What to do in March

Now that Spring is on its way, we are starting to see bulbs in flower. Just to get us in the mood for the host of gardening tasks ahead, here is a list of advice on which jobs to start and which seeds to sow in March.

In most parts of the country, the busy job of sowing seeds can now begin. Soil that has been dug over and left exposed over the Winter should crumble easily into a fine seedbed. Make sure that it is firm and raked to a level surface.

Start to clear moss and algae. Moss and algae can be seen now and it is often best to keep it away from patios and pathways before it becomes very slippy and dangerous.

Apply biological pest control. Certain pests such as slugs and vine weevil are starting to emerge now. Keep on top of them now that the soil is not so cold, but avoid application when frosty. It always helps to prevent the over-population of pests before they start attacking the precious seedlings that will soon be transplanted.

Sow onions. Onion seeds are sown in drills 1 ft. apart. Later the plants will be thinned to about 6in. apart in the rows.
Sow beetroot. Beetroot can be used throughout the Summer and is best when young, so start successional sowing from now.
Sow broad beans. Sow broad beans in drills 3in. deep and 2ft. apart. Set the seeds 4 to 6in. apart in the rows. Broad beans can also be started under cover, to then be gradually hardened off for planting out at the end of the month.
Sow brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts seeds are best sown now in a cool greenhouse in individual pots, such as our peat pots so that roots are not disturbed when transplanting.
Sow lettuce. Lettuce can be sown now in a cool greenhouse in individual pots, such as our peat pots so that roots are not disturbed when transplanting. Great as a successional crop throughout the Summer.
Sow spinach. Some varieties of spinach can be sown now under cloches or in a cool greenhouse in individual pots, such as our peat pots so that roots are not disturbed when transplanting. Great as a successional crop throughout the Summer.
Sow tomato seeds. Some tomato seeds can be sown now in pots indoors but check each individual variety and ensure a minimum temperature of 16°C for good germination.
Sow leeks. Leeks can be sown, if soil conditions allow. If necessary, use polythene or cloches to dry out the soil beforehand.
Sow early carrots. Early carrots can be sown, if soil is light and not too wet and heavy. Carrots are a useful catch crop, to sow continuously throughout the season.
Sow dwarf beans. Many dwarf beans can be sown towards the end of the month. Check the variety and perhaps start in pots indoors for an early crop.
Start new mint beds. It is preferable to start new beds to prevent diseases. Mint is vigorous so confine within pots if possible.
Buy herb seeds. Herbs can be grown in containers throughout the Spring and Summer - fresh pickings for every meal!

- If you have not yet, give the greenhouse a clean. On milder sunny days, don't forget to keep pots damp in the greenhouse. If ventilating, don't forget to close any windows in the evening.
- Any bulbs that have finished flowering indoors can now be planted outside in between shrubs or in borders so that they can grow permanently.
- Spread a general fertiliser around fruit bushes and strawberries, taking care to keep it away from the stems and leaves.
- Mulch wall-trained fruit trees and any newly planted fruit trees with straw or compost, but not wet sticky manure.
- Start planting early seed potatoes.
- Harden off any sweet peas that have been raised in the greenhouse.
- Keep an eye on seedlings in the greenhouse and prick out if they are becoming overcrowded.

What to do in April

Ready to prepare for next month? - Take a look at our tasks for April.