March Gardening Tips: Do’s and Don’ts for Your Wildflower Garden

March is a pivotal month in the wildflower gardener's calendar. As days lengthen and
temperatures gradually rise, it's the perfect time to start preparing your wildflower garden for
the new growing season. Here at Cumbria Wildflowers, we're passionate about cultivating
vibrant, thriving wildflower spaces, so here are our top tips to help you make the most of this
month.

Do's ✅
1. Prepare Your Soil
Good soil preparation lays the groundwork for a flourishing wildflower garden. March is a
great time to get rid of weeds or debris that may have built up over winter. Try gently raking
your soil to create a tilth – that slightly crumbly surface that seeds love. You don't need rich,
overly fertile soil; wildflowers generally thrive in low-nutrient environments.
2. Sow Early Annuals
If your garden can't wait, March is ideal for sowing hardy annuals such as cornflowers,
poppies, and corn marigolds (see our Cornfield Annuals Seed Mix). These wildflowers add
instant colour and attract pollinators early in the season. Make sure to sow these directly
onto the soil surface and press them in lightly – wildflower seeds need light to germinate, so
avoid burying them.
3. Divide Perennials
For gardeners who already have established wildflower patches, dividing perennials like
oxeye daisies and field scabious can help manage plant size and improve flower quality.
This practice encourages new growth and allows you to spread more wildflowers across
your garden without buying new plants.
4. Monitor for Pests Naturally
As plants start waking up, so do insects! Encourage natural pest control by attracting
ladybirds, ground beetles, and other beneficial bugs. Avoid harsh pesticides that harm non-
target species and instead opt for eco-friendly solutions to keep your wildflower garden both
beautiful and balanced.
5. Add a Bird Feeder or Bird Bath
Wildflowers and wildlife go hand-in-hand, and birds are especially beneficial to your garden.
Early spring is a time when birds forage actively, often snacking on pests that could
otherwise harm your plants. A bird feeder or bird bath is a fantastic addition, enhancing the
ecosystem of your wildflower garden.

Don'ts ❌
1. Don't Over-Fertilise
Wildflowers generally thrive in nutrient-poor soils, so avoid adding rich compost or fertiliser.
Excess nutrients encourage vigorous growth in unwanted weeds and grasses that can
overshadow delicate wildflowers. If you do need to improve your soil, consider using sand or
grit instead.
2. Don't Clear Out All the "Dead" Plants
It can be tempting to clear away the remnants of last season's plants, but many insects, like

butterflies and bees, overwinter in dead plant stems. Leave a few stems intact for as long as
possible to support early pollinators and other beneficial wildlife.
3. Don't Be Too Hasty with Pruning
While tidying your garden is essential, early March can still bring unpredictable weather. Wait
until mid- to late March before giving any wildflowers a trim to avoid stressing young plants.
Frost-damaged areas can be removed but be careful not to disturb new shoots and budding
flowers.
4. Don't Water Excessively
While it may be tempting to water emerging plants frequently, especially on warm days,
over-watering can create damp conditions that inhibit germination and encourage fungal
diseases. Wildflowers are remarkably resilient, and many species thrive on minimal
watering, so let nature handle most of the work.
5. Don't Pull Out Every Weed
Although some weeding is necessary, some so-called "weeds" actually support wildlife and
can add beauty to your garden. Species like clover and vetch are attractive to pollinators and
blend well with other wildflowers. However, be cautious with invasive weeds like nettles and
docks, which can quickly take over.

March Maintenance: Your Wildflower Checklist
March is also a good time to tidy up paths, fix any winter damage, and prepare beds for new
plantings. Make a checklist of tasks such as removing invasive weeds, tidying garden edges,
and adding fresh mulch to pathways. A bit of early-season preparation goes a long way in
helping your garden thrive through spring and summer.

As we embrace March and all the garden excitement it brings, remember that the goal of a
wildflower garden is to celebrate natural beauty and create a haven for wildlife. It's as much
about what you leave alone as what you actively cultivate. Follow these tips, and you'll be
rewarded with a beautiful, thriving garden that supports both plant and pollinator alike.
Happy wildflower gardening from all of us at Cumbria Wildflowers!