March that heralds in spring

It’s also a busy one on the smallholding and in the garden

- 

Although March can be disappointingly cold, the days lengthening is noticeable and plants and animals do respond to this. Coltsfoot starts to flower and provides much needed foraging for bumble bees and honeybees. It’s a month to make plans but often also cope with the end of a long winter. March is the first month of the year in the Roman Calendar, named after Mars, the God of War.

IN THE GARDEN

Don’t sow seeds or plant out if the weather is not suitable. Seeds will catch up but they can’t get over being frozen! Be ready to use protection such as fleece for vulnerable crops.

Cut back winter shrubs and tidy up after the winter, being careful to leave a messy area for insects and birds.

Prepare seed beds – dig in manure if necessary.

Make a start on weeds – at this time of the year there are not so many of them so keep on top of them now and it will give you a head start for the winter. Pulling or hoeing is much to be preferred to spraying them.