Rain, rain go away, at least for a day or two. What an extraordinary journey, after the total desiccation that was last summer, the ground is now so wet and there is surface water everywhere. As we well know, the natural world is fickle and who knows what tomorrow will bring, sooner would be good. As gardeners the journey has been compromised, with ground waiting to be worked, moss turning up in the spaces from last year’s drought and much to catch up on. So, here’s hoping that March will offer the opportunity.
Onions, shallots, garlic, rhubarb and horseradish will all be happy to get underway and towards the back end of the month, seed potatoes can go in too (chitted or not). That said, I have planted seed potatoes in May and still had a result, but early planting should bring early harvesting, and the arrival of new potatoes is very uplifting. If you have never bothered before, then do try two or three in a large flowerpot. If you use an early variety, you could find a few new spuds within twelve weeks.
Hopefully we can get some seed sowing done now as well. If the weather remains rough, then do resort to seed on the windowsill. Sown in pots or in drills across a seed tray and then covered with polythene for a few days, you’ll soon see results. The great thing about small managed containment is that you don’t end up overloaded with seedlings to waste (there is always an inclination to plant the entire contents of a packet once open).
There are some things that don’t enjoy the technique and certainly root vegetables are happier, being sown into the ground. Many of the winter roots have a long growing season too. Commercially celeriac is sown in March. Quite a number of hardy annuals can also be sown in open ground now, just check packets for guidance.
With sap about to rise, this is the final call for pruning, so roses, climbers, unruly fruit and shrubs can all be tidied up. Don’t be too brutal with spring flowering items or you’ll lose the flowers.
And finally, the door will close this month on bare root planting, so if you have hedging, roses or fruit that is not pot grown, get it in or pot it.
Happy Gardening
Chris Evans
www.dundrynurseries.co.uk
www.thebutterflygarden.org