Barbara Stockitt's Guide to Classic Gardening...

March

Examine your BOX for any form of pest infestations. Do this every two or three weeks.  Take note of where the problems are.  Prune off any infested leaves or twigs.

Water newly planted TAXUS HEDGES and see that it doesn’t dry out. It is necessary to do this for the first three years.

When planting in the HERBACEOUS BORDER keep off the soil if the soil sticks to your boots.  If trodden on in this state it will compact the soil and spoil the soil’s structure.  If in doubt use boards to stand on while you work.

Early in the month is a good time to prune ROSES if you live in the south but leave till end of the month in the north.  Do not prune in frosty weather.  Remove damaged or weak growth and aim to keep the centre of the bush open.  Try to keep the bush in a pleasing shape.

This is the month to start pruning SHRUBS. The purpose of pruning is to keep the bushes in a good shape and to increase its vigour. Check that the ties are secure on wall plants and if necessary loosen ties that are too tight, or re-tie them as necessary.

March is a good time to move SNOWDROPS. It is better to move them in the green and they will soon settle down though initially they will look ungainly.  This does not apply to other bulbs. These should not be moved until the foliage has died down.

This is the last time to plant bare rooted fruit trees. Container grown fruit trees can be planted at any time.  In the VEGETABLE GARDEN broad beans and peas can be sown and seed bed sowings of Brussels sprouts cabbage and cauliflower, leeks, lettuce and spinach.

This is the start of the mowing season. Choose a mild day for the first cut and do not cut it too short.