Gardening in March: what to do

March is a great time to get started on gardening in Ireland, as the weather begins to warm up and the days get longer.
Here are some gardening tasks you can do in March to prepare for the growing season:

Start by removing any debris or fallen leaves from your garden beds. This will allow you to assess the condition of the soil and identify any areas that need to be improved. You can then add compost or other organic materials to enrich the soil and provide nutrients for your plants.

March is a good time to start planting early vegetables like peas, broad beans, lettuce, and spinach. These crops can be planted directly into the soil, as long as it is not too wet or waterlogged. You can also start seeds indoors for later transplanting.

It is also a good time to prune shrubs and trees, before new growth begins. Cut away any dead or diseased branches, and shape the plant as desired. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools to prevent the spread of disease.

Potatoes are a favourite crop in Ireland, and St Patricks day is the traditional time to start planting them. Chit now and they you can plant seed potatoes directly into the ground, or in containers if you have limited space.

If you want to attract bees and other pollinators to your garden, consider sowing some wildflowers. March is a good time to plant wildflower seeds, which will grow into colorful blooms throughout the summer.

Dividing perennials is another important gardening task to consider in March, especially if you have established perennial plants in your garden that have become overcrowded or are not producing as well as they used to. Dividing perennials is a way to rejuvenate the plants, promote healthier growth, and increase their overall lifespan.

To divide perennials, start by digging up the entire plant from the ground using a garden fork or shovel. Carefully separate the plant into smaller sections, making sure each section has enough roots and healthy shoots. Replant the divided sections in their new locations, spacing them out evenly and making sure to water them thoroughly.

Some common perennials that can be divided in March in Ireland include daisies, black-eyed Susans, irises, and daylilies. Dividing perennials in the spring also allows them plenty of time to establish new roots and grow before the hot summer weather arrives.

Dividing perennials is a great way to expand your garden, fill in empty spaces, and keep your plants healthy and productive. It’s important to remember to keep the soil around the newly divided plants moist for the first few weeks, and to protect them from direct sunlight until they have established themselves in their new location.

Now is a good time to start preparing your lawn for the growing season. Rake away any fallen leaves or debris, and apply a slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth. If you have bare patches, you can sow grass seed or lay turf.

By clearing debris, preparing the soil, planting early vegetables, pruning shrubs and trees, starting potatoes, sowing wildflowers, and caring for your lawn, you can set yourself up for a successful and productive growing season.

RHSI,
Laurelmere Cottage,
Marlay Park,
Grange Road,
Rathfarnham,
Dubin 16,
D16 H9T4,
Ireland.

Tel: +353 1 493 7154
Email: info@rhsi.ie

Copyright © 2014 - 2025. RHSI. All rights reserved.

Registered Charity CHY4598 Founded in 1816
Privacy Policy