MARCH
Getting started
When the ground starts to dry out do not rush to plant is the golden rule. We will almost certainly get more really cold snaps. Wait until the soil is in good condition and is warming up. If you can rake and produce a fine tilth without it clinging to your boots then that is a fair guide that the soil is warming up and drying out. If not, be patient.
General thoughts on seed sowing
A good quality multi purpose seed compost works for most things especially since you will generally be pricking out seedlings into pots or planting outside fairly shortly.
Tomatoes, Sweet Peppers and Chilli Peppers
If you have access to a cold greenhouse in which to grow on these plants then you can start these from seed now by sowing a few seeds in pots / small trays in the Club heated greenhouse. If you want to grow these plants outside then delay sowing under glass until the end of the month or early in April.
Broad Beans
These can be sown directly into the ground if conditions are favourable following the seed packet instructions. However you can also sow in 8 inch pots in a cold frame or cold greenhouse. Place about 8 to10 beans per pot so you will have certain germination. Let the resulting plants develop until they are about 2 inches tall before transplanting into the plot. Do not let them get any bigger or the roots will be restricted by the lack of space. When transplanting use a trowel to make a suitable deep hole for the root and space plants at about 9 inch intervals.
Peas
These can be sown directly into the ground if conditions are favourable following the seed packet instructions. Some plot holders like to start peas in half round guttering and then slide them out into the ground when germinated.
Early Cabbages, Cauliflowers and Lettuces
These can be sown in pots in the greenhouse now for subsequent transplanting, or directly into the soil towards the end of March.
Leeks
These are best started by sowing in a deep pot in the greenhouse now or direct into the plot towards the end of this month, weather permitting. Using a deep pot means there is no need to transplant since they can grow on until they are ready for planting out.
Shallots
Unless the ground is frozen or soggy these can be set out now. Plant about 6 inches apart and deep enough to leave just the tip of the bulb just showing through. Keep an eye one these because birds love to pull them out.
Potatoes
These should be still chitting. Try to resist planting until at least early April to avoid the young growth being blackened by frosts.
Wheelbarrows
The collection of wheelbarrows seems to reduce on a weekly basis. Please do return barrows after use and not leave them on your plot until your next visit.
When the ground starts to dry out do not rush to plant is the golden rule. We will almost certainly get more really cold snaps. Wait until the soil is in good condition and is warming up. If you can rake and produce a fine tilth without it clinging to your boots then that is a fair guide that the soil is warming up and drying out. If not, be patient.
General thoughts on seed sowing
A good quality multi purpose seed compost works for most things especially since you will generally be pricking out seedlings into pots or planting outside fairly shortly.
Tomatoes, Sweet Peppers and Chilli Peppers
If you have access to a cold greenhouse in which to grow on these plants then you can start these from seed now by sowing a few seeds in pots / small trays in the Club heated greenhouse. If you want to grow these plants outside then delay sowing under glass until the end of the month or early in April.
Broad Beans
These can be sown directly into the ground if conditions are favourable following the seed packet instructions. However you can also sow in 8 inch pots in a cold frame or cold greenhouse. Place about 8 to10 beans per pot so you will have certain germination. Let the resulting plants develop until they are about 2 inches tall before transplanting into the plot. Do not let them get any bigger or the roots will be restricted by the lack of space. When transplanting use a trowel to make a suitable deep hole for the root and space plants at about 9 inch intervals.
Peas
These can be sown directly into the ground if conditions are favourable following the seed packet instructions. Some plot holders like to start peas in half round guttering and then slide them out into the ground when germinated.
Early Cabbages, Cauliflowers and Lettuces
These can be sown in pots in the greenhouse now for subsequent transplanting, or directly into the soil towards the end of March.
Leeks
These are best started by sowing in a deep pot in the greenhouse now or direct into the plot towards the end of this month, weather permitting. Using a deep pot means there is no need to transplant since they can grow on until they are ready for planting out.
Shallots
Unless the ground is frozen or soggy these can be set out now. Plant about 6 inches apart and deep enough to leave just the tip of the bulb just showing through. Keep an eye one these because birds love to pull them out.
Potatoes
These should be still chitting. Try to resist planting until at least early April to avoid the young growth being blackened by frosts.
Wheelbarrows
The collection of wheelbarrows seems to reduce on a weekly basis. Please do return barrows after use and not leave them on your plot until your next visit.