Cultivate Your Edible Plants in March
Spring has arrived, and with it comes the perfect time for tasks in the fruit and vegetable garden. Here's a guide to help you make the most of this season.
First, let's talk about sowing seeds outdoors. To achieve success, plant seeds directly into prepared soil after the last frost date and when soil temperatures meet the seed's optimal germination temperature as indicated on the seed packet. Choose crop varieties suited for your frost-free growing season length and prepare soil by loosening and enriching with compost.
This month, you can direct sow crops like carrots, salad leaves, spring onions, beetroot, and others. When sowing, seeds are pinched in the hand and sown in stations every 3-4cm for easier thinning and weeding.
Moving on to growing rhubarb, select a sunny spot with rich, soft soil amended with compost or organic matter. Space plants about 3 feet apart and water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It's important to note that you should not harvest rhubarb in its first year; allow plants to establish, then harvest stalks starting the second year. When it's time to harvest, grip the stem near the base and give it a firm twist to pull it away from the crown cleanly.
Potatoes can also be planted in spring. Plant seed potatoes as soon as the ground is workable, preferably in acidic soil with at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight. It’s recommended to plant them directly in the ground or in large containers rather than raised beds for easier harvesting. Pre-sprout seed potatoes on a warm, bright windowsill before planting to encourage growth. Cover planted seed potatoes with soil and mound as they grow to protect tubers from sunlight. The harvest of potatoes can be expected 10-12 weeks after planting.
Tomato seedlings, on the other hand, are moved outdoors and planted in 9cm pots with a mix of peat-free potting compost and John Innes no 3. The ground temperature needs to be 10°C for a few hours during the day for successful germination. The seedlings are placed in a deep hole made with a dibber, and the roots are buried while the leaves remain close to the surface.
Soil preparation is crucial for a successful garden. After planting, the seedlings are watered and placed on a bench for a few weeks before being ready for planting into their final position. The soil is raked back in to cover the seed by 1cm and tamped down along the drill with the back of the rake.
Lastly, no watering is done until the seedlings appear, but watering may be necessary if it's very dry. A string line is used to mark rows, and the edge of a hoe is used to draw out a V-shaped drill 2cm deep.
Enjoy the fruits of your labour as the new rhubarb stems are sweet and perfect for harvesting now, and the harvest of potatoes can be expected in a few weeks. Happy gardening!
Consider adding raised beds to your home-and-garden for a more streamlined and stylish lifestyle in gardening. With raised beds, you can easily control the soil conditions, dramatically reducing the time spent on weeding and optimizing growth for your fruits and vegetables.
Incorporating various crops like tomatoes, lettuce, and herbs into your raised beds will not only provide a rewarding gardening experience but also contribute to enhancing your lifestyle with fresh, organic produce.
