This month can be quite a busy month, but a lot will depend on the weather and the risk of frosts.
Perennials that are congested and overcrowded can be lifted and split this month. Overwintered dahlias can be kick started by potting them in free draining compost, when they start to produce new shoots, the first of these can be cut and potted to multiply your stock.
Repot any overwintered fuchsia and geraniums and start watering them to encourage them into growth. Pruning of wisterias will need to be completed this month. Summer flowering clematis, late flowering shrubs (eg Buddleia and Perovskia) and winter flowering shrubs can be pruned now. Apply a general purpose fertiliser and mulch to beds and borders.
Dig in any green manures, and apply well-rotted manures Start planting early potatoes, shallots and onions. Direct sow vegetables such as broad beans, carrots, lettuce, parsnips and peas when soil temperature reaches 5˚C. Prune gooseberries, red and white currants by removing dead wood, then spur prune all side shoots back to 1-3 buds. Shorten branch tips by ¼.
Lawns can be mown if they are growing, but start off n a high setting. New areas can be laid with turf, but if seeding is required, best to wait until April.
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