What to sow and plant in March

Jobs for established plants in March

• Prune
  Abelia (grandiflora)

  Remove a few of the oldest stems at the base and shorten any straggly shoots.

• Spring Feed
  Alpine Strawberry (Mignonette)

  Give a light high-potash feed and top-dress pots with fresh compost.

• Annual Feeding
  Apple (Bramley's Seedling)

  Apply a balanced fruit tree fertilizer around the drip line of the tree.

• Spring Feed
  Apple (Columnar)

  Feed with a fruit feed and replace the top 5 cm of compost in pots.

• Spring Feed and Mulch
  Apple (Cox's Orange Pippin)

  Scatter a fruit feed over the root area and top up the mulch.

• Spring Feed and Mulch
  Apple (Discovery)

  Scatter a fruit feed over the root area and top up the mulch.

• Spring Fertilization
  Apple (Golden Delicious)

  Apply a balanced granular fertilizer around the drip line of the tree to support new growth.

• Spring Feed and Mulch
  Apple (James Grieve)

  Scatter a fruit feed over the root area and top up the mulch.

• Spring Fertilization
  Apricot

  Apply a balanced fruit tree fertilizer or compost around the drip line as new growth begins.

• Weed and Mulch the Bed
  Asparagus (Gijnlim)

  Hand-weed carefully and mulch with compost or manure.

• Cut Back Old Growth
  Astilbe

  Leave the dried plumes for winter, then cut everything down in early spring.

• Divide Big Clumps
  Astilbe

  Every 3–4 years, lift big clumps, split them into fist-sized pieces with a spade and replant the young outer parts.

• Cut Back Old Growth
  Astrantia (Masterwort)

  Cut last year's dead stems and leaves to the ground before the new shoots get going.

• Start Them Off Again
  Begonia (Non-Stop Mixed)

  Check stored tubers/corms, discard any soft ones and pot them up (or plant out once frosts are over).

• Cut Back Old Stems
  Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Goldsturm)

  Cut old stems to the ground to make room for new shoots.

• Mulch and Feed
  Blackberry (Loch Ness)

  Feed with a general fertiliser and mulch with compost.

• Spring Feed
  Blackcurrant (Ben Sarek)

  Blackcurrants are hungry: feed with a high-nitrogen fertiliser and mulch with manure.

• Spring Mulch
  Bleeding Heart

  Spread a 5 cm mulch of compost around the plant, keeping it off the stems.

• Mulch and Feed
  Boysenberry (Thornless)

  Feed with a general fertiliser and mulch with compost.

• Cut Back Hard
  Butterfly Bush (Buddleja)

  Cut all stems back to 30–60 cm from the ground — it flowers on new growth.

• Start Them Off Again
  Calla Lily (Zantedeschia)

  Check stored tubers/corms, discard any soft ones and pot them up (or plant out once frosts are over).

• Start Them Off Again
  Canna (Lucifer)

  Check stored tubers/corms, discard any soft ones and pot them up (or plant out once frosts are over).

• Cut Back Old Growth
  Catmint (Walker's Low)

  Cut last year's dead stems and leaves to the ground before the new shoots get going.

• Spring Tidy
  Catnip

  Cut old stems to the ground as new shoots appear.

• Spring Feed and Mulch
  Cherry (Morello)

  Scatter a general fruit feed and mulch the root area.

• Spring Fertilization
  Cherry (Stella)

  Apply a balanced fertilizer around the drip line of the tree to support new growth and fruit development.

• Spring Feed and Mulch
  Cherry (Sunburst)

  Scatter a general fruit feed and mulch the root area.

• Divide the Clump
  Chives

  Every 3–4 years, lift and split large clumps into smaller pieces to keep them vigorous.

• Feed and Mulch
  Clematis (Jackmanii)

  Give a general feed and mulch the roots (keep them cool and shaded).

• Spring Mulch & Feed
  Comfrey (Bocking 14)

  Apply a generous layer of compost or organic mulch around the base of the comfrey plant to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and provide nutrients for vigorous growth.

• Cut Back Old Stems
  Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

  Cut last year's stems to the ground before new growth starts.

• Cut Back Old Growth
  Coreopsis (Early Sunrise)

  Cut last year's dead stems and leaves to the ground before the new shoots get going.

• Spring Fertilizing
  Crab Apple (Red Sentinel)

  Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer or well-rotted compost around the drip line of the tree to support new growth.

• Divide Congested Clumps
  Crocosmia (Lucifer)

  Every few years in spring, lift and split crowded clumps of corms and replant them.

• Deadhead and Feed
  Crocus (Large-Flowered Mixed)

  Snap off faded flower heads (not the leaves) and give a high-potash feed to build up the bulb for next year.

• Spring Fertilizing
  Damson (Merryweather)

  Apply a balanced fruit tree fertilizer or well-rotted compost around the base of the tree, avoiding direct contact with the trunk, as new growth begins.

• Guard Against Slugs
  Delphinium (Pacific Giant)

  Slugs devour the new shoots — protect them with wool pellets, grit or a beer trap.

• Hard Prune (Coppice)
  Dogwood (Midwinter Fire)

  Cut all the stems down to 5–10 cm above the ground (or a third of them each year) to get bright new stems.

• Cut Down Old Stems
  Fennel (Bronze)

  Cut last year's dead stems to the ground before new growth starts.

• Spring Feeding
  Fig (Brown Turkey)

  Apply a balanced granular fertilizer around the base of the tree.

• Spring Feed
  Flowering Cherry (Amanogawa)

  Scatter a general feed around the tree and mulch.

• Cut Back Old Growth
  Fountain Grass (Pennisetum)

  Cut the whole clump down to 10 cm in early spring before new growth starts.

• Divide the Clump
  Garlic Chives

  Every few years, lift and split crowded clumps.

• Cut Back and Repot
  Geranium (Zonal Pelargonium)

  Cut overwintered plants back by half and repot into fresh compost to start them into growth.

• Divide Big Clumps
  Geum (Totally Tangerine)

  Every 3–4 years, lift big clumps, split them into fist-sized pieces with a spade and replant the young outer parts.

• Prune
  Goji Berry

  Shorten long whippy shoots by half and remove weak or crossing stems; fruit comes on last year's and new wood.

• Comb Out Dead Leaves
  Golden Oats (Stipa gigantea)

  Cut last year's flower stems off at the base, then run your gloved fingers through the clump to pull out old, dead leaves. Do not cut the foliage back hard.

• Spring Feed & Mulch
  Greengage (Cambridge Gage)

  Apply a balanced fruit tree fertilizer and replenish mulch around the base of the tree.

• Spring Mulch
  Hazel (Kentish Cob)

  Mulch the root area with compost.

• Tidy Old Leaves
  Heuchera (Coral Bells)

  Snip off tatty old leaves and mulch around the crown.

• Mulch
  Honeyberry (Haskap)

  Mulch with compost to keep the roots moist.

• Spring Mulch
  Honeysuckle (Graham Thomas)

  Mulch the roots with compost — honeysuckle likes its feet cool and its head in the sun.

• Replant Thin Roots
  Horseradish

  Replant pencil-thick pieces of root 30 cm apart for next year's crop.

• Spring Prune
  Hydrangea (Mophead)

  Cut last year's dead flower heads back to the first pair of fat, healthy buds. Remove one or two of the oldest stems at the base.

• Prune
  Hypericum (Hidcote)

  Cut back last year's shoots by up to half to keep it bushy.

• Deadhead and Feed
  Iris reticulata

  Snap off faded flower heads (not the leaves) and give a high-potash feed to build up the bulb for next year.

• Spring Feed
  Japanese Maple

  Scatter a slow-release feed and top up the mulch (use ericaceous compost for pots).

• Mulch and Feed
  Japanese Wineberry

  Feed with a general fertiliser and mulch with compost.

• Spring Feed
  Jostaberry

  Feed with a general fertiliser and mulch with manure.

• Cut Back Old Growth
  Knautia (macedonica)

  Cut last year's dead stems and leaves to the ground before the new shoots get going.

• Prune and Top-Dress
  Lemon (Meyer)

  Pinch back leggy shoots and replace the top 5 cm of compost; repot into a slightly bigger pot every 2–3 years.

• Spring Awakening & Feed
  Lemon Balm

  As new growth appears in spring, give a light feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer to encourage vigorous foliage. Check for any emerging pests.

• Cut Back Old Growth
  Liatris (Gayfeather)

  Cut last year's dead stems and leaves to the ground before the new shoots get going.

• Mulch and Feed
  Loganberry (Thornless)

  Feed with a general fertiliser and mulch with compost.

• Spring Mulch
  Lovage

  Mulch with compost as new shoots appear.

• Guard Against Slugs
  Lupin (Gallery Mixed)

  Protect young shoots from slugs and snails.

• Prune
  Mahonia (Charity)

  After flowering, cut leggy stems back to a whorl of leaves to keep it bushy.

• Cut Old Fronds
  Male Fern

  Cut last year's fronds at the base before the new ones uncurl.

• Comb Out Dead Leaves
  Mexican Feather Grass

  Run your gloved fingers through the clump to pull out old, dead leaves. Do not cut it back hard.

• Spring Trim
  Mexican Fleabane

  Shear off the old growth in spring to keep it neat.

• Cut Back Old Growth
  Michaelmas Daisy

  Cut last year's dead stems and leaves to the ground before the new shoots get going.

• Divide Big Clumps
  Michaelmas Daisy

  Every 3–4 years, lift big clumps, split them into fist-sized pieces with a spade and replant the young outer parts.

• Divide and Repot
  Mint (Spearmint)

  Every spring or two, tip out the pot, split the root ball and replant a healthy piece in fresh compost.

• Spring Feed and Mulch
  Mirabelle Plum (de Nancy)

  Scatter a general fruit feed and mulch the root area.

• Spring Mulch
  Mulberry (Black)

  Spread well-rotted compost over the root area.

• Feed the Leaves
  Nerine (Guernsey Lily)

  Give a high-potash feed while the leaves grow; leave them until they yellow in summer.

• Feed Olive Tree
  Olive

  Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support new growth and fruit production.

• Spring Cleanup
  Oregano

  Remove any dead or damaged foliage from the previous year to encourage new growth.

• Divide Big Clumps
  Ox-Eye Daisy

  Every 3–4 years, lift big clumps, split them into fist-sized pieces with a spade and replant the young outer parts.

• Spring Prune
  Passion Flower (Blue)

  Cut back side shoots to 2–3 buds from the main framework and remove frost-damaged growth.

• Spring Feeding
  Peach (Peregrine)

  Apply a balanced granular fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins.

• Spring Fertilization
  Pear (Concorde)

  Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) around the drip line as new growth begins in early spring.

• Spring Fertilizing
  Pear (Conference)

  Apply a balanced granular fertilizer around the drip line in early spring before bud break.

• Spring Feed
  Peony (Sarah Bernhardt)

  Scatter a general fertiliser around the plant as shoots emerge.

• Spring Feeding
  Peppermint

  Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer to encourage vigorous spring growth.

• Divide Big Clumps
  Persicaria (Firetail)

  Every 3–4 years, lift big clumps, split them into fist-sized pieces with a spade and replant the young outer parts.

• Spring Feed and Mulch
  Persimmon (Kaki)

  Scatter a general fruit feed and mulch the root area.

• Spring Feed and Mulch
  Plum (Opal)

  Scatter a general fruit feed and mulch the root area.

• Spring Fertilizing
  Plum (Victoria)

  Apply a balanced fruit tree fertilizer or well-rotted compost around the drip line of the tree.

• Spring Fertilization
  Quince (Meech's Prolific)

  Apply a balanced fruit tree fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins.

• Mulch and Feed
  Raspberry (All Gold)

  Feed with sulphate of potash and mulch well.

• Mulch and Feed
  Raspberry (Autumn Bliss)

  Feed with sulphate of potash and mulch well.

• Spring Mulch and Feed
  Raspberry (Glen Ample)

  Feed with sulphate of potash and mulch with well-rotted manure.

• Spring Feed
  Rhododendron

  Feed with an ericaceous fertiliser and mulch with pine bark or leaf mould.

• Feed and Mulch
  Rose (Climbing, New Dawn)

  Scatter rose feed and mulch with manure, keeping it off the stems.

• Feed and Mulch
  Rose (English Shrub)

  Scatter rose feed around the base and mulch with well-rotted manure, keeping it off the stems.

• Spring Feed
  Rose (Floribunda, Bush)

  Scatter rose feed around the base and mulch with well-rotted manure, keeping it off the stems.

• Cut Back Old Growth
  Salad Burnet

  Cut back tatty old leaves to make way for fresh growth.

• Cut Down in Spring
  Salvia (Caradonna)

  Cut last year's growth to the ground as new shoots appear.

• Prune
  Sea Buckthorn

  Cutting off fruited twigs at harvest is pruning enough; remove suckers you do not want.

• Cut Back Old Growth
  Sea Holly (Eryngium)

  Leave the seed heads for winter interest, then cut old stems down in early spring.

• Comb Out Dead Leaves
  Sedge (Carex Evergold)

  Comb out old brown leaves with gloved fingers; trim tatty tips.

• Cut Back Old Growth
  Sedum (Autumn Joy)

  Leave the dead heads for winter frost patterns; cut them off when new shoots appear.

• Divide Big Clumps
  Shasta Daisy

  Every 3–4 years, lift big clumps, split them into fist-sized pieces with a spade and replant the young outer parts.

• Prune
  Shrubby Potentilla

  Trim the whole shrub by about a third, and cut a few old stems to the base every few years.

• Spring Mulch
  Silver Birch

  Mulch around young trees to keep weeds and grass away from the roots.

• Prune
  Smoke Bush (Royal Purple)

  For the biggest leaves, cut stems back hard to a low framework each spring (you lose the "smoke"). Otherwise just tidy.

• Deadhead and Feed
  Snowdrop

  Snap off faded flower heads (not the leaves) and give a high-potash feed to build up the bulb for next year.

• Prune
  Spiraea (Goldflame)

  Cut back the stems hard to a low framework (about 15 cm) for the best leaf colour.

• Spring Feed
  Strawberry (Cambridge Favourite)

  Scatter a high-potash fertiliser around the plants.

• Spring Feed
  Strawberry (Elsanta)

  Scatter a high-potash fertiliser (or sulphate of potash) around the plants.

• Spring Feed
  Strawberry (Mara des Bois)

  Scatter a high-potash fertiliser around the plants.

• Divide
  Tarragon (French)

  Every 3 years, lift and divide to keep the plant vigorous.

• Mulch and Feed
  Tayberry

  Feed with a general fertiliser and mulch with compost.

• Cut Back Old Growth
  Veronica (Speedwell)

  Cut last year's dead stems and leaves to the ground before the new shoots get going.

• Spring Mow (Optional)
  Wildflower Meadow Mix

  If the grass is lush, give a quick high mow before flowers start.

• High-Potash Feed
  Wisteria (Chinese)

  Scatter sulphate of potash around the roots to encourage flower buds.

• Prune
  Witch Hazel (Arnold Promise)

  Only remove crossing branches and suckers from below the graft, after flowering.

• Cut Back and Divide
  Yarrow

  Cut old stems down; lift and divide big clumps every few years.

Other months

What to sow in January, What to sow in February, What to sow in April, What to sow in May, What to sow in June, What to sow in July, What to sow in August, What to sow in September, What to sow in October, What to sow in November and What to sow in December.