Things to Do in March

Things to Do in March

March is a pivotal month for gardeners, marking the transition from winter to spring. While there may still be some cold days ahead, it’s the perfect time to start preparing for the growing season. Whether you’re pruning trees, starting seeds indoors, or getting your soil ready, taking these steps now will set you up for success.

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1. Prune Fruit Trees

Late winter to early spring is the best time to prune fruit trees before they break dormancy. Proper pruning improves airflow, allows more sunlight to reach the developing fruit, and encourages healthier growth.

• Remove branches growing toward the center – This helps keep the tree open and prevents overcrowding.
• Cut off branches growing straight upwards – The best fruiting branches grow at a 45-degree angle, providing the right balance of strength and flexibility to support fruit production.
• Eliminate rubbing or crossing branches – When two branches rub together, they create wounds that make the tree susceptible to disease. Remove the weaker or less productive branch.
• Make clean cuts – Use sharp, sterilized pruning shears or saws to avoid damage and prevent infection.

Pruning can seem daunting, but even small adjustments will benefit the tree in the long run.

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2. Prepare Your Seeding Supplies

If you haven’t already, now is the time to get your seed-starting supplies in order. Cleanliness is key to preventing fungal diseases and pests.

• Wash all trays, domes, cell packs, and pots – Soak them in warm water with a little bleach (one part bleach to nine parts water), then rinse well.
• Check for damage – Discard any cracked or broken containers that might not hold soil properly.
• Use fresh seed-starting soil – Avoid reusing last year’s potting mix, as it may contain pathogens or lack the nutrients your seedlings need.
• Gather your labels and markers – Keeping track of what you’ve planted prevents mix-ups later on.

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3. Start Planting Early Crops

Some vegetables can handle cooler temperatures and should be planted early to get a head start on the season.

• Cold-hardy crops like spinach, lettuce, and peas can be sown directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked.
• If the ground is still frozen or too wet, use raised beds or cold frames to warm the soil faster.
• Cover with row covers or cloches for extra protection against late frosts.

These crops thrive in cool weather and will mature before the heat of summer sets in.

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4. Start Seeding Indoors

Some plants require an early start indoors to ensure they have enough time to grow before being transplanted outside.

• Onions and leeks take a long time to mature, so starting them indoors now gives them a head start.
• Pansies are a great early-season flower, as they can handle cool temperatures and brighten up your garden beds in early spring.

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5. Start Peppers Early

Peppers are slow-growing plants that need plenty of time to develop before transplanting outdoors.

• Sow seeds early and provide bottom heat – Using a heat mat set to 80-85°F (27-29°C) helps speed up germination.
• Use deep containers – Peppers develop strong root systems when started in slightly deeper pots.
• Be patient – Some varieties can take 2-3 weeks to germinate, so don’t be discouraged if they’re slow to sprout.

Starting peppers early ensures they’ll be strong and productive by the time they go into the garden.

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6. Use Grow Lights for Strong Seedlings

With fewer daylight hours in early spring, seedlings need supplemental light to prevent them from becoming weak and leggy.

• Keep grow lights close to the soil (about 1-2 inches above seedlings) and adjust as they grow.
• Use a timer to ensure 12-16 hours of light per day for healthy growth.
• Choose full-spectrum LED or fluorescent lights for the best results.

Without proper lighting, seedlings stretch toward the light and become weak, making them less likely to thrive when transplanted.

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7. Encourage Strong Stems with Air Circulation

Seedlings grown indoors can become weak and spindly without proper airflow.

• Use a small oscillating fan to mimic natural wind movement. This encourages strong stem development and helps prevent damping-off disease.
• Keep the fan on low and position it a few feet away from the seedlings so they get gentle movement without being battered.

A little airflow makes a big difference in producing robust, healthy plants.