March Gardening.

Gardening during March is a delightful experience as the transition from summer to autumn creates the perfect environment for cultivating a variety of vegetables and flowers.

Here's your guide to what you can plant, what you can harvest, and tips to make your gardening journey enjoyable and fruitful.

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Vegetables.

March is an excellent time for planting both cool and warm-season vegetables. Here are some options to consider:

  1. Broccoli - A hardy vegetable that thrives in cooler temperatures, making it perfect for planting in March.

  2. Carrots - These root vegetables prefer the soft soil conditions that March provides.

  3. Spinach - Quick-growing and nutrient-rich, spinach is ideal for early autumn planting.

  4. Lettuce - With various varieties available, lettuce can be sown for a continuous harvest throughout the cooler months.

  5. Kale - Known for its resilience, kale can be planted now for a prolonged harvest.

Vegetables Ready to Harvest in March

As you sow new seeds, some crops are ready to be harvested, allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your labor:

  1. Tomatoes - If you planted tomatoes earlier in the season, they are likely ready for picking.

  2. Sweet Corn - March is often when sweet corn reaches maturity, ready to be enjoyed fresh.

  3. Capsicums - These colorful vegetables should be ripening and ready for harvest.

  4. Beans - Snap beans and other varieties might be ready to add to your meals.

  5. Zucchini - Continue harvesting zucchinis as they mature to keep the plant productive.

Tips for March Gardening

To make the most out of your March gardening efforts, consider these helpful tips:

  • Soil Care: As you transition from summer to autumn, ensure your soil is well-aerated and enriched with organic matter to support new plantings, to help with this keep treating all your soils with DCT Lazerhume

  • Watering: Although temperatures are cooling, maintain consistent watering, especially for newly planted seeds. Be careful not to overwater as the weather gets cooler.

  • Pest Management: Keep an eye out for late-season pests such as aphids and caterpillars. Regularly inspect plants and use eco-friendly pest control methods when necessary.

  • Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature fluctuations as the evenings become cooler.

  • Crop Rotation: Consider rotating your crops to prevent soil depletion and reduce the risk of disease. DCT products also help mitigate this.

Flowers

March provides the perfect conditions for planting both annuals and perennials. Consider adding these beautiful blooms to your garden:

  1. Pansies

    • Known for their vibrant colors and ability to thrive in cooler weather, pansies are a great choice for March planting.

  2. Sweet Peas

    • These fragrant flowers can be sown directly into the ground for a stunning display of color in late spring.

  3. Calendula

    • Also known as marigold, calendula is a hardy flower that adds warmth to your garden with its bright yellow and orange blooms.

  4. Primroses

    • With their early flowering nature, primroses can brighten up your garden as other plants begin to fade.

  5. Snapdragons

    • These classic flowers come in a variety of colors and can be planted now for blooms in late autumn and early winter.

Tips for March Flower Gardening

To ensure your flower garden flourishes this March, keep these tips in mind:

  • Soil Preparation

    • Enrich your soil with DCT Lazerhume and / or compost or well-rotted manure to provide essential nutrients for your flowering plants.

  • Watering Routine

    • While the weather cools, maintain a consistent watering schedule, especially for young plants. Avoid waterlogging by ensuring good drainage.

  • Deadheading

    • Regularly remove spent blooms to encourage new growth and prolong the flowering period of your plants.

  • Pest Monitoring

    • Be vigilant for pests such as slugs and snails, which can be particularly troublesome in cooler, damp conditions. Consider using natural deterrents like crushed eggshells or coffee grounds.

  • Companion Planting

    • Pair flowers with vegetables or herbs to attract beneficial insects and improve pollination. Flowers like marigolds can also deter certain garden pests.

  • Frost Protection

    • As temperatures drop, be prepared to protect tender plants from potential frost with cloches or frost cloths.

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Lawn

Maintaining a healthy and lush lawn during March requires attention to detail as the weather shifts from the warmth of summer to the cooler temperatures of autumn.

With the right care, your lawn can thrive during this transitional period, setting the stage for a beautiful green space throughout the year. Here's your guide to effective lawn care in March.

Essential Lawn Care Tasks for March

  1. Mowing

    • As temperatures begin to cool, adjust your mowing height to leave the grass slightly longer. This helps protect the roots and prevents weeds from establishing.

  2. Fertilisation

    • Apply DCT Lawn to provide your lawn with the nutrients it needs as it prepares for the cooler months ahead. This encourages strong root growth and enhances overall lawn health.

  3. Aeration

    • Aerating your lawn is crucial in March as it helps relieve soil compaction and improves air, water, and nutrient penetration. Use a garden fork or mechanical aerator for the best results. Keep applying DCT Lazerhume as it reduces soil compaction which increases aeration.

  4. Overseeding

    • To fill in bare patches and enhance the density of your lawn, overseed with a suitable grass seed mix. March is an ideal time for this as the soil is still warm, and the seeds can establish before winter.

  5. Weed Control

    • Address any persistent weeds by hand-pulling or applying a selective herbicide. Early weed control prevents them from spreading and competing with your grass for nutrients and water. If you use Herbicide why not try DCT Weed Spray Enhance it can improve its effectiveness and help clean up any residues left.

  6. Watering

    • While autumn brings more consistent rainfall, ensure your lawn receives adequate moisture, especially after fertilisation or overseeding. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lawn

  • Soil Testing

    • Conduct a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels of your lawn. This will help you tailor your fertilisation and care routine to meet the specific needs of your lawn. if using DCT products, on your lawn the biology in your set the PH level required.

  • Pest Monitoring

    • Keep an eye out for lawn pests such as grubs and caterpillars. Early detection and treatment can prevent extensive damage to your grass.

  • Thatch Control

    • Check for excessive thatch buildup—a layer of dead grass and roots—that can hinder water and nutrient absorption. Dethatching in March can improve your lawn's health and appearance.

  • Edge Trimming

    • Regularly trim the edges of your lawn to maintain a neat appearance and prevent grass from encroaching on flower beds and pathways.

  • Lawn Equipment Maintenance

    • Ensure your lawn mower and other equipment are in good working condition. Sharpen mower blades to achieve a clean cut, which helps reduce stress on your grass.

Caring for your lawn in March sets the foundation for a vibrant and resilient green space. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a lush, healthy lawn that enhances the beauty of your outdoor area. Happy lawn care!

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Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

  • 1 red capsicum, sliced

  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced

  • 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Sesame seeds and chopped fresh parsley for garnish

March brings a wonderful selection of fresh, seasonal vegetables in New Zealand, making it a great time to enjoy their flavors. This delicious skillet recipe features tomatoes, sweet corn, capsicums, beans, and zucchini, paired with tender chicken for a nutritious meal. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients

    • Clean and chop all the vegetables as listed. Slice the chicken into thin strips.

  2. Heat the Olive Oil

    • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

  3. Cook the Chicken

    • Add the chicken strips to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

  4. Sauté the Aromatics

    • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is aromatic.

  5. Add the Vegetables

    • Stir in the cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, capsicum, green beans, and zucchini. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender yet crisp.

  6. Combine and Season

    • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the soy sauce and, if desired, the oyster sauce. Mix well to combine all ingredients, then drizzle with sesame oil for extra flavor.

  7. Taste and Adjust

    • Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.

  8. Serve

    • Plate the dish and garnish with sesame seeds and freshly chopped parsley.

  9. Enjoy

    • Serve warm, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

This colorful skillet dish is a delightful way to enjoy the fresh produce of March, providing a nutritious and flavorful option for dinner.

Bon appétit