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March in Minnesota is a study in contradictions. The light is longer, the air feels different, and something in us knows spring is coming — even when there’s still snow on the ground. It’s a month of careful optimism, of watching for signs, of getting our hands ready for the work ahead.

At Sunnyside Gardens, we know this month well. It’s when gardeners start showing up at our doors, eager and restless, wondering what they can do now. Here’s your comprehensive guide to March gardening — indoors, outdoors, and everywhere in between.

Houseplants: Wake Them Up

March marks a turning point for houseplants. With longer days and stronger light, they’re ready to shake off winter dormancy and grow.

Repot Root-Bound Plants

Early spring is the ideal time to repot. Increasing sunlight helps plants adjust to their new pots and encourages fresh growth. Check your houseplants for these signs:

• Roots emerging on the surface of the soil
• Roots growing out of drainage holes
• Stunted or slowed growth
• Water draining too quickly

How to repot: Choose a pot 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Gently remove the plant, loosen tangled roots, and place it in fresh potting mix. Water thoroughly and return it to its favorite spot.

Fertilize Lightly

With longer days, houseplants are ready to grow. Give them a weak dose (half strength) of water-soluble plant food this month. Most plants grew very little in winter — now is the time to give them a boost.

Check for Pests

Inspect plants closely for aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs. Wipe down leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and check for unwanted visitors. Treat any infestations early before they spread.

Move Plants As Needed

As the sun angle changes, move the plants closer to or further from windows and rotate them for even growth. Pay attention to how light shifts through your home as spring approaches.

Garden: Plan, Prep & Start Seeds

The garden itself isn’t ready for you yet — but you can get ready for it.

Start Seeds Indoors

March is prime time for starting seeds indoors. Get a head start on the growing season by starting these now:

• Peppers (8-10 weeks before last frost)
• Tomatoes (6-8 weeks before last frost)
• Lettuce for early planting in cold frames
• Annual flowers like snapdragons, impatiens, and ageratum

Use seed trays with good drainage, keep them warm (65-75°F), and provide plenty of light. A sunny south-facing window works, but grow lights are even better.

Plan Your Garden

Now is the time to put pen to paper. Sketch out where you’ll plant what, plan for succession blooms, and decide on color schemes. Consider:

• Which areas get full sun, part shade, or full shade
• Bloom times for continuous color spring through fall
• Mature plant sizes to avoid overcrowding
• Companion planting for vegetables

Check Seeds & Supplies

If you haven’t already, pick up seeds and any garden supplies you’ll need. Inventory your tools — gloves, pruners, shovels, watering cans — and replace anything worn out.

Avoid Walking on Wet Lawn or Garden Beds

This is critical. Even if the snow has melted and the ground looks inviting, walking on wet, thawing soil compacts it and damages structure. Wait until the ground has dried out and firmed up before stepping into beds.

Landscape: Prune, Clean & Prepare

Late March is when the real outdoor work begins — carefully.

Prune Dormant Trees & Shrubs

Late March is the perfect time to prune fruit trees, hydrangeas, and other shrubs while they’re still dormant. You can see their structure clearly and make clean cuts before new growth begins.

What to prune:

• Fruit trees (apples, pears, cherries)
• Summer-blooming shrubs like hydrangeas (but NOT spring bloomers like lilacs or forsythia — wait until after they bloom)
• Dead, diseased, or damaged branches on any tree or shrub

What NOT to prune: Spring-flowering shrubs that bloom on old wood. Pruning them now removes this year’s flowers.

Tend to Your Lawn — Gently

Do: If needed, gently remove heavy debris from areas with poor air circulation to address potential snow mold.

Don’t: Rake aggressively, walk on wet grass, or apply treatments. The ground is still thawing, dormant grass is fragile, and pollinators are sheltering in thatch and bare soil. Wait until the grass is actively growing and the ground has firmed up.

Cut Branches for Forcing

Want blooms in your house right now? Cut branches from flowering shrubs like forsythia, pussy willow, or cherry and bring them indoors. Place them in water, and within a week or two, you’ll have early spring blooms!

Check for Winter Damage

Walk your property and assess any damage from snow, ice, or freeze-thaw cycles. Look for:

• Broken branches on trees and shrubs
• Heaving perennials (gently press them back into the soil if needed)
• Damaged fencing or garden structures

What’s in Stock at Sunnyside in March?

Here’s what you’ll find waiting for you:

• Pansies: early bloomers that thrive in cool temperatures
• Fresh herbs: perfect for windowsills now and outdoor planting later
• Seeds: vegetable, herb, and flower seeds for indoor starting
• Cold crops: hardy vegetables like kale, broccoli, and lettuce ready for early outdoor planting
• Houseplants: a full selection to refresh your indoor jungle
• Potting soil, fertilizer, and garden tools

The Big Picture

March is a month of preparation, not performance. It’s about setting the stage for what’s to come — getting your tools ready, your seeds started, your plans sketched out, and your patience intact.

The garden isn’t quite ready for you yet. But you can be ready for it!

At Sunnyside Gardens, we’re here to help you make the most of this in-between season. Stop by, ask questions, and let’s get ready to grow together.