Is this spring? Is it finally here? Very nearly! And guess what? It’s gardening time, says our resident expert Adam Kirtland!

Spring is officially here this month, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! There’s a real shift in the air now – the days are stretching out, the birds are in fine voice, and everywhere you look the garden is slowly but surely waking up. After what has felt like an endless winter (and let’s be honest, it really has dragged on!), March finally brings the promise of brighter, warmer days ahead.

With the spring equinox landing on 20 March, we can say with confidence that the new season has arrived. The first daffodils are nodding in the breeze, buds are bursting into life, and if you were organised in autumn, your tulips won’t be far behind. The excitement is building and I, for one, can’t wait to dive into everything this month has to offer.
So, let’s dust off those gardening gloves and step outside – the garden is calling!

Tidy up and cut back

Now’s the time to give your borders a good tidy-up. After months of cold, wet weather they’ll be crying out for a bit of attention, and trust me, a little effort now will make all the difference in the months ahead. Start by clearing away any dead leaves and cutting back the last of the winter dieback – your perennials will thank you for it! Then onto the weeds. Those pesky little things are quick off the mark as the temperatures rise, and if left to their own devices, they’ll soon take hold.
Established weeds should be dug out, roots and all, to stop them making an unwelcome return. As for newly germinating ones, a quick hoe on a dry day will do the trick. Just leave them on the surface to wither in the sun. With your borders weed-free and looking sharp, your plants will have the space, light and nutrients they need to thrive. It’s all about setting the stage for a glorious growing season ahead.

Tuck up your plants

Mulching is one of the best things you can do for your garden at this time of year. A generous layer of garden compost will not only tidy up your borders but also work wonders for the health of your soil. It helps to lock in moisture, suppress weeds and feed your plants as it breaks down over time. If you get into the habit of mulching every spring, your borders will thank you for it.
Start by making sure your borders are weed-free and the soil is damp. There’s no point mulching dry ground, as the moisture needs to be sealed in rather than kept out. Spread a good, thick layer of compost over the surface, around five centimetres deep, taking care not to smother emerging shoots. If you have particularly hungry plants, such as roses or dahlias, now is a great time to add a little feed before mulching over the top.

A well-mulched border looks fantastic and makes a real difference to plant growth throughout the season. It keeps everything looking neat while giving your plants the best possible start. So, grab a wheelbarrow, get spreading and let nature do the rest. Your garden will soon reap the rewards.

Sow… get to work!

If you haven’t already, now is the time to sow tomatoes, chillies and peppers indoors. These warm-weather favourites need a head start before they can be moved outdoors, so get them going now to be prepared. By starting them indoors, you’ll give them the best chance to establish strong, healthy roots before the warmer weather arrives.

Start with good-quality seed compost and small pots or trays. Make a very shallow hole in the compost, drop in your seed, and cover very lightly with more compost. Then, pop the pots somewhere warm, like a windowsill or heated propagator, to encourage germination. Tomatoes, chillies and peppers all love warmth, so the warmer you can keep them, the better.

Keep the compost moist but not soaking, and once the seeds have sprouted move the pots to a brighter spot with plenty of light. If you’re growing tomatoes, remember to pinch out the growing tips of the plants when they get a few inches tall to encourage bushier growth.

By sowing these delicious crops now, you’ll be well on your way to a bumper harvest later in the summer. It’s a small job now, but a big reward come harvest time!