insideKENT Magazine Issue 24 - March 2014 | Page 131

OUTDOORLIVING

YOUR GARDEN THIS MONTH:

here comes spring!
Spring usually arrives by mid-March and the frequent sunny days provide the opportunity
for an increasing range of gardening tasks. It's time to get busy preparing seed beds, sowing
seed, cutting back winter shrubs and generally tidying up around the garden.

What to expect in March…
RAIN
Widespread showers will feature throughout the
month, but the total rainfall is usually lower than
earlier in the year. Heavy showers and any melting
snow continue to wash nutrients out of the soil,
which will benefit from a mid-spring application
of fertiliser.
As temperatures rise and rainfall lessens,
the soil begins to drain and become more
workable.
This is often a good time to cultivate claybased soils. The drying process can be speeded
up in wet areas by covering the ground with
plastic and fleece; this increases the number of
days of fieldwork possible this month.

SUNSHINE
The days are now longer and light is beginning
to reach adequate levels, even in northern regions.
There is an average 30 per cent increase in
sunshine levels across the UK in March, with 90100 hours being an expected broad average
across the UK.
South East, South and South West England
usually fare better than northern England and
eastern Scotland, which in turn fare better than
western and northern Scotland. Despite the
general increase in sunlight, it is still a good idea
to keep glasshouse plants well spaced, and to
keep the panes clean, in order to maximise light
on dull days.
TEMPERATURE
The sun’s rays are growing stronger, causing
temperatures to rise. Bear in mind that towns
and cities remain several degrees warmer than
the open countryside, which allows some tasks

131

to be done earlier than would otherwise be
advised in a northern region, for example.
Continue to check greenhouse and conservatory
heaters to make sure they are working properly
(a maximum-minimum thermometer is a useful
checking device).
WIND
North-Westerly winds often bring cold, strong
breezes. And, like the saying ‘March winds will
blow and we shall have snow’, snow, sleet and
hail are also likely.
Winds can reach gale-force, so make sure
that tree stakes are securely in place, and that
plants are tied firmly to supports.
If large trees are damaged, it is best to
prune off the damage. Small branches are
manageable for most gardeners, but more major
work will require the help of an arborist or tree
surgeon.