March Gardening Tip: Spring Into Action in Your Hampshire Garden
March is the month the garden truly wakes up. In Hampshire, where the climate is relatively mild, you can get significantly more done in March than gardeners in colder regions — so make the most of it.
First Lawn Cut of the Year
Once grass is actively growing and the soil isn’t waterlogged, give it its first cut of the year — but keep the blades high (around 4cm). This encourages strong root growth and helps the lawn thicken up after winter. Avoid cutting during frost.
Divide Perennials
March is perfect for dividing overgrown clumps of agapanthus, hostas, rudbeckia, and other hardy perennials. Lift the clump, separate into sections with a spade, and replant with added compost. This reinvigorates tired plants and gives you free stock to fill gaps.
Harden Off Early Seedlings
Any seedlings started indoors in February should begin hardening off in a cold frame or sheltered spot during mild days. Bring them back inside if frost is forecast.
Helyers’ March Tip: Add a 5cm mulch of bark or compost around shrubs and perennials in March to lock in spring moisture and suppress weeds before they get established.
Thinking about a new planting scheme, patio, or lawn renovation? Speak to the Helyers team — we design and build across Hampshire.