PRUNING
In the first two weeks of March its a good idea to cut back shrubs and climbers - cornice, willow, sambucas - anything that flowers on new growth like late flowering clematis, roses and buddleia- cut back hard to encourage more growth (cut back to a side shoot or leaf bud) - and roses before the leaves unfurl. Prune Hydrangeas DIVIDE Any herbaceous plant can be divided - worth doing herbaceous perennials every 3 to 5 years. GRASS the first cut is in March but don't cut too short - just a little trim will encourage root growth - worth a good scratch with a wire rake to get up overwintering thatch and moss and let light and water get to the roots and soil. PLANT Woody shrubs and bare root roses and shrubs Dahlias can be planted into pots and keep protected until all risk of frost has passed (usually May) Summer flowering bulbs - gladioli, lilies and eucomis ... Deadhead daffodils |
PRUNE
Gooseberries red and white currents SOW in greenhouse cabbage lettuce celery beetroot tomatoes IF THE GROUND IS WARM PLANT broad beans beetroot rocket spinach mizuna parsnips radish winter lettuce shallots CHIT potatoes and plat out at the end of the month is the ground is dry |