It’s beginning to feel a lot like Spring-ness! Today, it is sunny and a very balmy 50 degrees. Early bulbs are stirring. Some are shrugging off their earthy covers to display full clumps of green and others are tentatively spearing through as if to test the conditions before making a full entrance. Kinda like the ways humans wake up. My excitement cannot be contained. I live for this season.
While it’s still too early to go all out into gardening mode, there’s plenty to do this month.
Things To Do In March –
1.Cut some forsythia and pussy willow branches for indoor forcing. Place in water and keep in a cool place until the buds are swollen. Then move them to a location where they can be viewed as the blooms burst forth. A lovely prelude to spring.
2.As snow melts, start clean up process. Twigs and other debris can be removed. Protect the still wet areas of grass and beds by first placing cardboard or wood planks and stepping on those instead. They help distribute the weight better.
3.Later in the month, remove protective burlap and/or plastic wrappings and wind breaks.
4.Get tools sharpened. This includes the mower blades.
5.Commence indoor seed sowing. Begin with the early, cool weather crops. Read seed packet instructions and calculate dates for planting out.
6.Order plants that will be required for the garden as soon as the ground has warmed up. Let your local nursery know your needs – they will inform you know when shipments arrive.
7.As soon as possible, once the snow is all gone and soil has thawed, spread compost on all the beds including the vegetable plot.
8.Finish pruning fruit trees, grape vines and roses early in the month.
9.Take an inventory and stock up on whatever is lacking. Soil, gloves, mulch, tools, ties, string, grass seed, pots, hoses etc.,
10.Survey the garden and see what needs replacing, repairing or painting. Schedule and do the needful.
11.Start bringing out or uncovering outdoor furniture. It’ll soon be time to linger outdoors!
12.Get your tickets for the Lyndhurst In Bloom Flower Show. I guarantee it will get you in a Spring state of mind. So many talented creatives are participating. I can’t wait for you to see my installation!
13.Get the Open Days directory from Garden Conservancy. Mark your calendars and make your reservations to visit beautiful gardens in your area. Come to my Open Day on May 10 between 10 am and 4 pm. I’m looking forward to seeing you!
Note: A few images from my garden right now. As you can see, it very much looks wintery but on closer examination, there are definitive signs of Spring!
(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar
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