Plot holders contributions

Around the middle of the month, plant first early potatoes, second earlies being planted at the end of the month. The seed bed may be sown around the middle of the month if conditions permit. This includes cabbage, sprouts, broccoli, leeks. Sow in their final growing positions peas, broad beans, onions, radish, parsley, parsnips, spinach, swedes, turnips, beetroots, carrots. Carrots will need protecting from carrot root fly by either a tall barrier around them, or by covering with a mesh tunnel. Both need leaving in position until autumn. In a greenhouse, sow celery and African marigolds for companion planting with brassicas to reduce whitefly in summer. Cut down autumn-fruiting raspberries when new growth appears.

Prepare ground for seed bed. Remove any weeds from autumn-dug ground. Plant shallots and garlic. Early peas may be sown under cloches or fleece. Prune gooseberries, red and white currants. Towards the end of the month, top-dress around spring greens, gooseberries, and rhubarb if not mulched. Plant rhubarb – give it two to three weeks exposure out of the soil if you are moving it.

Continue winter digging if conditions permit. Purchase seed potatoes and set them to chit in trays in a light, frost-free position. Order seeds if not done in the autumn. At the end of the month, plant winter broad beans. If rhubarb has become spindly, dig up and replant next month.