What to Trim and What to Leave: March Gardening Decisions

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March marks a pivotal time in gardening as winter fades and spring begins to arrive. It’s the perfect opportunity to assess your garden and decide what needs trimming and what should be left untouched. Proper pruning can promote healthy growth, improve plant health, and enhance the overall appearance of your garden.

Understanding What to Trim

Knowing which plants to prune is essential for a thriving garden. In March, focus on removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches from trees and shrubs. This encourages new growth and prevents the spread of pests and diseases.

Trees and Shrubs

  • Remove broken or crossing branches to improve air circulation.
  • Prune back to healthy buds to stimulate new growth.
  • Avoid heavy pruning of flowering shrubs that bloom on old wood, such as lilacs or forsythia.

Perennials and Flowering Plants

  • Cut back dead or faded stems from perennials like peonies and daisies.
  • Remove spent flower heads to encourage reblooming.
  • Be cautious with pruning early in the season to avoid damaging new growth.

What to Leave Alone

While pruning is important, some plants and parts should be left untouched during March. Proper timing ensures healthy development and flowering later in the season.

Evergreens

Evergreens such as pine, spruce, and holly should generally not be pruned in early spring. They are best pruned after new growth has hardened, typically late spring or early summer.

Flowers Blooming on Old Wood

Plants like lilacs, forsythia, and rhododendrons bloom on old wood, meaning their flower buds form the previous year. Pruning these too early can remove next season’s blooms.

Additional Gardening Tips for March

Besides trimming, March is a good time to prepare your garden beds, start seeds indoors, and plan your planting schedule. Keep an eye on the weather forecast to avoid late frosts that can damage tender plants.

Preparing Your Garden

  • Clear out debris and dead leaves from beds.
  • Add compost to enrich the soil.
  • Start planning new plantings and layout.

By making thoughtful decisions about what to trim and what to leave, you set the stage for a vibrant and healthy garden throughout the growing season.