Divide and conquer in the garden
It may seem odd to start cutting back when everything is bursting into growth but there are certain plants that need cutting back and dividing at this time of year in order to ensure great displays later in the year:
Perennials and ornamental grasses that have provided winter interest can be cut back now, even if they still look good. This will make way for the new growth.
Tackle hellebores – cut off old leaves from any hellebores whose flowers are produced at ground level – such as Helleborus niger and h. hybridus. This will help to show off the flowers and avoid diseases such as leaf spot.
You can also plant or divide bulbs in the green, such as winter aconites (Eranthis hyemalis) and snowdrops (Galanthus).
Big clumps of herbaceous perennials can be divided too – you can make more plants and help the performance of any that are flowering poorly. It also helps tackle plants that have lost their shape or have become too big. Hostas should be divided before they come into leaf.
Sow the seeds of your summer harvest
Start sowing vegetable seeds now and you’ll have a great harvest to look forward to. Unless you have an army to feed it’s worth sowing a few seeds every week or so, to ensure that you have a steady supply of each vegetable – rather than pounds and pounds of carrots all ready at the same time!
Vegetables that can be sown or planted now include:
- • Shallots, onions, and garlic sets.
- • Jerusalem artichoke tubers.
- • Asparagus crowns.
- • Outdoor sowings in mild areas: broad beans, carrots, parsnips, beetroot, onions, lettuces, radish, peas, spinach, summer cabbage, salad leaves, leeks, Swiss chard, kohl rabi, turnip and summer cauliflower.
- • Indoor sowings: sweet peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, celery, salads and globe artichokes.
Survivalists Fair, March 21/22, RHS Garden Rosemoor
Anyone who is interested in living off the land, whether it be in a garden, allotment or on a much larger scale, will find plenty to interest them at the Survivalists Fair (open from 10am until 4pm). Over the weekend stalls and activities will include:
Martin Dorey: Campervan Cook
Planetarium from Space Odyssey
Royal Marines Association
The Husbandry School
North Dartmoor Search and Rescure
Devon Facepainting
Devon Dowsers and lots more.
10am-4pm
Hand-tied spring arrangement, 19 March, Hyde Hall, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Come along to this workshop and let Sue Rogers help you create a fabulous hand tied bouquet, which will be displayed in a jug – and then take the colours of spring home with you. The workshop costs £30 for RHS members (£39 for non members) and all materials are included. To book call 020 31765830 quote booking ref: 11356 (weekdays 9am-5pm)
Listen to the latest RHS podcast
Listen to our latest podcast, where we offer seasonal information, you can hear tips on growing fruit and veg, and get up-to-the-minute help and advice.
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