The allotment in March - Real spring and some firsts and lasts
The discussions about the arrival of spring are over. It’s March, we’re past the equinox and the weather looks wonderful! Here in Wiltshire we’ve had a sunny weekend and the forecast is set fair with daytime temperatures predicted to be between15C and 18C for the next week or so. A note of caution though! The clear skies mean that the warmth built up in the day soon goes and the temperatures will drop quickly as the sun sets. There is a danger of frost so look after your tender seedlings.
Some firsts from the allotment in March
I mowed the grass paths around the allotment for the first time this weekend. The lawn at home had a first cut and a clip around the edges to smarten it up a bit too. What with that activity and planting a few raspberry canes I also had my first stiff limbs and aching back of the season - I really must remember those loosening up exercises!
I’ve seen the first butterflies of the year. A lovely bright yellow brimstone fluttered around the ivy in the garden and several small tortoiseshells were enjoying the early nectar available from the grape hyacinths on the cutflowerpatch next to my allotment, a good indicator of the value of growing flowers as well as vegetables on the allotment. Also from the insect world, the first bee bumbled, buzzed and bounced against the conservatory window this afternoon and some ladybirds have been spotted as well.
The pond at home is alive with frogs and there is a huge string of toad’s spawn in there. I haven’t spotted any newts yet but I’m sure I soon will.
Mr Toad!
Frogs, toads, newts and other wildlife are attracted to garden ponds.
And some lasts…
We have recently eaten the last of the parsnips and cabbages from the allotment and the Brussels sprouts are past their best now. The last of the onions, shallots and garlic that we have been using from store are now sprouting and soft so they have been discarded. Potatoes, stored over winter in paper sacks are aware that the spring has arrived and are growing long shoots. These have also been disposed of.
I have a few leeks left to harvest but apart from that the allotment looks quite bare. All ready for the season ahead.
Jobs for the allotment in March
I’ve sown a second batch of early onward peas today and red epicure, the Sutton and Bunyard’s exhibition broad beans. Also sowed some brassicas to try to make up for disappointing germination of those sown late in February. As we move towards April there’s lots of sowing and growing to look forward to.
Enjoy your gardening and the good weather. Here are some things you might like to do over the next week or so.