March is a pivotal month for allotment gardeners across Europe. As the days lengthen and temperatures begin to rise, it’s time to start preparing the soil, sowing seeds, and planting the first crops of the year. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential tasks for March, helping you set the stage for a productive and bountiful growing season.
Why March is a Key Month for Allotment Gardening
March marks the beginning of the growing season in many parts of Europe. After the long winter, gardeners can finally get back to work on their plots, preparing the soil and planting the first seeds of the year. The actions you take in March will have a significant impact on the success of your allotment throughout the growing season.
The Benefits of March Preparation
- Extended Growing Season: By starting early in March, you can extend the growing season, allowing for earlier harvests and more time to grow successive crops.
- Improved Soil Health: Preparing the soil in March ensures that it is in the best condition possible for planting, leading to healthier, more productive plants.
- Stronger Plants: Starting seeds indoors or in a greenhouse in March gives your plants a head start, resulting in stronger, more resilient seedlings that are ready to thrive when transplanted.
European Climate and Soil Considerations
Europe’s diverse climates—from the mild, maritime conditions of Western Europe to the colder, continental climates of the east—require different approaches to allotment gardening in March. Additionally, soil types across Europe vary widely, from sandy soils in southern regions to heavier clay soils in the north.
- Mild Climates: In areas with milder winters, such as the UK, Ireland, and coastal France, March is an excellent time to start sowing directly into the ground. The use of cloches or fleece can help protect young plants from late frosts.
- Colder Climates: In regions with harsher winters, such as Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, it’s best to start seeds indoors or in a greenhouse, with outdoor planting delayed until the risk of frost has passed.
- Soil Types: Preparing your soil is crucial for successful sowing and planting. In heavy clay soils, incorporating organic matter can improve drainage, while sandy soils may benefit from added compost to retain moisture.
Preparing Your Allotment in March
Before you start sowing and planting, it’s essential to prepare your allotment to ensure the best possible conditions for your crops. This includes clearing debris, improving soil structure, and organizing your tools and materials.
1. Clearing and Weeding
The first step in preparing your allotment is to clear any debris and weeds that may have accumulated over the winter. This will give you a clean slate to work with and reduce competition for nutrients.
A. Removing Winter Debris
- Debris Clearance: Remove any dead plant material, fallen leaves, and other debris from your allotment. This will help prevent pests and diseases from overwintering and spreading to your new crops.
- Composting: Consider adding this organic matter to your compost pile, where it can break down and be used to enrich your soil later in the season.
B. Weeding
- Weed Control: Early spring is the best time to tackle weeds before they have a chance to establish themselves. Use a hoe or hand tool to remove weeds by their roots.
- Mulching: After clearing the weeds, apply a layer of mulch to your beds. Mulch helps suppress new weed growth and retains moisture in the soil.
2. Soil Preparation
Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive allotment. In March, the soil is beginning to warm up, making it the perfect time to prepare your beds for sowing and planting.
A. Testing and Amending Soil
- Soil Testing: Consider testing your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. Most vegetables prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Adjust the pH if necessary by adding lime to raise it or sulfur to lower it.
- Adding Organic Matter: Improve soil fertility and structure by adding organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold. Work this into the top 10-15 cm of soil to provide essential nutrients for your crops.
B. Tilling and Aerating
- Tilling: Lightly till the soil to break up any clumps and improve aeration. Be careful not to over-till, as this can damage soil structure and harm beneficial organisms.
- Aeration: In areas with compacted soil, use a garden fork or aerator to loosen the soil. This will improve drainage and make it easier for roots to penetrate the soil.
3. Organizing Tools and Materials
Having your tools and materials organized and ready to go will make the planting process smoother and more efficient.
A. Tool Maintenance
- Cleaning and Sharpening: Clean any dirt and rust off your tools, and sharpen the blades of pruners, spades, and hoes. Well-maintained tools are easier to use and reduce the risk of damaging plants.
- Storage: Store your tools in a dry, accessible location to prevent rust and ensure they’re ready when you need them.
B. Seed Storage and Labeling
- Seed Organization: Organize your seed packets by planting date and crop type. This will help you stay on schedule and ensure you sow each seed at the right time.
- Labeling: Clearly label your seed trays and pots with the crop name and sowing date. This will help you keep track of what you’ve planted and when it’s due to be transplanted or harvested.
Sowing and Planting in March
With your allotment prepared, it’s time to start sowing seeds and planting crops. March is an ideal time to sow a variety of vegetables, both indoors and outdoors, depending on your local climate and soil conditions.
1. Sowing Seeds Indoors
Some crops benefit from being started indoors in March, particularly in colder regions. These seeds can be transplanted outdoors later in the spring when the weather has warmed up.
A. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)
Tomatoes are a staple in many allotments and benefit from an early start. By sowing seeds indoors in March, you can ensure your plants are well-established by the time they are ready to be transplanted outdoors.
- Varieties: ‘Moneymaker’ is a reliable, all-purpose variety, while ‘Gardener’s Delight’ produces sweet cherry tomatoes.
- Sowing Tips: Sow tomato seeds in small pots or seed trays filled with a quality seed starting mix. Keep them in a warm, bright location and transplant them outdoors after the last frost.
B. Peppers (Capsicum annuum)
Peppers, including both sweet bell peppers and hot chillies, require a long growing season, making March the perfect time to start them indoors.
- Varieties: ‘California Wonder’ is a classic bell pepper variety, while ‘Jalapeno’ is a popular choice for those who like a bit of heat.
- Sowing Tips: Sow pepper seeds in seed trays or small pots and keep them in a warm, sunny spot. They need consistent warmth to germinate, so using a heated propagator can be beneficial.
C. Aubergines (Solanum melongena)
Aubergines, or eggplants, are another warm-season crop that benefits from an early indoor start. They require a long growing season to produce a good harvest.
- Varieties: ‘Black Beauty’ is a classic variety with large, glossy fruits, while ‘Rosa Bianca’ offers a unique, light purple color.
- Sowing Tips: Sow aubergine seeds indoors in pots or trays. Keep them warm and well-lit, and transplant them outdoors after the last frost when the soil has warmed up.
2. Sowing Seeds Outdoors
In regions with milder climates or with the use of protective cloches or fleece, many seeds can be sown directly into the ground in March. These early sowings will set the stage for a productive growing season.
A. Peas (Pisum sativum)
Peas are one of the first vegetables that can be sown directly into the ground in March. They are easy to grow and produce a sweet, early harvest.
- Varieties: ‘Kelvedon Wonder’ is an early maturing variety, while ‘Alderman’ produces tall plants with abundant pods.
- Sowing Tips: Sow peas directly into well-prepared soil, in rows or along trellises for support. They prefer a sunny location with well-drained soil.
B. Broad Beans (Vicia faba)
Broad beans are hardy legumes that can be sown directly outdoors in March for an early summer harvest.
- Varieties: ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ is a popular early variety that produces large, tender beans.
- Sowing Tips: Sow broad beans in double rows, spacing them about 20 cm apart. They can tolerate colder temperatures, making them ideal for early sowing.
C. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Spinach is a cool-season vegetable that thrives when sown in early spring. It’s packed with nutrients and can be harvested multiple times throughout the season.
- Varieties: ‘Perpetual Spinach’ is a long-lasting variety that can be harvested continuously, while ‘Giant Winter’ is particularly cold-tolerant.
- Sowing Tips: Sow spinach seeds directly into the ground in rows or broadcast across a bed. They prefer a location with partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil.
3. Planting Perennials and Hardy Vegetables
March is also an excellent time to plant perennial crops and hardy vegetables that will provide ongoing harvests year after year.
A. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)
Asparagus is a long-term investment in your allotment, as it can produce spears for up to 20 years once established. March is the ideal time to plant asparagus crowns.
- Varieties: ‘Gijnlim’ is an early-maturing variety with high yields, while ‘Purple Passion’ offers a unique purple color and sweet flavor.
- Planting Tips: Prepare a well-drained, fertile bed by digging trenches about 30 cm deep. Plant the crowns in the trenches, spreading the roots out evenly. Cover with soil and water well.
B. Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)
Rhubarb is a hardy perennial that produces tart, flavorful stalks in early spring. It’s an easy-to-grow crop that requires minimal maintenance once established.
- Varieties: ‘Victoria’ is a classic variety with long, thick stalks, while ‘Timperley Early’ is known for its early harvest.
- Planting Tips: Plant rhubarb crowns in a sunny, well-drained spot. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the crown, and cover with soil, leaving the bud just above the surface. Water well and mulch around the plant to retain moisture.
C. Onions (Allium cepa)
Onions are a staple crop that can be planted as sets in March for a summer harvest. They are easy to grow and store well.
- Varieties: ‘Sturon’ is a reliable, high-yielding variety, while ‘Red Baron’ produces flavorful red onions.
- Planting Tips: Plant onion sets in rows, spacing them about 10 cm apart. Press the sets into the soil, leaving the tips just visible. Onions prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
4. Succession Planting
Succession planting involves sowing seeds at intervals to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. March is the perfect time to start planning and implementing succession planting on your allotment.
A. Salad Greens
Salad greens, such as lettuce, rocket, and radishes, are ideal for succession planting. By sowing small batches every few weeks, you can enjoy fresh salads all season long.
- Varieties: Choose a mix of quick-growing varieties like ‘Little Gem’ lettuce, ‘Wild Rocket,’ and ‘French Breakfast’ radishes.
- Sowing Tips: Sow seeds in small batches every two to three weeks. This ensures a steady supply of fresh greens without overwhelming your harvest.
B. Root Vegetables
Root vegetables like carrots and beets can also be succession planted to extend the harvest period.
- Varieties: ‘Early Nantes’ carrots and ‘Boltardy’ beets are excellent choices for early sowing.
- Sowing Tips: Sow seeds in rows, spacing them according to the variety. Thin seedlings as they grow to allow space for root development.
Managing and Caring for Your Allotment in March
Once you’ve sown and planted your crops, it’s important to manage and care for your allotment to ensure the best possible growth and yields.
1. Watering
Proper watering is essential for healthy plant growth, especially during the early stages of development.
- Watering Tips: Water newly sown seeds and transplants regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other issues. Early morning is the best time to water, as it allows plants to absorb moisture before the heat of the day.
2. Protecting Crops
March weather can be unpredictable, with the possibility of late frosts or sudden cold snaps. Protecting your crops from these conditions is crucial.
- Frost Protection: Use cloches, fleece, or cold frames to protect tender seedlings and early sowings from frost. Be sure to ventilate during the day to prevent overheating.
- Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests like slugs and snails, which can quickly damage young plants. Use barriers, traps, or organic pest control methods to keep them at bay.
3. Pruning and Maintenance
March is also a good time to prune and maintain your perennials and fruit trees.
- Pruning Tips: Prune fruit trees and bushes before they start to bud. Remove any dead or diseased wood, and thin out overcrowded branches to improve air circulation.
- Perennial Care: Cut back any remaining dead foliage from last year’s perennials to make way for new growth. Divide and transplant overcrowded clumps of plants like rhubarb and asparagus.
Conclusion
March is a busy but rewarding month for allotment gardeners, offering the opportunity to prepare your plot, sow seeds, and plant crops that will provide bountiful harvests throughout the growing season. By following this guide and tailoring your approach to your local climate and soil conditions, you can ensure a productive and successful year on your allotment. Whether you’re starting seeds indoors, planting hardy vegetables outdoors, or planning for succession planting, the work you do in March will set the foundation for a thriving and fruitful allotment.
