Gardening Tips for March

There is much work to be done in March! Depending on the weather and ground conditions, the work may be inside or out.
In the greenhouse or on the windowsill sow seeds of beetroot, leek, lettuce and summer cabbage but ensure you do not apply too much heat as this will produce very leggy seedlings.
Sowings of tomatoes, aubergines and peppers can also be started.
As seeds germinate rotate the seed pots and trays daily on the windowsill to ensure even growth.
Mid March is a good time to sow broad beans outdoors, if soil conditions allow.
The use of cloches two weeks before sowing will allow the soil to both dry out, if too wet, and warm up to improve germination.
Alternativeley, the seeds can be germinated in controlled conditions, under glass, three in a 8cm pot, and planted out as soon as they come through.
Use sweet-pea tubes to start off parsnips in an unheated greenhouse, cold frame or cool windowsill.
This method gives a much higher success rate than direct sowing outdoors, where germination can be slow and erratic.
Sow three seeds per tube, and on germination remove the two weakest, leaving the best to grow on.
Timing now gets critical; keep checking for the tiny root appearing at the bottom of the tube (normally very soon after first full leaf).
You need to get them in the garden without delay, so the tap root continues growing straight down, to give you long parsnips.
Mulch raspberry canes with compost or manure before they start to sprout.
They are heavy feeders and this will ensure a heavier crop later in the year.
March is also the latest time that bare-root fruit bushes and trees can be planted.