Gardening - Tom Moggach says the worst of winter may be over, but be patient with your gardening plans
Imagine that you were a seed. Would you enjoy being woken up then going outdoors? It might be tempting, on a bright sunny day. We’ve had a one or two of those recently, when it feels like spring is finally here.
But it would be a mistake. The weather is still fickle and bleak; the soil cold. The world outside is chilly, soggy and miserable.
For keen growers, this timing issue is a big dilemma. After months of snow and rain, the temptation to get gardening – to get a head start – is almost irresistible. But it’s still too early for nearly all crops.
This winter has been extra tough for growers. I recently took the train to Sussex: fields outside my window were flooded; whole allotment sites under water.
The lesson, I suppose, is one of patience. Any growth will be weak and sluggish at this time of year. Low light levels promote “etiolation”, when seedlings grow pale and weak as they stretch towards insufficient light.
What’s more, later sowings in March will often catch up with crops started off early in the season.
If you’re still itching to get going, there are options, even without luxury kit such as a greenhouse, mini polytunnel or heated propagator.
Indoors, beetroot, radishes, salad onions, winter lettuces and other hardy salads are viable. All of these do not require extra heat to germinate. Get the seedlings going, in maximum light, then plant out later – either into soil or pots and containers.
Certain varieties of peas (round, not wrinkled) and broad beans are also possible and could also be planted directly outdoors with protection such as a cloche.
Chillies and tomatoes need extra heat to germinate, and then lots of sun later in the season. The airing cupboard might help, but watch out for drops in temperature.
Check on the seeds every day, and move to a warm and light indoor spot the instant they germinate. Or invest in a heated propagator – about 40 quid each. Outdoors, I might have a go soon with some shallots and Jerusalem artichokes. From bitter experience, I’ve learnt that you have to be guided by the soil. There’s no point planting when it’s too wet and claggy – even if you’re dead keen or in a rush.
Gardening books and the back of seed packets are always useful. But, when it comes to seed sowing, also check the weather and your instincts. Ask yourself – would you be happy being planted in conditions like this?
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