Spring equinox is nearly here — the garden is responding. This week the pace picks up noticeably: first outdoor sowings become possible, lawns demand attention, and everything seems to need doing at once.
Week Spring Jobs:: Seeds to Sow This Week — Including Outdoors!
Indoors under cover:
- Aubergines and peppers — if you haven’t sown yet, do it now. They need a long growing season.
- Cucumbers and courgettes — started now under heat, they’ll be ready for May planting out.
Direct outdoors (if soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged):
- Broad beans — directly into prepared beds. Aquadulce Claudia and Masterpiece Green Longpod are best.
- Peas — if your soil is light and well-drained. Start in guttering for easiest transplant.
- Spinach and rocket — direct sow in a sheltered spot. Both bolt-resistant varieties are best.
Jobs to Do This Week
- Lawns — first feed of the year. Use a spring/summer granular fertiliser. Repair any damaged edges or bare patches with lawn seed.
- Start chitting seed potatoes — stand them in egg boxes in a cool, bright room. Eyes should face up.
- Plant shallots and onion sets if ground is workable — 10cm apart, tips just showing.
- Cut back buddleia and elder to a low framework — they’ll shoot vigorously now.
- Put up supports for climbing beans and peas before you need them.
What to Watch For
Frost! A cold snap can devastate early sowings. Keep horticultural fleece handy to cover tender seedlings and brassicas if frost is forecast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mow the lawn yet?
Not yet in cold areas. In mild southern UK, you can give it a very light trim if it’s growing. Wait until it’s been actively growing for a few weeks first.
Should I earth up potatoes now?
Only if shoots are 15-20cm long. Draw soil up around the stems to cover the shoots, leaving just the top few centimetres visible.
Is it too late to prune buddleia?
No — but do it soon. Hard prune to 30cm from the ground. The more severe the prune, the more vigour you get.
What You Need This Week
- Lawn feed — spring/summer granular fertiliser
- Lawn seed — for patch repair or new lawn
- Garden rake — for preparing seed beds
- Seed potatoes — chitted first early varieties
Related Articles
For more help with your garden, check out these related guides:
- Early Spring Garden Prep: What to Do in March
- Beginner’s Guide to Growing Sweet Peas
- Best Plants for Pollinators
- Herb Garden Hub
- How to Build a Raised Bed
Continue Reading
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to do this?
The best time depends on your climate zone and what you are growing, but generally early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler works best for most garden tasks.
How often should I check on my garden?
Regular attention is key — check your garden every few days during the growing season. This helps you catch problems early before they become serious.
Can beginners do this?
Absolutely! Start with a few simple tasks and build up gradually. Most garden jobs are beginner-friendly with the right guidance.
What is the most important thing to remember?
Consistency matters more than perfection. Little and often beats occasional marathon sessions. Even 10-15 minutes of daily attention yields great results.
