Nine tips for gardening in March

Even though temperatures outside are still wintery, the pleasure of gardening can begin indoors right now. March is the perfect month to pre-germinate tomatoes on the windowsill, for example. If you haven't already done so, all slow-growing vegetable plants, such as peppers and chillies or even eggplants, should be sown now at the latest.

The best option for sowing vegetables is a low-nutrient propagating soil such as the 'COMPO SANA® Potting Soil for Herbs and Seedlings' propagating and herb soil, as the little plants need a low-nutrient base. Otherwise, you need seed trays or pots for sowing, as well as a bright, warm windowsill and you're good to go! Depending on the type of vegetable, most seedlings can move to a container or vegetable patch in mild weather from the end of April to mid-May. Our advice article provides you with detailed instructions on how best to proceed if you want to pre-germinate vegetables.

By the way, if you want to pre-germinate potatoes, you can do that in March, too.

While many heat-loving vegetable plants in our part of the world wait longingly for the summer, some hardy vegetables that are less susceptible to frost can be sown in a cold frame from as early as March when the temperatures get warmer. For example, root vegetables such as radishes and carrots, as well as curled and cabbage lettuce or rocket will germinate at relatively low soil temperatures.

If you want to sow your vegetable plants in a patch or raised beds as part of a mixed crop, find out beforehand which species can be planted side by side. For example, radishes are very easy to care for and can be planted in a vegetable patch with carrots and lettuces with no problem at all.

Early spring is the ideal time to plant berry bushes such as raspberries, currants or gooseberries. Tip for planting in vegetable patches: Before planting, place the shrub's root ball in a bucket of water for a few minutes to allow it to soak up sufficient moisture. Now dig the planting hole, put the berry bush of your choice into it and then fill in the gaps with soil. Make sure the shrub's root ball is only as deep in the soil as it was before in the pot.

We recommend that you work some organic universal longterm fertilizer into the soil before planting to provide the plant with sufficient nutrients to grow.

If you only have a small garden or would prefer to plant your berries directly on the patio, no problem, as many berry bushes are very easy to grow in a pot. There are even special varieties that remain compact as they grow.

Note! Since blueberries and cranberries are so-called bog-soil plants, they need an acidic soil to thrive. That's why you should plant them in a special, low-pH rhododendron soil.

Your perennial bed is one corner of the garden you should definitely devote your attention to in March. Firstly, the perennial plants need to be pruned, and secondly, they need sufficient nutrients for new shoots after their long winter break.

The best time for pruning is when the weather is mild and the ornamental plants are just about to sprout again. Cut back the perennials until they are close to the ground. Note! For semi-shrubs like lavender, you should not cut into shoots that are already woody. If you cut into the wood, it's possible that the plant will not sprout there again.

Perennials need a lot of nutrients in the spring for growth and to produce flowers. To this end, we recommend that you work a universal longterm fertilizer into the soil in March. This slow-release fertiliser supplies the plants with all the nutrients they need for up to six months. The nutrient requirements differ depending on species. For example, plants with a high nutrient uptake, such as asters, dahlias, phlox or lilies, need a lot of energy. Accordingly, be sure to use the right amount.

We recommend that you pamper your multi-flowering roses with some spring pruning, as this stimulates growth and flower formation. A good indication when pruning roses is to wait until the forsythia flowers. Diseased or withered shoots, as well as wild shoots emerging from under the grafting point can be removed directly so as to prevent pest infestations or diseases from breaking out. For more tips on how to cut roses properly, see our advice article on pruning roses.  

After spring pruning, you should fertilise your roses. After all, roses need enough nutrients to form new shoots and beautiful flowers. You can use a special fertiliser for roses for this, such as the 'COMPO Slow Release Fertilizer for Roses'. It supplies roses with all nesseary nutrients for up to six months. Be sure to keep the root area of your roses moist after applying the fertiliser to enable it to achieve its full effect.