Spring Garden Prep: What To Do In Your Garden For March/April

Mar 14

Published on March 14, 2025

Spring is right around the corner, making March a crucial month for homesteaders and organic gardeners. The days are getting longer, temperatures are warming up, and it's time to get the garden ready for a season of abundant harvests. Here’s your step-by-step guide for what to do in your homestead garden this month.

1. Clean Up and Prepare Your Garden Beds

Remove any winter mulch, dead plant material, or weeds that have taken over.
Add a fresh layer of compost or aged manure to enrich the soil.
Turn the soil gently if necessary, but avoid excessive tilling to preserve beneficial microorganisms.

2. Start Seeds Indoors for a Strong Growing Season

Many plants benefit from an early start indoors before being transplanted into the garden. Here’s what to start indoors in March:

Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
Herbs: Basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, sage
Flowers: Marigolds, calendula, zinnias, snapdragons

3. Direct Sow Cold-Hardy Crops Outdoors

Certain vegetables can handle chilly temperatures and can be sown directly into your garden soil:

Leafy Greens: Spinach, lettuce, kale, Swiss chard, arugula
Root Vegetables: Carrots, radishes, beets, parsnips
Other Cool-Weather Crops: Peas, onions, garlic, turnips

4. Prune Fruit Trees and Berry Bushes

Now is the time to prune apple, pear, and stone fruit trees to shape them and promote healthy growth.
Remove any dead or damaged branches from raspberry and blueberry bushes.

5. Prepare for Pest Control and Companion Planting

Start companion planting by sowing marigolds and nasturtiums near vegetables to deter pests.
Set up row covers or cold frames to protect seedlings from unexpected frosts or hungry animals.

By taking these steps now, you’ll set your garden up for success and enjoy a bountiful growing season.

Tammy Lovett https://www.sustainablediyliving.net