Monty Don has shared his top gardening tips for March, emphasising that the first half of the month is the ideal time to prune shrubs and climbers that flower on new growth, such as late-flowering clematis, roses, buddleia and caryopteris. The gardening expert advises waiting until new shoots appear but warns against pruning during a mild February, as subsequent regrowth could be damaged by a late frost.
Don also recommends cutting back shrubs like cornus, willow and sambucus hard to encourage fresh shoots with brighter bark colour next winter. For those worried about over-pruning, he explains there is 'only one rule' to follow: 'always cut back to something, be it a side shoot or leaf bud'. He advises not to worry unduly about outward-facing buds or other fine details.
Pruning is essential to encourage new growth in spring and summer, which in turn produces more flowers. For climbers like viticella group clematis, pruning prevents flowers from being produced only at the top, leaving bare lower portions. Gardeners should also remove any dead, diseased or crossing stems, and shape shrubs to let light and air into the centre.
Winter-flowering jasmine can be pruned in March once flowers have faded. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advises removing dead or damaged shoots, tying in new shoots, and shortening laterals to five centimetres. Summer-flowering jasmines can also be pruned if needed. Overgrown deciduous climbers can be renovated this month, as live stems will show buds bursting into life.
March is also a good time for general garden maintenance, including checking tree ties and stakes, removing weeds from young trees, and mulching trees, shrubs and hedges. The lawn may also need its first cut as the weather warms up.
