Garden Tasks for March

March in Melbourne marks the transition from summer to autumn, bringing milder temperatures and the perfect opportunity to prepare your garden for the cooler months ahead. Here are the essential gardening tasks for March:

General Maintenance

• Adjust your watering schedule as temperatures begin to moderate. Early morning or evening watering remains most effective.

• Begin clearing away spent summer annuals and vegetables that have finished producing.

• Start preparing garden beds for autumn plantings by adding compost and organic matter.

• Check and maintain garden tools, ensuring they're clean and sharp for autumn gardening tasks.

Planting

• Start planting winter vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower seedlings.

• Sow seeds for winter crops like broad beans, peas, and root vegetables.

• Plant autumn-flowering bulbs and prepare spots for spring-flowering bulbs.

• Consider adding native Australian plants which establish well in autumn conditions.

Harvesting

• Continue harvesting late summer crops like tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers.

• Collect and store seeds from summer vegetables and flowers for next season.

• Pick herbs regularly and consider drying some for winter use.

Lawn Care

• Give the lawn a good feed with autumn fertilizer to strengthen it before winter.

• Continue regular mowing but gradually raise cutting height as growth slows.

• Address any bare patches by reseeding while soil is still warm.

Tree and Shrub Care

• Begin light pruning of summer-flowering shrubs as they finish blooming.

• Clean up fallen fruit from under trees to prevent pest problems.

• Check trees and shrubs for signs of stress or disease before winter.

Pest Management

• Monitor for autumn pests like caterpillars and snails which can damage new plantings.

• Watch for early signs of fungal diseases as humidity levels change.

• Check citrus trees for scale and other common citrus pests.

Planning Ahead

• Start planning your winter garden layout and order necessary seeds or plants.

• Consider installing or maintaining garden structures like trellises and supports.

• Make notes about what worked well in your summer garden to help with next year's planning.

March is a delightful month for gardening in Melbourne, with comfortable temperatures and the excitement of seasonal change in the air. Take advantage of these pleasant conditions to prepare your garden for the cooler months ahead while enjoying the last of the warm weather.