Prepping Your Greenhouse and Garden for the Growing Season: March Tips and Tricks

March 13, 2025

As the days begin to lengthen and the first hints of spring emerge, March is the perfect time to prepare your greenhouse and garden for the growing season ahead. With the right tools and techniques, you can ensure your plants have the best possible start. In this blog post, we'll explore essential tasks to tackle in your greenhouse, the benefits of using soil blockers instead of plastic pots, and the seeds you can sow in March.

Prepping Your Greenhouse

March is a critical month for greenhouse maintenance. Begin by giving your greenhouse a thorough clean. Wipe down glass panels to maximise light penetration, scrub benches and shelving with a mild disinfectant, and clear away any debris or leftover plant material from the previous season. This will help prevent pests and diseases from overwintering and ensure a healthy environment for your new plants.

Next, check your greenhouse's heating and ventilation systems. March weather can be unpredictable, so it's important to maintain a stable temperature for your seedlings. Repair any broken panes and seal gaps to keep drafts at bay. Consider investing in a thermometer to monitor temperature fluctuations and a ventilation system to manage humidity.

Jobs to Do in the Garden in March

March is a busy month for gardeners, with plenty of tasks to keep you occupied:

·        Pruning and Tidying: Cut back dead or damaged branches on trees and shrubs, and trim back perennial plants to encourage new growth. Remove any weeds that have appeared over the winter to give your plants a head start.

·        Preparing Beds: Clear and dig over your garden beds, incorporating compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility. This will provide a nutrient-rich environment for your plants to thrive.

·        Planting Early Crops: March is an ideal time to plant early potatoes, onions, and shallots. These crops can tolerate cooler temperatures and will give you a head start on the growing season.

·        Maintaining Lawns: Rake away winter debris, aerate compacted areas, and apply a spring feed to give your lawn a boost.

Benefits of Using Soil Blockers Instead of Plastic Pots

Switching from plastic pots to soil blockers offers numerous advantages for both your plants and the environment:

·        Improved Root Systems: Soil blockers allow roots to air prune, which encourages a robust and healthy root system. This leads to stronger, more vigorous plants.

·        Reduced Transplant Shock: Seedlings grown in soil blocks can be transplanted without disturbing their roots, minimising transplant shock and promoting quicker establishment in their new location.

·        Eco-Friendly: Soil Blockers eliminate the need for plastic pots, reducing plastic waste and the environmental impact associated with plastic production and disposal. They are made from durable, long-lasting materials, making them a sustainable choice for gardeners.

·        Cost-Effective: By using Soil Blockers, you can create your own biodegradable containers from readily available materials, saving money in the long run. Soil blockers can be reused year after year, making them a wise investment.

·        Versatility: Soil blockers come in various sizes, allowing you to start a wide range of seeds from small herbs to larger vegetable plants. They are particularly useful for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to the garden. If you're new to soil blocking, we recommend one of our kits to get you started!

How to Use Soil Blockers

Using soil blockers is straightforward and can be quickly mastered with a little practice:

·        Prepare the Soil Mix: Use a mix specifically designed for soil blocks or create your own using one of our tried and tested recipes [will add link to recipes]. The mix should be moist but not soggy to hold together well.

·        Fill the Soil Blocker: Press the soil blocker into the prepared mix, ensuring it is packed tightly. Scrape off any excess soil from the bottom.

·        Release the Blocks: Place the soil blocker on a flat surface or seed tray and release the blocks by pressing the plunger. The blocks should hold their shape and be ready for planting.

·        Plant the Seeds: The blocker will create a small indentation in the top of each block ready for you to place a seed - cover seeds with a light layer of soil (although most smaller seeds will germinate without covering!)

·        Water and Maintain: Keep the grow blocks moist, but not waterlogged – we recommend watering your blocks from the bottom. Place the tray in a warm, well-lit area to encourage seed germination.

Seeds to Sow in March

March is a great time to start sowing a variety of seeds, both indoors and outdoors:

·        Indoors: Start seeds for tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, and herbs such as basil and parsley. These plants benefit from an early start and will be ready for transplanting once the risk of frost has passed.

·        Outdoors: Hardy annuals like sweet peas, cornflowers, and nigella can be sown directly into prepared beds. Vegetables such as broad beans, peas, and lettuces can also be sown outdoors, providing fresh produce in the early summer.

By following these tips and making the most of March's gardening opportunities, you'll be well on your way to a successful growing season. Happy blocking!

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