GardenAdvice.co.uk Gardening calendar 2nd week March 2025 ( Audio Available )
Red clover – Trifolium pratense used for Green Manure
As the weather warms and daylight becomes more intense, it’s time to get your garden ready for spring, which will be in full swing in about six weeks. Here are some key gardening tasks to tackle this week to improve plant health and prepare for the growing season.
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Houseplant Care
- Repot houseplants to encourage healthy growth. Click Here for more information
- Use John Innes No. 1 or No. 2 soil-based compost for best results.
- Replant into terracotta pots (which allow water to drain) and place them inside ceramic pots for decorative purposes and to contain water spillage.
- More information on houseplant care
Vegetable Garden Preparation
- Order young vegetable plants now for the coming season, particularly:
- Peppers
- Brassica crops (cabbage, broccoli, kale, etc.)
- Other early-started young plants
- Plants started by growers in January will be shipped as weather conditions improve.
- Recommended supplier: Gardenerskitchen.co.uk
Greenhouse & Glasshouse Tasks
- If you’ve cleaned your glasshouse, now is a great time to:
- Establish grapevines
- Traditionally planted outside and trained inside through a hole in the glasshouse. It’s important to plant with lots of organic matter.
- Provides shade and humidity in summer while producing grapes for autumn.
- Start melon seeds
- Sow in small pots now to plant out later.
- Train melons on wires or nets inside the glasshouse to provide shade and increase humidity in summer.
- Establish grapevines
Garden Tool Maintenance
- Sharpen secateurs, knives, and other cutting tools before heavy use begins.
- Use an oil stone for regular touch-ups or have them professionally sharpened.
Companion Planting
- Ensure you have companion planting seeds ready:
- Calendula & marigold – attract beneficial insects and discourage aphids.
- Nasturtium – acts as a sacrificial plant, attracting pests away from vegetables and flowers.
Pruning & Plant Division
- Prune hydrangeas as buds start to show:
- Reduce by no more than 30% to encourage healthy growth.
- Use higher buds for softwood cuttings to propagate new plants.
- Divide perennial plants before new growth starts plants such as Yarrow
Slug Prevention & Control
- Prepare for slug control using nematodes:
- Temperatures are still slightly low for application, but it’s best to be ready.
- Apply nematodes every six weeks to prevent slug infestations.
- Slugs are expected to be a major issue this year due to last year’s wet conditions.
Feeding & Fertilization
- Feed plants with Growmore fertilizer now.
- In two weeks, start using liquid tomato feed for additional nutrients.
Sowing & Planting
- Sow carrots and peas for early crops.
- Plant out shallots and onion sets:
- Be mindful of pigeons, which may pull them up.
- Use netting if bird damage is a concern.
By tackling these essential tasks now, you’ll set your garden up for a strong and productive spring season. Happy gardening!
