March Gardening Tasks for South Africa
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Your Essential Guide to Autumn Planting Season in South Africa
March is one of the most rewarding months in the South African gardening calendar. As the heat of summer fades and cooler autumn days arrive, working in the garden becomes a genuine pleasure – and your plants will thrive in the gentle autumn weather.
Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will help you make the most of March's perfect planting conditions.
Why March is Prime Gardening Month in South Africa
March marks the beginning of autumn in South Africa, bringing with it ideal conditions for gardening:
- Cooler temperatures make outdoor work comfortable and enjoyable
- Reduced water stress on plants as temperatures drop
- Autumn rains help new plantings establish strong root systems
- Less pest pressure compared to the hot summer months
- Perfect germination conditions for autumn and winter flowers
With two long weekends this season (Human Rights Day on March 21 and Easter in early April), you'll have plenty of time to tackle these essential tasks.
1. Sow Autumn Flowers
Why now? March is prime sowing month for beautiful autumn and winter blooms. The cooler temperatures help seeds germinate reliably, and young plants establish strong root systems before winter.
What to plant:
- Poppies (Papaver species) - Stunning displays in winter and spring
- Nemesias - Vibrant colours and sweet fragrance
- Calendulas - Hardy, cheerful blooms that attract beneficial insects
- Violas and pansies - Classic winter colour
- Sweet peas - Fragrant climbers for spring displays
How to succeed:
- Prepare beds with quality organic compost
- Ensure good drainage to prevent winter waterlogging
- Sow seeds directly into prepared beds or start in trays
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged during germination
- Thin seedlings once they develop true leaves
What you need: Shop organic fertilisers | GuanoBoost Organic Granules 8kg | Agri-Boost Liquid Fertiliser 20L
2. Plant Bulbs for Winter & Spring Displays
Why now? Autumn is bulb-planting season in South Africa. March planting gives bulbs time to establish roots before flowering in winter and spring.
What to plant:
- Freesias - Fragrant and colourful spring blooms
- Ixias - Star-shaped flowers in vibrant colours
- Sparaxis - Striking harlequin flowers
- Watsonias - Tall spikes perfect for cutting
- Lachenalia - Indigenous South African beauties
Planting tips:
- Choose a sunny, well-drained position
- Plant bulbs at 2-3 times their own depth
- Space according to variety (generally 5-10cm apart)
- Water in well after planting
- Apply a balanced fertiliser to encourage strong growth
What you need: Agri-Flower Complex 20L | gro+ Organic Growth Bundle | GuanoBoost Liquid Fertiliser 25L
3. Feed Shrubs with Potassium-Rich Fertiliser
Why now? As shrubs prepare for winter dormancy, they need a potassium boost to strengthen cell walls, improve cold tolerance, and promote healthy flowering in spring.
Which plants to feed:
- Roses (especially important for autumn flush)
- Hydrangeas
- Azaleas and camellias
- Flowering shrubs (hibiscus, plumbago, etc.)
- Fruit trees and berry bushes
Feeding guidelines:
- Apply potassium-rich organic fertiliser around the drip line
- Water in thoroughly after application
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers that promote soft growth
- Mulch after feeding to retain moisture
What you need: Agri-Balance Liquid Fertiliser 20L | Groei Power Lawn Granular Fertiliser | gro+ Growman Organic Granules 8kg
4. Apply Pest Control
Why now? Autumn pests like aphids, scale insects, and caterpillars can damage plants as they prepare for winter. A preventative pest control application now protects your investment and ensures healthy plants come spring.
Common March pests:
- Aphids - Cluster on new growth and flower buds
- Scale insects - Attach to stems and leaves
- Caterpillars - Feed on foliage
- Snails and slugs - Active in cooler, damper conditions
Pest control strategy:
- Inspect plants regularly for early signs of infestation
- Use organic pest control options where possible
- Apply eco-friendly oils to smother scale and aphids
- Hand-pick larger pests like caterpillars and snails
What you need: Makhro Organicide Plus | Makhro Servus RTU 750ml | Makhro Picanta
5. Take Cuttings & Divide Perennials
Why now? March's mild weather creates ideal conditions for propagation. Semi-hardwood cuttings root readily, and divided perennials have time to establish before winter.
Plants to propagate:
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Pelargoniums (geraniums)
- Agapanthus (after flowering)
- Daylilies
Propagation tips:
- Take cuttings in the cool of the morning
- Use clean, sharp secateurs
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in well-draining propagating mix
- Divide perennials by gently separating clumps
What you need: Gro 3-Piece Garden Tool Set | Kaufmann 3-Piece Garden Set | Kaufmann 6-Piece Watering Set
6. Control Weeds Before Winter
Why now? Getting on top of weeds now before they set seed saves hours of hand-weeding later. Autumn is the perfect time to tackle both lawn and garden bed weeds.
Weed control strategy:
- Apply selective herbicide to control broadleaf weeds in lawns
- Hand-pull weeds while soil is moist
- Apply mulch to suppress weed germination
- Use non-selective herbicide on paths and driveways
What you need: Makhro Glyphosate 360 SL | Makhro Lawn Care Super RTU 750ml | Makhro Glyphosate RTU 750ml
Application tools: Kaufmann 5L Pressure Sprayer | Agpro Knapsack Pressure Sprayer 16L
Your March Gardening Checklist
- ✅ Sow autumn flower seeds (poppies, nemesias, calendulas)
- ✅ Plant spring-flowering bulbs (freesias, ixias, watsonias)
- ✅ Feed shrubs with potassium-rich fertiliser
- ✅ Apply preventative pest control
- ✅ Take semi-hardwood cuttings
- ✅ Divide overcrowded perennials
- ✅ Control weeds in lawns and beds
- ✅ Plant cool-season vegetables
- ✅ Prepare beds with compost and mulch
Shop Autumn Garden Essentials
Make the most of March's perfect gardening weather with our curated collection of premium products including:
- Organic Fertilisers: Agri-Boost, GuanoBoost, gro+ Organic Growth Bundle
- Pest Control: Makhro Organicide Plus, Makhro Lawn Care Super RTU 750ml
- Herbicides: Makhro Glyphosate 360 SL, Makhro Lawn Care Super RTU 750ml
- Tools & Equipment: Kaufmann Sprayers, Gro Garden Tools
Special Offer: Use code AUTUMNKIT15 for 15% off when you buy 3+ items from our Autumn Garden Essentials collection.
With Human Rights Day (March 21) and Easter weekend (April 3-6) coming up, you'll have extra time to tackle these essential autumn tasks. There's no better time to get your garden sorted for the cooler months ahead.