THE MONTH IN BRIEF

Take care not to sow until the 5th or you may be disappointed with the results. Instead, enjoy planning your March sowing while celebrating World Wildlife Day (on the 3rd). Sowing can then begin from the 5th until the 17th (just before the Full Moon), though don’t sow or transplant on the 11th due to the Apogee Moon. Sow and plant according to the icons if you can, but this isn’t essential.

There are two prime times to prune: during the First Quarter (to increase growth) and during the Last Quarter (to decrease growth). Decide which time is best depending on the types of plants you’re pruning. The best time to graft or take cuttings (such as from roses) is during the First Quarter; especially good days for cuttings are the 14th to the 16th. Once the Full Moon appears on the 18th, switch modes to cultivation and sowing or transplanting root crops, bulbs and tubers. The moon is closest to the earth on the 24th – don’t sow on this day. Seed collecting is fun for the whole family: the optimum time is during the Last Quarter. Also during the Last Quarter, give the garden, and yourself, a rest. If you’re an active relaxer, there are plenty of options to keep you busy (see the icons). The 27th to the 29th are the optimum days for harvesting flowers for longer-lasting blooms – dahlia lovers, give this a try!

New Moon:

Dig and cultivate. When new crescent appears, sow, transplant and graft above-ground crops. Avoid planting root crops or pruning.

First Quarter:

Most prolific time for sowing and planting above-ground crops. Prune to increase plant growth.

Full Moon:

Cultivation time – not the time to sow above-ground crops. Lay compost, manure and mulch. Favourable time to plant root crops.

Last Quarter:

Barren rest period. Time to prune and harvest. Avoid planting and sowing. Prune to decrease plant growth. Tidy and do garden maintenance.