March Jobs
What a busy month ahead, this is the month when sowing really does take over and if you’ve never grown anything from seed before then this is your month to give it a try, you won’t be disappointed. I love to grow from seed and after all these years I still find it a remarkable process. March is all about sowing and raising healthy, strong seedlings which will see me through the entire year.
Timing and observation are key with seedlings, you need to be checking in on them regularly, rotating them (as light levels are still quite low, you don’t want to be producing ‘leggy’ seedlings). However you choose to sow, whether it’s trays, modules or pots, don’t leave them too long, once they have developed a set of ‘true leaves’ begin pricking out and potting on. Adjust your watering depending on the moisture levels of the soil, being careful not to over water and where possible providing some air flow to prevent mould.
March sow
This is the month when we can really start sowing, both in the greenhouse (heated or unheated) and also direct, which I just love to do. Of course top of the list has to be potatoes​ (which if you haven’t purchased yet, you can buy from us, we have a selection of first earlies, second earlies and main crop, if you start chitting now you can plant out in April and still get a good yield. But there are plenty more that you can be sowing in March, I hope you are sitting comfortably as the list is long;
aubergines
beetroot
broccoli
brussels sprouts
cabbage
cauliflower
celeriac
celery
peppers
spring onions
And let’s not forget about the edible flowers that you can be sowing this month too such as calendula, borage, nasturtium and violas.
March grow
March is a good month to plant rhubarb & asparagus crowns and it’s not too late to get your garlic, onions and shallots sets planted out.
March harvest
There's plenty of produce still available to harvest in March (assuming the storm hasn't blown it all away!);
purple sorting broccoli
brussel sprouts
winter cabbage
chard
herbs (majoram, chives, parsley, coriander)
winter salad leaves
leeks
rhubarb
And if you are out foraging then keep a look out for nettles and wild garlic.