March’s allotment plan
SOW
Carrot seeds Sow outdoors in shallow rows. At the same time, sow alternate rows of spring onion seeds. In late spring, as the pungent spring onions mature, the aroma will prevent carrot root fly from laying eggs.
Radish seeds Continue direct sowing short rows of seeds every two weeks for successional harvests throughout spring.
Tomato seeds This is nearly the end of the sowing season for tomatoes. With the warming spring air, the seeds will germinate in days, and the fruits will be ready to enjoy in late summer.
HARVEST
Gently tug a couple of forced rhubarb stems per crown. Pull only those that come away cleanly and remove the poisonous leaves before eating.
Enjoy the last of your kale leaves. As the soil warms, the plants will soon start producing flowers.
JOBS
Turn the decomposing content of compost bins to help aerate it. Add water if the compost feels dry – this helps raise humidity.
Divide perennial herbs like chives and mint raised in pots. This prevents roots from becoming pot bound.
Pinch out tips from overwintering broad bean plants to reduce black bean aphid attacks.
Hang codling moth traps on apple trees to prevent the moths from mating.