As spring officially begins on March 20, gardeners across the UK are spending more time outdoors. Celebrity horticulturist Monty Don has shared essential tips for March planting, focusing on woody shrubs, dahlias, and vegetables to ensure a vibrant garden.
According to Don, March is ideal for planting woody shrubs like roses. He advises clearing the spot thoroughly, digging a hole about 9 inches deep, and loosening the subsoil without adding compost. Roses should be placed in well-draining soil in a sunny spot, then watered generously and mulched with good compost.
Dahlias, known for their summer blooms, should be started now in pots from tubers. Don recommends using a standard peat-free compost mix, covering the tubers just slightly, and placing them in a cold frame or greenhouse. They will need hardening off in May before final planting.
For vegetable gardeners, Don suggests sowing seeds under cover, including cabbage, lettuce, celery, beetroot, and tomatoes. He warns against sowing outdoors if the ground feels cold. His top priority crop for March is shallots, which he considers essential for cooking. Plant them 9 inches apart in rows a foot apart, covering with fleece to protect from birds.
Don recommends red shallot varieties like 'Simiane' or 'Longor' for their slender shape and sweet taste, noting they store well for up to a year.
