Welcome to autumn – now all we need is the ‘Autumn Break’. So far, it has certainly been dry and has stayed warm. Even on cooler days, there has also been winds which dry soils and stress plants even more. At my place near Koo Wee Rup, I have large cracks in the soil and even some of the drought hardy plants require additional water.
This is a tough time of year for gardeners as many things look tired and stressed, and it can be hard to keep up the energy to keep watering. It is an in-between time for plants as many start to drop leaves and slow down their growth, and flowering is all but finished for many summer species.
March Gardening Tips
Let Programmed help you with some gardening tips from our Property Services team:
- Keep watering despite the cooler mornings and sometimes dewy conditions. I have found the heat has made some soils and potting mixes hydrophobic. Some plants release oils when it’s hot that will be deposited on the ground. In other cases, bark and sand in potting mix will need a proper dunking to really keep it wet.
- Start removing some summer veggie crops and prepare soil for autumn and winter crops. Cabbages, broccoli and some other leafy crops are hungry feeders, so dig in some good organic manures and fertilisers for them. Water well, mulch and leave it for a week to settle before planting. I also add a wetting agent to some areas I know have been problematic in the past.
- Be kind to other plants – give them some liquid seaweed and / or fish emulsions. They will love the boost as they get their stores ready for the winter months. The soils will also like the added assistance.
- Resist the urge to prune heavily as it’s a bit early. My roses are still producing buds, so keep dead heading if your roses are in the same position. If you have fruit trees, you should have already carried out some summer pruning after they had finished fruiting.
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March Gardening Tips FAQs
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What is the best thing to plant in March?
In Australia, March marks the beginning of autumn, making it a great time to plant cool-season vegetables. Popular options include broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, lettuce, carrots, beetroot, and peas. The milder temperatures and warm soil help seeds germinate quickly while reducing heat stress on young plants. Herbs such as coriander and parsley also grow well when planted in March.
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What is the official flower of the month of March?
The official flower of March is the daffodil (Narcissus). Known for its bright yellow petals and trumpet-shaped centre, the daffodil symbolises renewal, hope, and new beginnings. While traditionally associated with spring in the Northern Hemisphere, daffodils in Australia are typically planted as bulbs in autumn so they can flower beautifully in late winter or early spring.
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What fertilser do I use in March?
In March, many Australian gardens benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to support autumn growth. Use a general-purpose fertiliser for vegetables and garden beds, and a lawn fertiliser to help turf recover from summer stress. Adding compost or organic matter is also beneficial, as it improves soil health and provides nutrients that plants can gradually absorb throughout the cooler months.
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What to plant in pots in March?
Lettuce, spinach, rocket, spring onions, and radishes perform well in containers. Herbs such as parsley, coriander, and chives also thrive in pots during autumn. Ensure containers have good drainage, quality potting mix, and regular watering to help plants establish as temperatures begin to cool.
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Which crop is best in March month?
Leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, and silverbeet grow quickly in the cooler weather, while root vegetables such as carrots and beetroot establish well in still-warm soil. Peas and broccoli are also reliable autumn crops, making them popular choices for home gardeners looking for productive harvests in the coming months.
