A notably dry March across the UK has left gardeners and homeowners grappling with parched lawns and thirsty soil. With significantly below-average rainfall recorded in many areas, what is typically a month of gentle moisture and gradual growth has instead brought early signs of drought stress to green spaces.

The Unseasonable Dry Spell
March is generally a transitional month in the UK, bridging the gap between winter dormancy and spring growth. However, this year, high-pressure systems dominated the weather pattern, leading to prolonged dry spells and plenty of sunshine. While the extra daylight and warmth encouraged early blooms and leaf-out, the lack of rainfall has led to surface soil drying out much faster than usual.

According to data from the Met Office, many regions experienced less than 50% of their average March precipitation, with some areas in the southeast seeing less than a third. Coupled with unseasonably warm days and gusty winds, these conditions have created a challenging environment for lawns and gardens to thrive.

Effects on Lawns
Lawns are often one of the first casualties of a dry start to spring. Grass growth in early spring relies heavily on consistent moisture in the soil, and without it, lawns may show signs of stress such as:

• Pale or yellowing patches where grass roots struggle to absorb nutrients
• Slower growth, particularly in newly seeded areas
• Increased susceptibility to moss and weeds, which can take advantage of stressed grass
• Compacted, cracked soil, making future watering less effective

For those with newly laid turf or recently seeded lawns, the lack of moisture can be particularly detrimental, as roots haven't had time to establish deeply and depend more on surface water.

Broader Gardening Impact
Beyond lawns, the dry March has implications for gardens as a whole. Spring bulbs and perennials might bloom early but fade quickly without adequate water. Shrubs and young trees may begin to show signs of stress sooner than expected, particularly if April doesn’t bring relief in the form of steady rain.

Gardeners are already being advised to mulch borders, water deeply but infrequently, and keep an eye on water usage, especially if hosepipe restrictions are introduced later in the year.

Looking Ahead
While a single dry month doesn't spell disaster, it can set the tone for the growing season ahead. If April and May also turn out drier than average, we may see more widespread effects—especially in southern and eastern parts of the UK where water availability is already under pressure.

Gardeners are encouraged to adopt water-wise gardening practices and to prepare for potential drought measures. And while the British weather can always turn unexpectedly, this dry March serves as a reminder that even in the famously wet UK, managing water wisely is becoming increasingly important.