Today is the third time for the third time. Crazy March: A month that exposes the North-South divide. Temperatures in the south of England can be several degrees warmer than in Scotland, for example.
Southerners may begin to take risks in planting and seeding that is not recommended further north. However, early potatoes should be suitable for planting in the ground in most locations by the end of the month. Stay tuned to the most reliable local weather forecast.
The seeds should have been sorted by now. You might tell yourself you’re sowing in March to test the soil (7C is the sweet spot), but a set of garlic, onions and shallots should be fine to plant this month. Still, it’s safest to sow summer crops indoors or under cover.
March is your last chance of the year to plant bare-root pear and apple trees, currant and berry shrubs, and complete winter pruning. Don’t forget to watch out for aphids. The slugs and snails will also be on the move soon.
It is also the time to feed crops that will survive the winter. Liquid seaweed is administered to strengthen Swiss chard, Italian and Asian leaves and prepare them for late final harvest. But no matter where you grow it, this is the month to drive away winter and tidy up your flower and vegetable beds.
Irregular allocations will also return to site as the days get warmer and longer (BST starts on March 31st). The time has come to think about planning a working party.
Now, the year of growth begins. However, when work gets faster in the spring and early summer, why not remind yourself to take a look around? This is so that you can experience the joy of growing wherever you are.
So, what are the first seeds to sow this year? For us, it’s poppies and nasturtiums. Perhaps peas will soon follow.
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