Monty Don's Expert Advice: Why March is Ideal for Planting Woody Shrubs
As spring arrives in full force, renowned television gardening expert Monty Don has highlighted March as a particularly advantageous month for gardeners. With soil temperatures gradually increasing, daylight hours extending, and the threat of frost significantly diminishing, March presents optimal conditions for initiating key planting activities that can yield long-term benefits.
The Perfect Timing for Woody Shrubs
According to Monty Don, while March might still be too early for delicate seedlings, it represents a very good time to plant woody shrubs. This timing allows the root systems to establish themselves robustly before the demands of new foliage growth become overwhelming. This is especially crucial for bare-root plants, which benefit immensely from an early start in the growing season.
Woody shrubs are not only striking additions to any garden with their early spring blossoms but also serve as remarkably reliable and stylish features. Unlike many spring-flowering perennials that may require frequent replanting, a well-cultivated shrub essentially becomes a lifelong garden plant, providing beauty and structure for years to come.
Versatility and Benefits of Shrubs
Shrubs offer incredible adaptability in garden design. They can function as effective privacy screens, attractive flowering hedges, or intriguing focal points that enhance the overall aesthetic of outdoor spaces. By planting just a single shrub this spring, gardeners can bestow their gardens with an immediate sense of maturity, complemented by gorgeous flowers and foliage.
Generally speaking, shrubs are largely trouble-free once established, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet impactful additions to their landscapes.
Monty Don's Planting Recommendations
Given that woody shrubs are plants intended to remain in the garden for years to come, Monty emphasizes the importance of careful planting techniques. He advises gardeners to take their time and follow specific steps to ensure successful establishment.
Key planting instructions include:
- Thoroughly remove all perennial weeds from the planting area.
- Dig a wide but shallow hole approximately nine inches deep.
- Loosen the subsoil without adding any compost or soil improver.
- Dust mycorrhizae over the roots to aid in establishment.
- Plant slightly proud of the soil level, firming the roots well to form a slight cone.
After planting, Monty recommends watering generously and applying a thick layer of quality compost as mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Why March Stands Out for Gardeners
March is truly a remarkable month in the gardening calendar, marking the onset of spring with primroses in bloom, apple blossoms emerging, and perennials shooting up in vibrant green hues. Planting and sowing during this period gives plants, flowers, and crops a valuable jump-start on the growing season, setting the stage for a flourishing garden throughout the year.
By following Monty Don's expert advice and planting woody shrubs in March, gardeners can create beautiful, lasting features that enhance their outdoor spaces for many seasons to come.
