All comments and tips to be attributed to Darren Beard, Plant Buyer at Cherry Lane Garden Centres.
As days grow longer and temperatures begin to rise, March marks the true transition from winter into spring. It’s a crucial month for laying foundations, encouraging early growth and getting ahead with essential garden maintenance before the growing season fully takes off.
Horticultural experts at Cherry Lane Garden Centres have rounded up the key gardening jobs for March, helping gardeners make the most of improving conditions while protecting young plants from unpredictable weather.
Here are the top jobs for the garden this March:
- Plant summer flowering bulbs outside
“March is the perfect time to plant summer-flowering bulbs such as lilies, gladioli and dahlias. As the soil begins to warm, bulbs can establish strong roots, leading to healthier plants and vibrant blooms later in the season. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot for best results.”
- Plant early potatoes
“Planting early potatoes in March gives them plenty of time to develop before summer. Ensure the soil is workable and not waterlogged, and earth up shoots as they grow to protect them from late frosts and encourage a good crop.”
- Start mowing lawns
“As grass begins to grow again, March is the right time to start mowing lawns. Keep the first few cuts light and set the mower blades high to avoid stressing the grass after winter. Regular mowing from now on encourages thicker, healthier growth.”
- Weed and mulch borders
“Removing weeds early in the season prevents them from competing with plants for nutrients and water. Adding a layer of mulch afterwards helps suppress further weed growth, retain moisture and improve soil structure, giving plants a strong start as temperatures rise.”
- Prepare the ground for laying turf
“If you’re planning to lay new turf, March is an ideal time to prepare the ground. Clear weeds, level the soil and improve drainage to create a smooth, firm base. Proper preparation now ensures turf establishes quickly and evenly.”
- Sow tomatoes, chillies, sweet peppers and aubergines in pots indoors or in the greenhouse
“March is the ideal month to sow tender crops such as tomatoes, chillies, sweet peppers and aubergines indoors or in a greenhouse. These plants need warmth to fertilise, so sowing them under cover gives them the head start they need before being moved outdoors later in the year.”
- Protect young perennials with slug pellets
“As new growth appears, slugs become more active and can quickly damage young plants. Protect vulnerable perennials early to prevent setbacks, checking regularly and reapplying protection as needed to keep plants healthy.”
- Apply weed and feed to lawns then scarify
“Applying a weed and feed treatment in March helps nourish lawns while controlling unwanted weeds. Scarifying afterwards removes moss and thatch, improving airflow and allowing grass to grow stronger and more evenly throughout the season.”
For all your gardening needs and to find your nearest Cherry Lane Garden Centre, please use the store locator here.
‘Slugageddon 2.0’ hits UK gardens – expert shares five ways to keep slugs away
As reports of ‘Slugageddon 2.0’ begin to surface across the UK, gardeners are being warned to prepare for a potential surge in slugs this spring.
Recent wet and mild conditions have created the ideal environment for the pests to thrive, putting young plants and fresh growth at risk just as the gardening season gets underway.
But while the prospect of a garden full of slugs might sound alarming, experts say a few simple preventative steps can help keep the pests under control and protect plants from damage.
Tom Douglas, Head of Garden at Cherry Lane Garden Centres, says: “When conditions are damp and mild, slug numbers can increase quickly, so the key is to focus on prevention and making your garden less inviting to them in the first place.
“Small changes to how you manage your garden can go a long way in protecting plants and keeping slug numbers under control.
“One of the biggest mistakes is reacting too late, once plants are already badly damaged. Another is relying on a single solution, because slug control works best when several small measures are combined – prevention, habitat management, and regular checks.”
Here are Tom and Cherry Lane’s top tips for keeping slugs away from your garden:
- Focus on prevention
One of the most effective approaches is making your garden less inviting to slugs in the first place. They hide in cool, damp spots during the day, so regularly clearing away piles of leaves, old pots and dense weeds can remove their favourite hiding places.
- Water wisely
Watering plants in the morning rather than the evening can help deter slugs. If the soil surface has time to dry out during the day, it becomes less appealing for slugs who tend to be most active at night.
- Use natural deterrents
Natural deterrents such as crushed eggshells, gravel or horticultural grit can be placed around vulnerable plants. These rough surfaces make it harder for slugs to reach plants and many will avoid crossing them.
- Encourage natural predators
Creating a wildlife-friendly garden can naturally help keep slug numbers in check. Frogs, hedgehogs, birds and beetles all feed on slugs, so features like ponds, log piles or wildlife-friendly corners can help support these helpful predators.
- Check plants regularly
If slugs are already present, a quick evening check with a torch can be surprisingly effective. Removing them by hand might not be the most glamorous job, but it’s one of the fastest ways to protect young plants.
For all your gardening needs and to find your nearest Cherry Lane Garden Centre, please use the store locator here.