Welcome Wildlife
Attracting wildlife to your garden not only adds beauty and interest but also plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. Clean and refill bird feeders regularly to provide food for feathered visitors, and install birdhouses or nesting boxes to provide shelter and nesting sites for birds. Consider planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers that provide food, shelter, and habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects.
As April approaches, anticipate the arrival of blooming flowers, lush foliage, and the continued progression of your garden's transformation. Embrace the changing seasons, and watch as your garden evolves into a haven of life and colour, ready to be enjoyed for months to come.