Working with Monty on selecting fresh produce for March
As March arrives, Monty Don, the renowned gardener and presenter of BBC Gardeners' World, is busy in his fruit and veg garden. In his latest clips, he demonstrates the planting process for spinach and rocket in raised vegetable beds, and shares fruit and veg jobs for the month.
Monty's spinach and rocket plugs, grown from seed, are now ready for planting. He recommends sowing seeds thinly and evenly in early spring, about 1-2 cm deep. For spinach, sow 2-3 cm apart, and for rocket, sow about 2-5 cm apart. Both prefer partial shade to full sun, depending on the climate, and well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
In addition, Monty is trialling different types of containers for growing first early potatoes. Growing potatoes in pots can yield good harvests when soil is too cold or there is no space for planting in the ground. He advises using large containers with good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, and a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for containers. Potatoes need full sun to partial shade and cooler temperatures, especially in warmer climates.
Monty also offers tips on spacing, drainage, and watering for planting spinach and rocket in raised vegetable beds. He emphasises the importance of consistent soil moisture, good drainage, and adequate air circulation and light exposure for improved fruit quality.
Furthermore, Monty provides information on how to mulch raspberry canes and explains how to tie in raspberry canes for support as they grow. Raspberries require deep, fertile soils with good drainage, and consistent soil moisture. Drip irrigation systems are recommended for water conservation and to prevent leaf wetness, which reduces disease risk.
In conclusion, Monty's ongoing gardening activities include growing spinach, rocket, and raspberries as cool weather crops, and trialling different methods for growing potatoes in containers. His latest clips serve as a valuable resource for gardeners looking to start their spring planting and maintain healthy fruit and veg gardens.
Follow Monty Don's recommendations for a successful home-and-garden lifestyle this spring by planting spinach and rocket in raised vegetable beds, just as he demonstrates in his latest video clips. For the best results, consider growing these cool weather crops in large containers for a more flexible lifestyle, as Monty also suggests when trialling different methods for growing potatoes.
