Spring is upon us, and although there is a risk where we are of a frost up until the end of this month it's definitely time to start getting garden ready! Here's a low down of what to start planting, what to harvest, all the jobs that need doing, what to look out for and all the tips and tricks for success this month.
What to grow direct into the ground
You can start growing things directly into the ground, with spring imminent. Just be aware that there is still chance of frost - so make sure you protect what you plant.
You can start sowing your edible flowers, any any other hardy annuals outdoors
Other ornamentals bulbs, that will flower in the summer, such as lilies can be planted now outdoors
Any shrubs such as roses and climbers can be planted now, they will still have time to bloom this year
Plant an early crop of carrots, potatoes and parsnips, under cloches or fleece
There's still opportunity to plant onions and shallots
Outdoor sowing of hardy veg such as spinach and salad leaves
Strawberries and other berry bushes can be planted now, just keep note that it's still wet so slugs are out in full force
Don't forget you can still plant the crops from last month - spring onions, garlic, onions, rhubarb, broad beans, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, brussels, spinach, artichokes, sprouting broccoli, rocket, kohl rabi and kale to name a few
What to grow in the greenhouse / indoors
With the warmer and longer days coming you can start planting in the greenhouse and indoors, just make sure that you protect your seedlings from frost, pest and dryness. There's still chance of frost so just be cautious, you don't want to plant all of your seeds now and lose them all - succession planting is always advised anyway, so just go steady.
Wildflowers can be sown into modules
Tomatoes, chillies, sweet peppers and aubergines can be sown indoors
Celeriac, celery, lettuces and herbs can be started in the greenhouse now
Dwarf beans, mangetout, peas and sweet peas can be started in the greenhouse now, if you want an early crop in the summer
Harvest
There won't be a lot to harvest right now, other than micro greens if you've planted some in the greenhouse and the remainder of your kale / rocket if you planted it last year.
What jobs needs doing
The garden is always a place for getting work done, but don't forget to enjoy it too. Enjoy the spring sunshine with a cuppa and look at all your hard work - don't just work work work. We find that if you enjoy your space you're more likely to want to do the jobs. The garden is there to be enjoyed not just worked in.
Maintenance and preparation
Your now ok to tidy up beds, grounds and remove dead foliage / weeds ready for planting
If you haven't already you still have time to mulch all borders ready for planting
Get your first mow of your lawn this month, re-seed if required and dry out all cuttings for the compost bin - if you don't have chickens to feed it to of course!
It's not too late to prune any fruit or ornamental trees / bushes, they might be wind damaged or just need a prune - now is the time before they come out of hibernation
Vegetables
If you've starting growing brassicas then make sure you feed them with a nitrogen rich fertiliser if your compost isn't rich in nitrogen, a good example of this is chicken manure
Flowers
Any roses need to have their final prune this month before they start to bud and leaves start to develop
Chit potatoes
Get your potatoes chitting ready for planting in spring. If they are sprouting too quickly you can remove leaves, or rub off extra eyes to slow them down lightly. Check out How to: Potatoes for more info!
Composting
Hot compost bins can be used in greenhouses and polytunnels to keep the temperatures up if you want to get some early planting done. Your compost does have to be at it's hottest though for this to work. Check out -> our composting blog to give you a helping hand.
Fertilise
March is the time for planting crop, but of course to do that your soil needs to be treated. If you haven't done this yet you still have time! Don't forget though as fruit and veg are hungrier than ornamentals. Make sure that you top dress your soil with mulch, compost, fertiliser and organic matter ready for planting.
Do not use manure in March, it's too late now and won't get time to break down.
The biggest challenges
Although it's the start of the new season there are still some challenges that are carried over from winter, along with new challenges to contend with. Make sure you're aware what they are so that you can tackle them early.
Pests
Slugs are a huge problem at this time of year as they're hungry, it's wet, and they will eat all your seedlings if you give them chance. Make sure you are ready for the challenge!
Rats / Mice are extremely hungry after a cold winter, so you need to make sure that all your crops are properly protected, either fleecing if outside or in a secure greenhouse that they cannot access
Wet wet wet
Normally at this time of year you have experienced a lot of April showers, which is great for filling up water butts and IBC's but not so great for the soil compaction. Try your upmost not to walk on the ground during this time of year, you don't want to compact your soil too much as plants need air pockets for the roots to spread! Use planks of wood to walk across beds if you need to, this will spread your weight more evenly.
Low light
Artificial light can be used in greenhouses for longer growing seasons, but as a rule low light will decrease plant growth so if you have anything planted and it's not doing a lot don't panic!
If you are using artificial light then bear in mind that some crops such as tomatoes will get leggy!
Freezing temperatures
You can still get frosts in February, so keep this in mind when planning to plant outdoors. Frost hardy plants will be ok in this month, such as onions and late garlic; but do not plant anything that cannot handle a frost such as tomatoes, peas, peppers etc. they will not service and you will just waste time and money.
Products we recommend
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Soil blockers are fantastic for speeding up you sowing process, saving you money and reducing your plastic consumption. They are great for all small seeds and allow for multiple sowing and easy transplanting that won't disturb the plant! Now is the time to make the one off investment and get your seeds going. |
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Seedling trays are great for beans and seeds that are slightly too big for soil blocks, because they're biodegradable they can be separated and planted straight into the ground reducing the transplant shock that would occur with standard trays. Now is the time to stock up and get your seeds going |
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Eco-friendly slug and snail trap Slugs are a real problem at this time of year as it's still very wet and they're out of hibernation and looking for food. They will eat your seedlings before they are strong enough to fight back. |
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If you're looking to get your strawberries in now it's worth investing in a strawberry stand, so they can grow up through it and you'll have somewhere for the berries to grow onto away from the slugs, woodlice and to reduce the risk of rot. |
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Potatoes can be planted now, why not plant them in grow bags it makes the job easier, less painful of your back and more rewarding as there's less risk of pests, stabbing them during harvest or not finding them all. |
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Sowing seeds can be difficult, especially with the small seeds such as spring onions; seed sowers make this job easier, and stop the seeds going everywhere |
Other stuff that's worth a read
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Everyone loves tomatoes, they are one of our customers most popular crops; now is the time to start them off indoors so it's worth checking out the how to guide! |
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Compost is a gardeners best friend, and is crucial over the next few months for all the mulching, bed prep and sowing. Find out more by checking out the tips and tricks page! |
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With early potatoes sat there chitting, waiting to be planted it's now the time to check out the how to guide, and get them bad boys in. |