Page 18 - Oundle Life March 2022

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Spring in the garden
March and early spring are always a time
for optimism and new beginnings. The garden really starts to emerge from its winter hibernation. Green shoots bursting from the dreary brown soil, and buds from twiggy branches ready to burst into leaf propelled by the extra hours of daylight and
With talk of bulbs, summer flowering bulbs are in stock now. Dahlia, Lily, Allium, Gladiolus no name a few. These can be planted now ready to flower later in the summer months.
In the edible garden, onion and shallot sets can be planted out now. You can ‘chit’ seed
increasing warmth from the sun.
Spring bulbs lead the way bursting the muted winter hues
potatoes ready to be planted out later in the month. What is ‘chitting’? Have you ever accidentally left potatoes and they have started to sprout? This is chitting! It forces the potato to start growing before you plant it giving it a head start, and some say a slightly earlier and bigger harvest.
Spring bulbs lead the way bursting
the muted winter hues. Dainty
Snowdrops at first then the beaming Aconites and Daffodils, followed by
vibrant Crocus, the nodding chequered patterned Fritillaria and the first showy Tulips. The brash Forsythia, an early flowering shrub smothered in vibrant yellow blooms, gives a giant blast of colour to signal spring is now here.
Once the flowers from your bulbs have faded, don’t be tempted to cut the leaves back straight away. The bulb underground uses and saves energy made by the leaves ready to bloom again next year. Any seed heads can be snipped off, but leave the leaves whilst they are green.
All is not lost if you did not manage to plant your spring bulbs back in the autumn. You can buy bulbs in the Garden Centre now that have been potted and grown on for you, ready to plant yourself and make the most of the seasonal colours.
The weather in March can come from any or all four of the seasons. If the ground is still cold and wet, seeds such as cabbage, lettuce, celery, beetroot and tomatoes should be sewn undercover. If the lawn is dry enough, it can be cut using a higher blade on your mower.
The weather might not be balmy enough right now to tempt us out onto our patios, but as ever with gardens, planning ahead is key. In this early part of the new season, the Garden Centre now has its widest range of outdoor furniture in stock. From garden benches up to large 10-12 seater outdoor sofa sets. Get the widest choice now.
www.thebarngardencentre.co.uk
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