The days are lengthening (whoopee!) but so is the gardening ‘to do’ list. Despite being treated to a week of unseasonably warm weather last week, there is still the potential for frosts and cold snaps, so don’t be putting any tender plants outside just yet.
Here are a few of the things I’ll be getting up to in my own garden (or inside, in the case of seeds):
Seed sowing
I’ve just been nosing through the ‘when to sow’ calendars on the back of my various seed packets, and I realise that I really MUST sow the Sweet Peas soon, or they won’t have a chance to mature sufficiently to flower. I’ll soak the seeds overnight, and give the hard seed-coat a little nick, to help with emergence. This is known as ‘scarification’. I’ll leave my sunflowers until next month.
I received a heated propagator this Christmas, so for the first time, I’m also going to try starting some half-hardy annuals from seed; Busy Lizzies, upright Pelargoniums, Lobelia and Petunias.
Soil care
I haven’t given the soil in my border any TLC since moving in four years ago. I discovered some creeping buttercup whilst weeding last week. This can be an indication of poor drainage so I think some incorporation of sharp sand and organic matter is called for.
To prevent water loss, you could also apply a 5-10cm thick layer of mulch of garden compost, well-rotted farmyard manure or shredded bark. Water the soil first before applying though.
Lawn care
In some sunnier gardens (especially in warmer climes), there may be a need to give the grass a cut, with the mower blades on a high setting; it’s better to remove less material more frequently. I’ll be leaving mine for another few weeks, and will need to take care to avoid the crocuses, probably for about six weeks after they have finished flowering.
Repair any dips or bare patches by raking then sprinkling with a mixture of compost and grass seed. Don’t forget to water.
Shrubs and climbers
According to my various and numerous RHS resources, March is really the last month for planting bare root shrubs. In that case, I really must pull my finger out and get those blackcurrants in. Always full of good intentions, me…
Climbers that can be renovated with a hard prune include honeysuckles, ivies, rambling roses and winter jasmine. For deciduous climbers, look to see where the new buds are about to break, and try and identify where there are dead stems that can be pruned out.
Most importantly though, I shall just enjoy looking at and admiring the signs of spring as they emerge, and making plans for the new growing season ahead.
