March in the Garden: A Fresh Start for Your Plants and Garden Buildings
As the days lengthen and the first signs of spring appear in Ireland, March is a pivotal month for every gardener. It is a season of transition—the “in like a lion, out like a lamb” month where we move from winter dormancy to the frantic growth of spring. At KW Garden Sheds, we know that a beautiful garden is nothing without a well-maintained garden building to support it.
What to Do in Your Garden in March
The Irish soil is finally warming up. Here are the essential tasks to get your outdoor space ready for the blooming season ahead:
1. Soil Preparation & Weeding
Before the heavy planting begins, focus on your soil. Clear away winter debris and weeds from flower beds and borders. March is the best time to dig in organic matter, such as well-rotted manure or compost, to give your plants the nutrient-rich foundation they need.
2. The First Mow of the Season
If the ground isn’t too wet, your grass will likely need its first cut. Keep the blades on a high setting—you only want to “tickle” the tops of the grass to encourage healthy root growth without shocking the lawn.
3. Spring Sowing & Planting
- Vegetables: Plant your first early potatoes (ensure they are ‘chitted’ first). You can also sow onions, garlic, and hardy seeds like carrots and parsnips directly into the ground.
- Flowers: Start sowing hardy annuals like sweet peas and marigolds. It’s also the final call for planting bare-root hedging and trees before they come out of dormancy.
4. Pruning for Growth
Finish pruning your roses by mid-March. You should also prune back winter-flowering shrubs that have finished blooming and cut back buddleia and cornus to encourage vibrant new stems.
Looking After Your Garden Building in March
Your garden shed or garden room has survived a harsh Irish winter. Now is the time to inspect and protect your investment. Whether you have a timber workshop or a low-maintenance steel shed, a 15-minute check-up can save you hundreds in repairs.
1. Inspect the Roof and Felt
High winds and frost can damage roofing felt. Check for tears, lifting, or pooling water. If you notice moss or algae growth on the roof, clear it off immediately, as it traps moisture that can lead to rot in timber structures.
2. Clean the Exterior & Base
Debris like wet leaves and soil often piles up around the base of the shed over winter. Clear this away to ensure proper airflow and prevent “rising damp” from rotting the bottom boards. For steel sheds, a simple washdown with a hose and soft brush will remove salt and grit accumulation.
3. Lubricate Moving Parts
Irish humidity can cause hinges and locks to seize or rust. Apply a drop of oil or a spray of WD-40 to all door hinges and lock mechanisms to keep them moving smoothly throughout the spring.
4. Treat Your Timber
If you have a timber garden building, check if the water is still “beading” on the surface. If the wood looks dry or thirsty, March is a great time (on a dry day!) to apply a fresh coat of high-quality preservative or wood stain. This prevents UV damage and water ingress during the April showers.
5. Declutter and Organise
Clear out the “winter junk.” Sweep out cobwebs, dust the shelves, and sharpen your garden tools. A clean workspace makes your March gardening tasks much more enjoyable!
Need a New Space This Spring?
Is your old shed beyond repair? Or perhaps you’re looking for a custom-built garden office for the new year? KW Garden Sheds specializes in handcrafted timber and steel sheds built right here in Ireland. Serving Drogheda, Louth, Meath, and Dublin, we provide durable, weather-resistant solutions for every garden.
View our full range of garden buildings here.
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