The Cutting Garden : March 2025

I like to think of March in the Cutting Garden as a ‘bridge’ month. March starts off firmly in winter and by the end gives us Spring. I can’t wait to feel the warmth return to the earth and see the flowers bloom once more.

There is loads to do this month from sorting beds to sowing seeds. You can take your pick!

I am going to start with clearing beds. I started last month with my roses and now its time to clear the perennial beds. Plants like peonies, marshmallow, fennel and thalictrum have moved to new homes. They are all looking much happier with space and light. And just taken delivery of more verbena bonariensis to add into any gaps. Last years stems which were left over winter are ready to be cut back allowing new shoots to welcome the sunlight.

Autumn sown seedlings are gradually growing. If you haven’t potted yours up yet, now would be a good time before seed sowing starts.

I have potted up and moved outside cornflowers, agrostemma, poppies, snap dragons, nigella and calendula. They have thankfully survived the frosty mornings and are getting ready for their final homes. I have been placing the seed trays where I want them to grow. Mainly so I can work out exactly where things will end up but also to free up space in the greenhouses. My greenhouse set up is fairly basic – an old metal and glass thing with back up zippy greenhouses for potting on. If anyone from Rhino Greenhouses is reading this, I’d happily accept a new one in exchange for photos 😉 . It just works but means I have to really follow a system of moving things on and out quite quickly.

By the end of the month, seed trays will be full of seedlings. It always feels like a BIG moment. The ripping open of the first seed packet is a small action but one that sets the garden in motion for the year. I always get nervous!

With some experience under my belt now. I will sow slower and with less panic. I have a wedding in early August so will look to getting those seeds going first rather than sowing a second set of early summer flowers like cornflowers and nigella. To be honest, I’m still deciding on the sowing plan. If you want to see what I decide to do, follow me @LottsandLots on Instagram for regular live updates.

Overall March feels abundant. I have flowers planned for Mothers’ Day and have begun hosting workshops once more. I have been writing about my cutting garden for years now. If you are just starting out this year, I’ll add lots of different links to the end of the post. Which I hope will inspire and encourage you to give growing a go. Now is the time.

Some cutting garden posts for you!

Creating a flower garden – where to begin? – This gives you lots to think about

How to create a cut flower garden – On reflection I’d probably run the ‘big beds’ in the opposite direction and make them 4ft wide.

A simple rule – one weed out, one plant in – This is how I got started

Seeds to sow for summer – buy them now but hold off sowing until at least the end of the month for these.