Simply Grow by Charlotte Ryan
Welcome everyone to March’s edition of Simply Grow. I wanted to start with a little update.
While my garden design was not selected for BBC Gardeners’ World Live, I am still very much involved in building the garden, which is incredibly exciting. I have also been given the opportunity to design a Japanese Garden through college, as well as gardens for our sponsors.
Then, completely unexpectedly, another opportunity arrived to design a Border Garden for a gardening competition closer to home. As one door closes, another one opens… so watch this space!
With spring beginning to stir, here are my six top gardening jobs for March.
- Prune shrubs
March is the ideal time to prune winter-flowering shrubs before new growth begins.
Removing dead or damaged stems improves air circulation and helps prevent disease. Shrubs such as lavender, buddleja, and mahonia all benefit from pruning now, encouraging bushier growth and stronger flowering later in the year. - Check and maintain water features
Clear leaves, algae, and debris from ponds and fountains, and check that pumps are working correctly. As frosts can still occur in early March, avoid refilling water features until the risk has passed and keep pumps stored in a frost-free place. - Feed and mulch beds and borders
Add compost, well-rotted manure, or mulch to borders to improve soil structure, suppress weeds, and feed plants as growth resumes. Applying a slow-release fertiliser will also help plants thrive. This is a great time to use homemade compost, which is one of my top ecofriendly gardening tips. - Clean and restore stonework
Winter weather can leave stone planters, statues, and paving looking tired. Removing moss, algae, and dirt — and pressure-washing slabs if needed — instantly refreshes the garden. A good spring tidy and rearranging pots can make a surprisingly big difference. - Sow seeds for summer blooms and vegetables
March is perfect for sowing seeds indoors or in a greenhouse. Start summer annuals such as cosmos, marigolds, and sunflowers, and sow tomatoes, peppers, and early salad crops. I recommend Brooklea Nurseries, Rowena, and East Goscote Nurseries near Rothley — all excellent local garden centres with lovely cafés too. - Encourage wildlife into the garden
Clean bird feeders, nesting boxes, bird tables, and baths, and provide fresh seed and water.
Plant nectar-rich flowers such as hellebores, crocuses, and lungwort to attract bees and butterflies and help support garden biodiversity.
Children’s Gardening Activity: Growing Sunflowers
Sunflowers are easy to grow, fun for children, and fantastic for pollinators. I recommend varieties such as Russian Giant or High Hopes for tall displays, or the dwarf variety Teddy Bear for smaller spaces. I buy my seeds online from Thompson & Morgan.
Step 1: Sow seeds individually in small pots filled with peat-free compost, around 2cm deep.
Step 2: Water gently from the base or use a watering can with a rose.
Step 3: Place pots somewhere warm and bright, such as a sunny windowsill or greenhouse.
Step 4: Label pots and track growth weekly — children love measuring progress.
Step 5: Plant out once frosts have passed and support taller varieties with a cane.
Most of all, have fun learning and growing together.
For more advice and tips, follow me on Instagram: @leaf_it_with_me_gardens_design
Thank you ?
