The early part of spring is a key month in the vegetable garden, and the ideal time to start putting your new season plans into action, says gardening expert Laura Hillier. Whether you’re a green fingered pro or a total beginner, our seasonal growing guide should ensure a bountiful harvest come summer
YOUR SPRING
Welcome to Spring
Spring is a really exciting time in the edible garden - there is so much possibility right at our fingertips! Whether you are a growing on a tiny windowsill, or in a large garden, there is something for everyone. Microgreens, herbs and chilli peppers all make great additions to a kitchen windowsill for instant pep on the plate, while lots of salad crops are perfect for quick wins if you are new to growing your own. Also, if you can spare the space, fruit bushes are a wonderful addition for adding a real bang for your buck. You can often pick them up relatively inexpensively, and they will reward you for years to come with trugs full of fruit which can be pricey in the shops. You can also experiment with varieties, colours and flavours you don’t tend to find on the shelves, so give it a go – the world really is your oyster!
Laura Hillier is editor of Grow Your Own magazine and host of gardening podcast The Dirt growfruitandveg.co.uk
WHAT TO SOW
Aubergines: Start this delicious veg in a warm, under cover environment for the best results.
Broad beans: Remember to stake taller varieties of this veg as the plants grow larger and more productive.
Cabbages: This veg prefers neutral soil with a reading of around 7 on the pH scale, which is easily achieved in most locations.
Celery: Frequent irrigation is a crucial part of cultivating this edible as this will help to produce crisp stems.
Chillies: Sow under cover and keep temperatures toasty to aid germination rates.
Cucumbers: Make sure you choose the correct varieties (indoor or outdoor) depending on your conditions.
Peas: Remember to protect your outdoor sowings from hungry mice, using eco-friendly deterrents.
Salad leaves: Use a cloche or other form of frost protection if your seedlings will be subjected to the cold weather.
Shallots: These unfussy plants grow well in most soils, as long as it is fertile and well-drained.
Sweet peppers: Start under cover in trays or small individual pots filled with multipurpose compost.
Tomatoes: Remember not to water the soil around seedlings too frequently to avoid damping off disease.
WHAT TO PLANT
Asparagus: Weed around the crowns by hand to avoid damaging the tender stems that will remain productive for years.
Blackberries: Compact varieties are available if you have limited space on y
