The vernal equinox marks the official start of astronomical spring. From this week on, growth accelerates rapidly — and so does the amount of work. This is the real start of the growing season.
Week Spring Jobs:: Seeds to Sow This Week — It’s Go Time
- Tomatoes — if you haven’t sown yet, do it NOW. Gardener’s Delight, Sungold, and Moneymaker are reliable UK varieties. A sunny windowsill or heated propagator is essential.
- Courgettes and squash — one plant per 60cm pot. They’ll grow fast — be ready to pot on or plant out in 4 weeks.
- Dwarf French beans — direct sow in modules for transplanting, or direct into beds after all frost risk.
- Sunflowers — great for kids and great for pollinators. Direct sow from mid-April, but you can start indoors now.
Jobs to Do This Week
- Plant early potatoes — chitted first earlies should be planted now. Plant 12-15cm deep, 30cm apart, in rows 60cm apart.
- Weed everything. Get on top of annual weeds now before they set seed — a half-hour this week saves hours later.
- Put supports in for peas, beans, and sweet peas now — before you need them.
- Mulch borders while soil is still moist — homemade compost or bark chips. 5-8cm deep, away from plant stems.
- Start watering containers and hanging baskets more regularly — they’re drying out faster now.
What to Watch For
Frost is still possible through April! Have fleece ready to cover tender plants. If you’ve planted out early brassicas, check they haven’t been pushed out of the ground by frost heave — push them back in firmly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to plant tomatoes outside now?
No — not until May at the earliest, and only after all frost risk has passed. Keep them on a warm windowsill for now.
Can I plant containers outside this week?
Hardy plants like pansies, primroses, and spring bulbs — yes. Tender bedding — no, not until May.
My compost heap is full of worms — is that normal?
Yes! Composting worms (Eisenia fetida) are a sign of good decomposition. They’re working hard for you — keep them fed with a mix of greens and browns.
What You Need This Week
- Tomato seeds — Gardener’s Delight, Sungold, Moneymaker
- Horticultural fleece — for protecting tender plants from frost
- Watering can — 5 litre with fine rose head
- Liquid tomato feed — high potash feed for fruiting plants
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