Rooko's March Top 10 Tryouts & Tips

1. As the cold weather continues into March any seeds being sown outdoors will probably need protecting with cloches or fleece for the time being. When sowing seeds into dry ground or compost in pots or trays it is worth dampening the soil/compost before sowing to stop seeds being easily washed away.

2. If you are still tidying up weedy or overgrown areas of your plot or garden remember some wild plants we class as weeds will attract early bees to them. Bees also need to drink so spare a little water in your garden for them.

3. When the warm weather does finally arrive so will the army of aphids and other pests so now might be a good time to prepare your concoctions to combat them, (hopefully organically). The following plants should also deter aphids. Anise, Chives, Coriander, Garlic, Leeks, Petunias, Onions, Radish.

4. Parsnips can usually be sown between February and May. They don't normally like cold wet ground to germinate, so warming the soil prior to sowing will help germination. Sow thinly in drills 1cm deep with each row about 30cm apart.

5. Most vegetable gardeners are aware that Rhubarb leaves are toxic but did you know that Parsnip seedlings are poisonous.

6. Red dead nettles are very attractive to bees but they can host Potato leaf roll virus and carry Cucumber mosaic virus.

7. Making your own fertilizer from Comfrey will save using chemical fertilizers. Place the harvested plants into a suitable container adding a little water. Leave to rot down when a black liquid will be produced. Water the liquid down to about 15 (water) to (1) black liquid and use freely over your planting areas.

8. If you are growing outdoor Tomatoes this year they will make good companion plants TO, Asparagus, Peppers, Roses. Tomatoes will benefit FROM, Alliums, Basil, Borage, Carrots, Celery, Geraniums, Marigolds, Nasturtiun, Oregano, Parsley and Petunias. Avoid growing near, Beetroot, Brassica, Corn, Dill, Fennel and Potatoes. 

9. Keep checking your water storage containers for leaks (perhaps caused by freezing) or you may find them empty later in the year when the water is needed. 

10. A few jobs for March depending on weather and ground conditions in your area.

SOWING/PLANTING IN MARCH 

1. Any remaining leeks should be lifted now. Pull any remaining parsnips.
2. Plant onions and shallots in mild areas.
3. In mid-March plant out early potatoes.
4. Others to sow this month: Beetroot, Broadbeans, Early Carrots (under cloches), Early Peas, Brussel Sprouts (earlies), Kohl-Rabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Peas, Radish,Parsnips, Turnips.
5. Outdoor cucumber & Tomatoes can be sown now and kept in a greenhouse or propagator.
6. Plant fruit bushes/canes. Plant Summer Cabbages, Cauliflower (under cloches).

OTHER JOBS IN MARCH

1. Prune Apple and Pear trees early in the month.
2. Spread compost around the base of fruit trees/ bushes/canes.
3. Use cloches or fleece to warm up the ground prior to planting later.