I hope youβve all been enjoying the first real hints of spring over the past couple of weeks.
Early March always feels like a turning point. The light is noticeably stronger, the days are stretching quickly, and although the soil is still cold, thereβs a definite feeling that summer isnβt too far away. Itβs one of my favourite times of year but can also feel overwhelming so remember to not do too much and enjoy it!
But before we get fully into all the things we can do in the garden in March, I have some very exciting newsβ¦
My First Childrenβs Book!
Like many, I didnβt grow up with access to a garden at home, or at the school I attended. So I grew up without any understanding of the importance of plant relationships, or how to grow my own food, and honestly, I often think how different life might have been if Iβd had that opportunity much earlier (it would have at the very least saved me from a few terrible office jobs π
).
So, I set out to write a gentle introduction to companion planting and plant relationships, told through the friendships formed between a colourful patch of plant characters, and thatβs when I had the idea for βPlants need friends tooβ and companion patch, a garden where plants help, protect, and support one another, and itβs so amazing to see it finally come to fruition! ππ
At its heart, the book is about cooperation, biodiversity, kindness, and understanding that even the smallest living things have an important role to play.
I worked with the wonderfully talented Rose Gerrard, who brought the characters to life with her beautiful illustrations, and Iβm especially proud to be publishing with Ivy Kids, who print as sustainably as possible, something that is still surprisingly rare in publishing. Their books are printed locally in the UK on 100% recycled paper.
And to ensure this project grows beyond the pages, Iβll be using my part of the book sales to help grow flowers and vegetable plants for school gardens, as well as helping to establish them around the country. I want this story to exist not just on bookshelves, but in real soil, in real places, for real children.
If youβd like to support the book, itβs now available to pre-order. It would truly mean the world to me, and I hope it helps more children grow up understanding the magic of plant friendships.
The link to order is below:
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Thank you for being part of this journey, I really appreciate your support π
Now back to the gardenβ¦
Thereβs lots more to do outdoors now, but itβs still important not to rush ahead of the weather. A nice spring day doesnβt mean that the risk of frost is past!
What to Sow (Under Cover)
Light levels are improving now, so you can increase sowing. I always end up struggling for space by the end of the month after potting up earlier sown seedlings so try not to over sow (I need to take my own advice). And Tomatoes are the highlight! Although I wait until around mid-month here in North Yorkshire zone 9a.
βββββββ’ββββ Peas (for pods)
βββββββ’βββββRadish (modules)
βββββββ’βββββBroad beans (if not already sown)
βββββββ’βββββOnions from seed
βββββββ’βββββLettuce
βββββββ’βββββSpinach
βββββββ’βββββLeeks
βββββββ’βββββBeetroot (modules)
βββββββ’βββββEarly brassicas
βββββββ’βββββHerbs such as parsley and coriander
What to Sow (With Heat)
If youβre growing in the UK or a similar climate, early March is ideal for continuing or finishing sowing heat-loving crops:
βββββββ’βββββChillis/Aubergines (Can still be sown now but it is getting late)
βββββββ’βββββTomatoes (Mid-late March is ideal for most)
These will still need warmth and protection for several weeks. A heated propagator is helpful, but a bright windowsill near a radiator can work well too.
Many seeds can still wait until later in March or even April, particularly is being planted outside, and will quickly catch up thanks to increasing light and warmth. Sowing too early often causes more problems than it solves.
And hereβs my compact Garden jobs list for the month:
Veg Garden
βββββββ’βββββFinish tidying beds (top up mulch and redefine pathways)
βββββββ’βββββDirect sow hardy crops if soil conditions allow
βββββββ’βββββContinue sowing under cover
βββββββ’βββββPlant out early broad beans if established
βββββββ’βββββPlant early potatoes towards the end of the month (weather dependent)
Greenhouse / Cold Frame
βββββββ’βββββVentilate on mild days
βββββββ’βββββContinue sowing hardy and early crops
βββββββ’βββββPot on seedlings before they become root-bound
Ornamentals / Flowers
βββββββ’βββββCut back remaining perennials
βββββββ’βββββDivide established clumps
βββββββ’βββββSow hardy annual flowers
βββββββ’βββββBegin feeding overwintered plants lightly
Trees & Fruit
βββββββ’βββββFinish planting bare-root trees and shrubs before growth begins
βββββββ’βββββMulch around fruit trees
General
βββββββ’βββββClean and sharpen tools
βββββββ’βββββSet up supports before plants need them
βββββββ’βββββKeep fleece handy for late frosts
βββββββ’βββββFinalise sowing plans for the month ahead
My favourite βFrom Garden to Plateβ Recipe for March
Creamy Winter Greens with Garlic, Mustard & White Beans (Plant-Based, but doesnβt have to be)
A nourishing way to use kale, cavolo nero, chard or spinach. The beans add substance, while oat or cashew cream keeps it silky.
Serves 2β3
Youβll Need
βββββββ’βββββ200β300g winter greens
βββββββ’βββββ2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
βββββββ’βββββ1 tbsp olive oil
βββββββ’βββββ1 tin white beans (cannellini or butter beans), drained and rinsed
βββββββ’βββββ120ml oat cream or single soy cream (or 2 tbsp cashew butter loosened with warm water)
βββββββ’βββββ1 tsp wholegrain mustard
βββββββ’βββββA squeeze of lemon juice
βββββββ’βββββSalt and black pepper
βββββββ’βββββOptional: nutritional yeast or toasted seeds
Method
ββββββ1.ββββPrepare the greens - Remove tough stems and slice leaves. If using kale or cavolo nero, blanch in boiling salted water for 2β3 minutes, then drain well. Spinach and chard can go straight into the pan.
ββββββ2.ββββCook the garlic - Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook gently for 1β2 minutes until fragrant (not browned).
ββββββ3.ββββAdd beans and greens - Stir in beans and greens. Cook until wilted and tender.
ββββββ4.ββββMake it creamy - Lower heat and stir in cream and mustard. Simmer gently for 3β4 minutes until lightly thickened.
ββββββ5.ββββFinish - Add lemon juice, season well, and top if desired.
Iβll be sharing a more detailed mid-March update soon with direct sowing guides and succession plans, so keep an eye out for that.
Until next time,
Jamie
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