Gardening · 6 min read

A spring garden guide: what to plant this month

Warmer soil and longer days make spring the easiest season to start. Here is a simple plan for a small plot or a few containers.

Prepare the soil

Loosen the top 20 cm with a fork and mix in a few centimetres of compost. Avoid digging when the ground is wet - it compacts and dries into clods.

A quick squeeze test helps: a handful of soil that crumbles when you open your hand is ready to work.

Lettuce, rocket and spinach can be sown every two weeks for a steady harvest. They tolerate light frost and are ready in four to six weeks.

Radishes, carrots and peas go straight into the ground. Sow thinly, water gently and keep the surface moist until seedlings appear.

Water early in the morning at the base of the plants. A layer of mulch keeps moisture in and weeds down, so you water less often.

Containers dry out faster than beds - check them daily in warm, windy weather.

Once the risk of frost has passed, plant out tomatoes, beans and courgettes. Keep notes on what grew well - next spring will be easier.

Thanks for reading.