As winter eases and spring beckons, longer days bring the garden to life – and your growing year starts here…

There are some vegetables that thrive in the cold, but unless you aspire to self-sufficiency Tom Coward recommends caution when sowing very early in the year. “It’s a mistake, although we always do it

Artichokes: Sow 13mm deep in a seedbed, with around three seeds per drill. Leave 25-30cm between drills and rows. You can sow in pots instead – just be sure to use good-quality compost. Asparagus: It’

Chit early and maincrop potatoes this month to ensure a season full of homegrown spuds. You can plant bare-root asparagus crowns this month, provided that the soil is draining well. Choose an open, su

There’s magic in every seed – so start planting them today for a garden bursting with colour and buzzing with life

This is the month of horticultural happiness, and with everything looking fresh, green and lush, even the burgeoning weeds become – briefly – delightful additions to the garden. Selfheal sprouts gaily