Plant early potatoes March is the ideal time to plant your first earlies . Chit seed potatoes ( allow them to sprout ) by placing them in a cool , bright spot for a few weeks , then plant them in trenches or deep pots filled with nutrientrich soil . Cover the shoots with soil as they grow to protect them from late frosts . Choose a sunny , sheltered spot to get the best results .

Sow hardy vegetables outdoors Prepare your vegetable beds for sowing hardy crops like carrots , parsnips , spinach and broad beans . If the soil is still cold , warm it by covering it with cloches or fleece for a few days before planting . Use seed drills and thin layers of fine compost for even germination .

Prune roses Early March is the perfect time to prune bush and climbing roses to encourage strong growth and abundant blooms . Cut back to an outward-facing bud and remove any weak or dead wood . Use sharp tools for clean cuts and shape the plant to allow for good air circulation . Apply a balanced rose fertiliser after pruning to give your roses a good start .

Support perennials and climbers As new growth begins , support tall perennials and climbers with stakes , obelisks or trellises . Installing supports early prevents damage to fragile shoots and ensures plants grow upright and strong . Use natural materials like hazel canes or bamboo for a rustic look .

Keep on top of weeds With milder temperatures , weeds will start to appear . Regularly hoe or pull them out by hand before they get established . Pay special attention to borders , pathways and vegetable beds . A mulch layer applied earlier in the year will make this job much easier !