Ah, March. That tricky month where one day feels like spring, and the next, winter slaps us right back into reality. If you’re in Zone 6B, you might be itching to dive into gardening, but let’s be real—the only responsible thing to do right now is assess your garden. That’s right, put the seed packets down (for now) and grab your detective hat because it’s time for a little garden investigation.

"The only thing you should be doing right now is ASSESSING YOUR GARDEN."

Survey the Winter Aftermath

Winter can be brutal, and your garden might look like it just survived a natural disaster. Check for frost-heaved plants doing an unintentional “pop-up shop,” broken branches hanging on by a thread, and perennials that may or may not have ghosted you over the winter. If something looks truly dead, don’t panic—some plants like to keep us guessing before making a dramatic comeback in April.

Tool Inventory Check

Take this time to take an inventory on your spring gardening tools; check them for ware and tear and consider cleaning, sharpening or replacing ones that need it.
**Want more tips on building a Spring Tool Kit? Check out my tips** **here!**

The Great Debris Clean-Up (With Caution!)

Clearing out leaves, twigs, and other winter leftovers is great—just don’t go overboard. Some beneficial bugs, like ladybugs and native bees, are still snoozing in the leaf litter, and you don’t want to wake them up before they’ve had their morning coffee (or, you know, finished hibernating). A light tidy-up is fine, but save the deep cleaning for later in spring.

Soil Check – It’s What’s Beneath That Counts

Your soil has been through a lot—freezing, thawing, and possibly getting stomped on by a few curious squirrels. Before planting, check if it’s compacted. If it feels like you’re about to make a mud pie, hold off on digging, or you’ll create the equivalent of concrete. Instead, sprinkle some compost on top and let nature do its thing for a bit.

Take Note of What’s Popping Up

Your early bloomers (like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses) might already be stretching toward the sun. Take stock of what’s showing signs of life and what seems to have taken an extended vacation. This will help you figure out where you might want to add more plants later—because let’s be honest, we all want more plants.

Prepare for Mother Nature’s Tricks

March weather is about as predictable as a cat’s mood. One week, you’re basking in the sun; the next, you’re scraping ice off your windshield. If you’re feeling ambitious and want to start planting, be ready to protect those little green babies with row covers, cloches, or just some good old-fashioned mulch.

Plan Now, Plant Later

Instead of impulsively buying every plant that catches your eye (guilty!), use this time to sketch out your garden plans, test your soil, and make a wishlist. This way, when it’s actually time to plant, you’ll be ready—rather than standing in a garden center, overwhelmed, clutching a dozen seed packets you didn’t intend to buy.

In sum…

March may tempt you to start digging, but hold off on any major gardening moves just yet. Take the time to assess, plan, and prep so that when the real growing season kicks in, you’ll be ahead of the game (and not replanting things that got frostbitten in your enthusiasm).

So, if you’re feeling restless, take a stroll through your garden, chat with your plants (they don’t judge), and start dreaming about what’s to come. The responsible gardener in you will be glad you did!