Growing Edibles in March: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Spring is in the air, and it’s time to start thinking about growing your own delicious fruits and vegetables. March is a great month to get started, as the weather is warming up and the days are getting longer. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of the growing season:
Sowing Seeds Outdoors
March is a great time to sow seeds outdoors, as the soil is warming up and the days are getting longer. Some of the vegetables that you can sow in March include carrots, salad leaves, spring onions, and beetroot.
To sow seeds outdoors, first check the ground temperature. It should be at least 10 degrees Celsius for a few hours during the day to guarantee germination. You can use a soil thermometer to check the temperature, or you can simply feel the soil with your hand. If it feels warm to the touch, it’s warm enough to sow seeds.
Next, prepare the soil by raking it to remove any weeds or debris. Then, use a hoe to create a shallow drill, about 2cm deep. Water the drill thoroughly, then sow the seeds thinly along the bottom of the drill. Cover the seeds with soil and tamp it down gently.
Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. You should see germination within a couple of weeks.
Growing Tomatoes in a Greenhouse
If you have a greenhouse, you can start growing tomatoes in March. To do this, you will need to move your tomato seedlings from their seed trays into individual pots.
Fill 9cm pots with a mix of peat-free potting compost and John Innes no 3. Firm the compost into the pots, then make a deep hole in the center of each pot with a dibber.
Carefully remove the tomato seedlings from their seed trays, being careful not to damage the roots. Place each seedling in a hole, and gently firm the compost around the roots. Water the seedlings well.
Place the pots on a bench in the greenhouse, and keep them warm and moist. In a few weeks, the seedlings will be ready to be planted outdoors.
Harvesting Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable that is easy to grow and produces a delicious tart flavor. March is a great time to harvest rhubarb, as the stems are still sweet and tender.
To harvest rhubarb, simply grip the stem near the base and give it a firm twist to pull it away from the crown. Trim off the thin sheath that surrounds the stem before cooking.
Stop harvesting rhubarb from young plants by the summer to give them a chance to recover and strengthen for longer picking next year.
Planting Potatoes
Potatoes are a staple food crop that is easy to grow in the home garden. March is a good time to plant early potatoes, as they will be ready to harvest in 10-12 weeks.
To plant potatoes, dig a trench 10-15cm deep. Space the potatoes about 30cm apart and have the chits or small shoots facing up. Cover the tubers back over with soil.
In as little as a fortnight, the shoots will emerge and need frost protection. You can either rake loose soil over them or cover them with straw and compost.
Keep earthing up the potatoes as they grow to block the light from the new potatoes.
Additional Tips
- Keep a record of when you plant your seeds and potatoes. This will help you to track their progress and know when to expect a harvest.
- Water your plants regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilize your plants every few weeks to give them the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.
- Protect your plants from pests and diseases by using organic methods such as companion planting and crop rotation.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh fruits and vegetables from your own garden all season long.
