Finally with the beginning of longer, warmer days the growing season is getting underway.
There is plenty of sowing and jobs to be done at this exciting time of year.
Sowing
March and April are the peak time for sowing, broad beans, plant at about 5cm depth. Sow swiss chard, tomatoes, salads, spinach, radishes,peppers, peas, onions, kale, leeks, chillies, carrots, cauliflower, cabbages and brussel sprouts. Aubergines can be sown now too, the ideal tempreture is around 18-21 degrees.
Plant
Rhubarb - March is the final opportunity to plant crowns until October.
Jerusalem Artichokes - Buy tubers now and plant each tuber at a distance of 30cm betewwn one another.
Potatoes - First early varities can be planted towards the end of March.
Asparagus - Choose a well drained soil and sunny position.
This is the last opportunity to plant bare-root fruit trees and bushes before the weather warms up.
General jobs
Weed the plot, and dig out any pernnial weeds to stop them invading.
Protect plants from pests, slugs can be a big problem as the weather starts to get warmer.
Protect brassicas from pigeons by covering with fleece or fine netting.
Buy or order young vegetable plants, ideal if you don't have the space or time to grow from seed.