1. Start pruning

If your roses haven’t been pruned yet, make that your priority this month. March is ideal before strong new growth really gets going.

You can also:
• Cut back deciduous ornamental grasses that are now showing fresh green shoots at the base
• Remove old, dead perennial stems

But before you tidy everything away, pause for a moment.
Many insects and wildlife overwinter inside hollow stems. If you can, pop the cut stems into a small pile somewhere quiet for a few more weeks until the weather warms up and they can safely emerge from hibernation.

Try the “Chop and Drop” method

The RHS recommends a brilliant method called “chop and drop”.

This simply means:
• Cutting dead stems into small, matchstick-sized pieces
• Dropping them straight onto your borders around your plants

These pieces act as a natural mulch and slowly feed your soil as they break down.
It’s easy, sustainable and great for soil health.

2. Mulch your borders

If you do one big job, this month, make it mulching. March is still a perfect time to mulch before plants grow too large.

Mulch helps to:
• Suppress weeds
• Lock in moisture (which helps hugely in summer)
• Improve and feed your soil

Whether you use compost, well-rotted manure or bark, adding a generous layer around your plants will set your garden up beautifully for the season ahead.But before you tidy everything away, pause for a moment.

3. Start feeding

As plants wake up, they’ll appreciate a gentle boost.

You can begin feeding:
• Roses
• Clematis
• Hydrangeas
• Seedlings in the greenhouse

A liquid seaweed feed is a great, beginner-friendly option. It’s gentle, supports root development, and overall plant health.

4. Handy tools for March

You don’t need lots of fancy equipment. A few reliable tools will go a long way:
• Secateurs (sharp and clean for neat pruning cuts)
• A Hori Hori trowel (brilliant for weeding, dividing plants and general digging jobs)

Good tools make gardening feel much easier and more enjoyable.

Shrubs (scent + structure now)

These are flowering and smelling wonderful at the moment:

• Sarcococca – small but powerfully fragrant
• Daphne – gorgeous scent and delicate flowers
• Viburnum – reliable spring blooms

Adding shrubs gives your garden backbone and interest at eye level.

Climbers (vertical interest)

Climbers add height and soften fences and walls:

• Clematis alpina – early spring flowers
• Star jasmine – evergreen with glossy leaves
• Wisteria – incredible flowers in May (a real showstopper!)

Even small gardens can benefit from vertical planting.

Trees (statement spring beauty)

If you have room, trees completely transform a garden:

• Amelanchier – delicate blossom and beautiful autumn colour
• Magnolia – stunning early blooms
• Cherry blossom – classic spring magic

Even one small ornamental tree can create a focal point.