What a treat those bright, full sunlit days through February. The mornings were crisp and there was a positive feel to each new day. The gardens and gardeners were buzzing with the expectation of impending Spring. It was a joy. Many of the jobs shared last month were tackled and many started sowing a few seeds. In the last days, the extension of daylight has become ever more apparent and the buds are so close to bursting. The bulbs have all enjoyed the early warmth too, with snowdrops everywhere and drifts of early daffodils joining the celebration. It is very uplifting.

As we move into March we can be brave about many tasks, with the first spuds being set in the ground, onion sets and shallot planting continuing and a wide range of vegetable seed being started.

Certainly it is worth getting on with the long term plantings. Many of the late vegetable have slow and extended growing seasons. Celeriac takes forever from seed and early parsnips are worth doing too. Check the packets as you go. Watch out for new introductions. This year, after a successful couple of years, you will see Sweet potato plants, Oca and Yam. None of these things are very expensive and it’s fun just to play. I grew Oca a few years ago. The plant which is a member of the oxalis family produces edible tubers. It’s very big business in the Andes where it is second in popular vegetable list, just below potatoes. The tubers are generally small, but very nutritious. The plant is a perennial and will keep. Anyway just look out for different. The depth of plant material is amazing and everyday there are new things to try. Racks are full and the time is right to play. Pots on window sills, trays in the porch or event pots against a south facing wall can be turned to be seed beds. The plants will all be of use next month. Bits of flowers can also be added to the sowing and some just thrown into the border to make their own way.

This is the last call for moving established plants that are where you don’t want them. Quite big things can be relocated with minimal risk, so if you are on for a makeover do it now.

And finally, this year I am going to be having a go with an agricultural pest management product range called Grazers. It looks very promising and very friendly. I will let you know.

Happy Gardening.

Chris Evans
www.dundrynurseries.co.uk
www.thebutterflygarden.org