GROW YOUR OWN
March is Olga Grieves’ favourite month – a period that heralds the start of a season filled with possibilities
● Olga Grieves has gone from complete novice to social media gardening personality on her 600m sq allotment in Devon. Each month Olga will be sharing her successes, and her failures, to inspire your own efforts!
BEFORE & AFTER I dug this pond by hand, with the help of a pick axe, in 2021. In the spring and summer it is lush and green and home to the most incredible insects. It has become the wildlife hotspot on my plot. If you can, find a space for a wildlife pond.
I don’t know about you, but Iam very much ready to put my clock forward and jump into spring! March is one of my favourite months of the year. As the days lengthen, the air warms and the bird song returns, March heralds the arrival of spring – a season filled with promises and possibilities.
For us gardeners, this is an exciting and busy time, marked by the anticipation of sowing and growing. However, in the excitement, it's essential to remember the unpredictable nature of UK weather in March and April, where cold spells/hail/snow/frost/heatwave days are not uncommon anymore.
While the urge to sow may be strong, seasoned gardeners recognise the wisdom in exercising patience. Instead of hastily jumping into sowing and planting in early March, consider diverting your green fingers towards activities like mulching, weeding and making your own organic fertilisers. Putting effort in, in the early months, pays dividends in the summer.
In the face of increasing temperatures, water restrictions and price increases, consider the investment in water butts and soil conditioning. Healthy soil not only retains moisture but also provides plants with vital nutrients for healthy growth and prolific harvests.
Once we are in mid-March and getting closer to the spring equinox, the days are significantly longer, which is good news for seeds. More light, higher temperatures and more chance of success. Luckily, there are a few hardy plants that can be sown and planted in March, no matter where you are in the UK.
Sweet dreams are made of peas…
Sweet peas are amust on my allotment and if you are impatient, they can be sown now. These delicate blooms, known for their resilience, can be started in a big plastic tub with a lid, offering protection from the elements and mice, who can’t resist sweet pea seeds. Though I typically sow sweet peas in autumn, a second batch in spring acts as insurance. To accommodate their love for stretching roots, opt for root trainers or deep, elongated pots. I stay clear of loo rolls, as they tend to disintegrate quite rapidly. Mine grow in
