Jobs To Do In March (UK Garden): The Dartana Guide
March flips the switch from planning to doing. In milder areas like Devon and Cornwall you can sow hardy crops outside, start warmth‑lovers under cover, divide perennials, prune wisely, feed and mulch, and prep containers and wildlife spaces. Here’s your clear, week‑by‑week focus list with helpful links to Dartana plants and guides.
At‑a‑Glance: March Priorities
- Sow under cover: tomatoes, chillies, peppers, aubergine, cucumbers, courgettes, sweet peas, half‑hardy annuals.
- Sow outside (when soil is workable ~7–10 °C): broad beans, peas, carrots, beetroot, salad mixes, spinach, radish, hardy annuals.
- Plant out / sets: onion sets, shallots, garlic (last call), first‑early potatoes from mid/late March in mild zones.
- Perennials: divide & replant clumps; pot up dahlias to sprout; cut back last year’s growth.
- Pruning: finish roses; prune Group 3 clematis; don’t hard‑prune spring‑flowering shrubs.
- Lawn & borders: first high cut; edge beds; mulch while soil is moist.
- Wildlife & water: clean bird boxes; skim ponds; leave some debris for insects.
- Protection: fleece for late frosts; slug/snail patrol around new shoots.
Week‑by‑Week Guide
Early March (Weeks 1–2)
Start Warmth‑Lovers Under Cover
Start tomatoes, peppers/chillies, aubergines, basil and half‑hardy annuals in a warm, bright spot (18–22°C). Prefer plug plants? Choose structure plants now.
- Browse the Agapanthus collections: Agapanthus Collections
- Read the Agapanthus ‘Big Blue’ Guide: Agapanthus ‘Big Blue’ Guide
- Watch the YouTube guide: Agapanthus ‘Big Blue’ Video
Direct‑Sow Hardy Crops
Sow broad beans, peas, salads, radish, spinach once soil crumbles easily. In colder areas, sow in modules to gain time.
Cover carrots and beetroot with fleece to warm the soil.
Finish Structural Pruning
Complete pruning of roses, Group 3 clematis and late‑flowering perennials. Avoid cutting spring‑flowering shrubs.
Mid March (Weeks 2–3)
Plant Sets & First‑Earlies
Plant onion sets, shallots, garlic (last call). First‑early potatoes can go in as soil becomes workable.
Divide, Refresh & Feed
Lift and divide congested clumps including snowdrops in the green, ornamental grasses, hosta and bergenia. Mulch beds and lightly feed long‑flowering perennials.
Add Shade Colour & Spring Structure
Hellebores shine now—ideal for shade borders and doorway pots.
- Hellebore ‘White Lady’ plugs: White Lady (5‑pack)
- Hellebore ‘Single White Blotched’:
- Watch Hellebore ‘Double Green’ video: Video Guide
- Read the Double Green growing guide: Growing Guide
Late March (Weeks 3–4)
Pot Up Dahlias & Tender Plants
Wake dahlias in frost‑free spaces, in barely moist compost. Check Agapanthus stock—late March is ideal for potting on.
Primulas for Damp & Dappled Spots
Candelabra Primulas thrive by ponds, drains and shaded borders.
- Ultimate Guide to Candelabra Primulas: Candelabra Guide
- Primulas We Grow & Sell – 2026 Guide: Primula Guide
If you need more stock, browse your eBay storefront during gaps between site drops.
Lawn, Wildlife & Water
Give the lawn its first high cut. Clear worm casts, edge borders, refresh pond surfaces and clean nest boxes.
What to Plant in March (Quick Picks)
- Shade now: Hellebores, ferns, heuchera.
- Summer punch: Agapanthus.
- Damp drama: Candelabra Primulas.
Common March Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)
- Pruning spring blossom: Wait until flowering finishes.
- Sowing into cold soil: Warm rows with fleece or start in modules.
- Skipping slug patrol: Protect hostas, delphiniums, primulas.
- Mulching too late: Mulch before April winds dry the soil.
FAQs (UK, March)
Can I still plant garlic? Early March is your last good window.
When do tomatoes go outside? Harden off in April/May; plant out after frost.
Is it too late to prune roses? No — March is perfect.
Should I prune camellias now? No — prune lightly after flowering.
Call‑to‑Action
- Want instant spring colour? Add a Hellebore trio.
- Planning summer display? Choose your Agapanthus early so they root strongly before July.
- Got damp or shady patches? Plant Candelabra Primulas using the guides above.
