What to do this month

Get a head start this spring by potting up dahlias, dividing snowdrops and planting summer bulbs

March marks the unofficial start of the sowing year, as temperatures start to climb and days begin to lengthen. However, it’s still too cold to sow most plants outdoors – sudden frosts can decimate seedlings until the end of May. Indoors it’s a different story, as you can create a bright and cosy haven for your little green plant babies.

Just three main things to remember:

1. Sow into modules of seed compost to save the hassle of pricking out the seedlings later. Just plant out the whole plug direct in late spring.

2. Make sure the seedlings have the optimum amount of sunlight. A warm windowsill is fine – rotate the seed tray daily and check night time temperatures aren’t too cold.

3. Keep the compost just wet, not too wet. Overwatering can lead to a fungal disease called damping off. Top the seeds with a layer of vermiculite to prevent mould.

See page 88 for our Buyers’ Guide to the useful sowing kit you need to get started this month