Hello from the team at Hilltop Garden Centre! March is one of the most exciting months in the gardening calendar, and we can't wait for the growing season to begin. As the days get longer and temperatures begin to rise, it’s the perfect time to get out into the garden and prepare for the gardening season ahead. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, we’re here to help with plenty of advice, top tips, and fantastic offers on plants and more. So, grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let’s chat about all the things you can be doing in your garden this month!
Prepare Your Soil with Fertilisers
Getting your soil prepped is a crucial step for a successful growing season. Start by clearing any weeds or debris, then loosen the soil with a garden fork to improve drainage and aeration. At Hilltop Garden Centre, we recommend using Bonemeal, Blood, Fish and Bone, or Growmore (on offer at 2 for £12 this month, so a great time to stock up!). See which fertiliser is best for your plants:
Growmore
Growmore is a versatile, general-purpose fertiliser specially formulated to encourage strong, healthy plant growth. Packed with essential nutrients like superphosphate and nitrogen, it promotes balanced, vigorous plants, heavy crops of fruit and vegetables, and beautiful flowers. Ideal for use all around the garden, Growmore can be applied before planting or as a top dressing throughout the growing season. It's perfect for flowers, vegetables, shrubs, fruit trees, and even new lawns. Simply apply it evenly, fork or hoe it into the soil, and water well for the best results.
Bonemeal
Bonemeal is an organic, slow-release fertiliser that’s perfect for encouraging healthy root development. Made from sterilised bonemeal, it gradually releases essential nutrients, including phosphate and nitrogen, making it ideal for a wide range of crops and plants. It’s particularly beneficial for bulbs, herbaceous plants, shrubs, roses, fruit trees, and strawberries. Use Bonemeal before sowing or planting, or as a top dressing for established roses and border plants in spring, and around fruit trees and bushes in autumn for strong, steady growth.
Blood, Fish & Bone
Blood, Fish and Bone is a nutrient-rich fertiliser that improves the quality of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. It contains nitrogen for strong growth and lush, green foliage, phosphate for vigorous root development, and potash to enhance flower colour and improve fruit and vegetable ripening. This balanced fertiliser can be used throughout the growing season either before sowing or planting or as a top dressing. It steadily releases nutrients, ensuring continuous nourishment for your plants, leading to healthier growth and better yields.
To use, simply sprinkle the fertiliser evenly over the soil, following the instructions on the pack for the correct amount. Gently work it into the top few inches of soil using a rake or hoe. This will provide essential nutrients to help your plants grow strong and healthy with lush growth and vibrant blooms!
Whether you’re prepping your vegetable patch or giving your borders a spring boost, these fertilisers are perfect for getting your garden off to a flying start. Visit our garden centre in Clacton on Sea and let us help you choose the best fertiliser for your garden.
What to plant in March
Forsythia
If you’re looking to brighten up your garden this spring, look no further than Forsythia, our Plant of the Month for March! This early spring-flowering shrub is famous for its vibrant yellow blooms that add a burst of sunshine to any outdoor space. Named after William Forsyth, a founding member of the RHS, Forsythia is easy to grow and perfect for bringing some vibrant colour to your garden.
Forsythia thrives in a sunny spot but can also tolerate partial shade, making it a great choice for most gardens. Plant your Forsythia in well-drained soil – at Hilltop Garden Centre, we recommend using Rocket Gro Tree and Shrub Compost to give it the best start. This organic, peat-free compost is specially formulated to provide the nutrients Forsythia needs to thrive, and produce a stunning display of golden blooms.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, place the plant in, and backfill with compost, pressing down firmly.
- Water well after planting.
- Forsythia is low-maintenance but benefits from pruning just after flowering to keep its shape and to encourage more blooms next year.
- For a stunning spring display, plant it alongside spring bulbs like crocuses or grape hyacinths or pair it with evergreen shrubs for year-round interest.
At Hilltop Garden Centre, we have a lovely selection of Forsythia to complement everyone's garden, no matter how big or small. Pop into our garden centre in Clacton to have a browse and chat with our knowledgeable team about how to care for this wonderful shrub.
Perennials for Year-Round Colour
March is an ideal time to plant perennials, as the soil starts to warm up and the risk of frost decreases (don't plant new perennials in the ground when there is a risk of frost). Perennials are a great choice as they will come back year after year, bringing beautiful colour and structure to your garden. At Hilltop Garden Centre, we’re excited to offer perennials grown right here in Essex on a special offer of 3 for £12!
Some great choices to plant in March include Lupins, Delphiniums, and Echinacea, which will add height and stunning blooms to your borders. Hardy Geraniums and Sedums are also great options, providing ground cover and attracting pollinators. Pair them with early-flowering perennials like Hellebores for continuous colour throughout spring.
Perennials are perfect for adding interest to borders, beds, and containers. When planting perennials, it’s a good idea to improve the soil with some organic compost like our Rocket Gro Multi Purpose Compost. This British compost is now available in 50 litre bags for just £6.99, or it's even better value when you buy 2 for £12.
Not sure which perennials to choose? Our friendly team at Hilltop Garden Centre is always on hand to help you pick the perfect perennials for your garden. Pop in for a chat with our plants expert Carmel, and see our beautiful selection for yourself.
Grow Your Own Herbs
There’s nothing like having fresh herbs at your fingertips to enhance your cooking. Herbs are perfect for growing in pots, window boxes, or directly in your garden. They’re low maintenance and great for attracting bees and other pollinators. Whether you’re a fan of basil, rosemary, thyme, or parsley, we have a lovely selection to choose from. Plant them with Rocket Gro Herb & Alpine Compost to give them the best start - now available at Hilltop.
This March, we’re giving you even more reason to grow your own herbs with our Rewards Club Offer – Get a FREE Herb Plant when you spend £10 or more in-store! If you’re not a member yet, joining is easy and free, either online or in-store.
Gardening Jobs for March
March is a busy month in the garden, and there are plenty of jobs to keep you busy, including:
- Prune Roses – Give your roses a light prune to encourage strong new growth and beautiful blooms.
- Plant Summer-Flowering Bulbs – Get ahead by planting bulbs like gladioli, lilies, and dahlias for summer colour.
- Weeding – Weeds will start to grow now that the weather is warming up, so get weeding early to keep on top of those pesky weeds before they get out of hand.
- Lawn Care – Rake up any debris including leaves and twigs and give your lawn its first cut of the year, but make sure it's a dry day.
- Fleece up - make sure you fleece up your tender plants until the risk of frost has passed, we wouldn't want you to lose any of your beautiful plants!
- Start Sowing Seeds – If you’re itching to grow your own, start sowing seeds for sweet peas, tomatoes, and bedding plants indoors in a propagator, or in a greenhouse.
Visit Hilltop Garden Centre This March
At Hilltop Garden Centre, we’re passionate about helping you make the most of your garden. Whether you’re planting Forsythia, stocking up on fertilisers, or picking up some pretty perennials, we’re here to provide the advice and products you need.
Why not make a day of it? Visit our garden centre in Essex and take a break in our cosy café for a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake. Our friendly team is always happy to chat and help you find what you’re looking for.
We can’t wait to see you at Hilltop Garden Centre this March! Happy gardening! 🌼🌿
