Monty Don's March Border Tip
BBC's Monty Don suggests a key March task for anyone with garden borders — now is the time to tidy, edge, and prepare for the growing season. Don's advice focuses on maximizing color and plant health in the months ahead as spring approaches.
A key component of Don's border preparation is mulching, which he considers one of the most important jobs for healthy soil and plants. He advocates for a thick layer, at least 2 inches deep, to effectively suppress weeds by blocking sunlight and to retain moisture by reducing evaporation. At his own garden, Longmeadow, Don has used up to 30 tons of mushroom compost to cover his roughly half-acre of borders. This organic material not only improves the soil structure as it's incorporated by worms but also enhances fertility. He emphasizes that while homemade garden compost is ideal, almost any organic matter, including leafmould, is beneficial. Beyond tidying, early March is the prime time for pruning specific shrubs to encourage vigorous new growth for summer flowers. Don advises pruning late-flowering clematis, roses, and buddleia once new shoots begin to appear. Another March task Don recommends is getting a head start on tender plants like dahlias. He pots up dahlia tubers in a greenhouse or cold frame during March to give them a protected start before planting them out in the garden once the risk of frost has passed, typically around mid-May.
