One of the busiest weeks of the year. The garden is in full growth now — everything seems to need doing at once. Prioritise: weed, water, and keep checking for pests.
Week Spring Jobs:: Seeds to Sow This Week
- Basil — still can be sown indoors. More basil = more summer pesto.
- Beetroot — successional sowing every 3 weeks ensures continuous harvest
- Radishes — ready in 4 weeks from direct sowing. Quick win.
- Nasturtiums — companion plant that attracts blackfly away from beans. Direct sow now.
Jobs to Do This Week
- Pot on tomatoes — if roots are circling the bottom of the pot, move to a larger pot immediately
- Plant out hardy bedding — pansies, primroses, and violas can go out now. Wait another week for pelargoniums.
- Thin seedlings in vegetable beds — beetroot, carrots, and lettuce all need thinning to correct spacing
- Water early and thoroughly — containers and raised beds dry out fast. Check daily.
- Put up pheromone traps in apple and plum trees to monitor codling moth
What to Watch For
Aphids are building up fast. Check the tips of new shoots on fruit trees, roses, and broad beans. Squash any colonies you find before they build up.
What You Need This Week
- Tomato feed — high potash liquid fertiliser
- Large pots — 7-10 litre pots for tomatoes
- Bedding plants — hardy bedding for planting out
- Slug pellets — organic slug control
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.
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