The garden truly wakes up this week. Daylight savings means more evening light for garden work, and soil temperatures are finally rising enough for direct outdoor sowings. It is go time.
Week Spring Jobs:: Seeds to Sow This Week
Indoors/windowsill:
- Courgettes and squash — if not started last week, sow now. One plant per 9cm pot. They grow fast.
- Cucumbers — same treatment as courgettes. Both need warmth to germinate.
- Basil — still worth starting indoors. A warm kitchen windowsill works well.
Direct outdoors (if soil is workable):
- Parsnips — direct sow. Use fresh seed. Gladiator is a reliable variety.
- Beetroot — bolt-resistant varieties like Boltardy can be direct sown now.
- Carrots — early varieties under fleece, or in containers if your soil is heavy.
- Salad rocket and spinach — direct sow in a sheltered spot. Bolt-resistant varieties are best.
Jobs to Do This Week
- Plant second early and maincrop potatoes — earth up when shoots are 15cm.
- Start hardening off early sowings — put outside in a warm spot during the day, bring in at night for 2 weeks.
- Weed vegetable beds before they get out of hand
- Put supports in for beans and peas now
- Feed roses with a specialist rose fertiliser after pruning
What to Watch For
Frost! It is not over yet. Keep fleece to hand for tender plants and seedlings. A late frost can devastate early sowings.
What You Need This Week
- Seed potatoes — second early and maincrop varieties
- Modular trays — for sowings and transplanting
- Tomato plants — young plants for growing on
- Horticultural fleece — for protecting tender plants from frost
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to do this?
The ideal time depends on your climate and the specific plants involved. Generally, early morning or late afternoon are best to avoid the heat of the day.
How often should I check on this?
Check your garden at least once a week during the growing season to catch any issues early and keep on top of tasks.
Can I do this in a container instead?
Many garden tasks can be adapted for containers. Use a good quality potting compost and ensure containers have adequate drainage holes.
What if I don’t have the right tools?
Start with the basics — a trowel, fork, gloves, and watering can will get you a long way. Add tools as you need them.
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
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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.
