March Gardening Tasks

March is that awkward month where winter and spring battle it out like two stubborn rams locking horns. One day, you’re basking in the warmth of the sun, and the next, you’re shoveling snow off your driveway (again). But for gardeners in Canadian growing zone 5, March is the month to shake off the winter blues and start getting your hands dirty—metaphorically, at least. While it may not be full-on planting season just yet, there’s still plenty to do to prepare for the growing season ahead.

 

Assess Winter Damage

The first step in any successful gardening season is assessing your garden after a long winter. Winter can be relentless, leaving behind broken branches, compacted soil, and an overall mess. Take some time to walk around your property, checking for any winter damage on trees and shrubs. If you notice broken or damaged branches, remove them carefully, but hold off on major pruning unless absolutely necessary. You should also keep an eye out for signs of pests that may have overwintered, such as eggs on branches or burrowed holes in tree trunks. A little bit of early detection can save you a headache down the road.

Start Seeds Indoors

With the days gradually getting longer, March is also the perfect time to start seeds indoors. If you haven’t already, dust off those seed trays and get to work! Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants require a long growing season, so starting them now ensures they’ll be strong and healthy by the time they’re ready to go outdoors. Cold-hardy crops like broccoli, cabbage, and kale can also be started indoors, along with herbs such as basil, parsley, and thyme. Be sure to provide plenty of light, either from a sunny window or with the help of grow lights, and keep seedlings warm with a heat mat if needed. A little extra care now will go a long way when it comes time to transplant them outside.

 

Plan Your Garden Layout

Planning your garden layout now can save you from chaos later. Think about crop rotation to prevent soil depletion and disease buildup, as well as companion planting to naturally repel pests and encourage healthy growth. Succession planting is another great strategy to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Sketching out a rough plan will give you a better idea of how much space you have and help you make smarter planting decisions when the time comes.

Clean and Sharpen Tools

Your gardening tools have likely been in hibernation all winter, so now is the time to bring them back to life. Clean and sharpen your pruners, shovels, and shears to ensure they’re in top working condition. Check your hoses for any leaks, and take inventory of supplies like fresh soil, compost, and mulch. There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through a project only to realize you’re missing something essential!

 

Prepare Garden Beds

If the ground isn’t frozen solid or sopping wet, you can start preparing your garden beds. Rake away any lingering debris, top-dress beds with compost for a nutrient boost, and begin edging the beds for a neat and tidy appearance. While it may still be too early for full-scale planting, giving your garden a head start with proper soil preparation will set the stage for a productive season ahead.

Prune Where Necessary

Pruning is another important task in March, but it’s important to know what to prune and what to leave alone. While heavy pruning should wait until late spring, you can trim summer-flowering shrubs like butterfly bushes before they wake up. Ornamental grasses and perennials can also be cut back to encourage fresh growth. However, avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs like lilacs or forsythia, as you’ll risk cutting off this year’s blooms before they have a chance to appear.

This is also the time to prune fruit trees and fruiting bushes to shape them, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage healthy growth. While you’re at it, apply dormant oil spray to fruit trees and bushes to smother overwintering insect eggs before they hatch, giving you a head start on pest control.

 

Begin Hardening Off Plants

If you’ve overwintered any perennials in pots or have early seedlings that are getting antsy, you can start hardening them off. Place them outside for a few hours on mild days to gradually introduce them to the cooler outdoor temperatures. This process will help prevent transplant shock and make for stronger, more resilient plants when they are ready for their permanent homes.

Get Ahead of Pests

March is also the perfect time to get ahead of pest problems before they become full-blown infestations. Check your plants and soil for signs of overwintering pests and apply dormant oil spray to fruit trees to smother insect eggs before they hatch. If you’ve had issues with slugs or rodents in the past, now is the time to set up deterrents before they start causing trouble.

 

Stock Up on Supplies

While you’re in preparation mode, don’t forget to order any supplies you may need. Seeds for succession planting, organic fertilizers, soil amendments, and mulch should all be on your shopping list. Getting these materials now will ensure you’re ready to hit the ground running when warmer temperatures arrive.

Enjoy the Anticipation

Most importantly, take the time to enjoy the anticipation of the gardening season ahead. March is full of potential, and every small step you take now brings you closer to those first green shoots pushing through the soil. Dream big, start small, and before you know it, you’ll be basking in the warm spring sun, surrounded by the fruits (and flowers) of your labour.

What’s the first thing you do in your garden once March rolls around? Let’s chat in the comments!

Happy gardening!