Enjoy seasonal produce alongside Monty in March
March is a bustling month for fruit and vegetable gardening, and Monty Don, renowned gardener and presenter, shares his expert advice on how to make the most of this season. Here's a rundown of his tips for growing summer-fruiting raspberries, spinach, rocket, and even potatoes in containers.
## Preparing for March
Start by pruning your raspberry plants if you haven't already. Remove dead canes and any that are damaged or diseased to control the spread of disease and encourage healthy growth. Raspberries thrive in well-drained soil rich in nutrients, so test your soil and amend it with compost or fertiliser if necessary. Mulch around the base of your plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
## Planting in March
Check the local weather forecast before planting raspberries in March. In cooler climates, it might be too early, but in warmer areas, it can be suitable. Purchase healthy plants from a reputable nursery, looking for strong root systems and no signs of disease. Plant new raspberry canes about 12 inches apart, depending on the variety, in a trench about 6 inches deep. Fill the trench with soil, ensuring the crown (where the roots meet the stem) is just above the soil level.
## Care in March
Water raspberries consistently, especially as they start to grow, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Install a trellis or stake system to support the plants as they grow taller, making harvesting easier. Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and spider mites, and regularly inspect your plants for signs of disease like powdery mildew or fungal infections.
## Additional Tips
Apply a balanced fertiliser in early March to promote healthy growth. Keep the area around your raspberries free of weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and water. Monty also suggests trialling different types of containers for growing first early potatoes, and growing spinach and rocket plugs from seed for planting in raised vegetable beds.
By following these steps, you should be able to set your raspberry plants up for success as they enter their active growth phase in March. Happy gardening!
Develop your lifestyle in March by adopting healthy-cooking practices with fresh produce from your garden. Planting spinach and rocket plugs from seed in raised vegetable beds can enhance your home-and-garden space, providing you with nutritious greens for food-and-drink preparations. Meanwhile, don't neglect your home-and-gardening duties by continuing to give proper care to your raspberry plants, ensuring they thrive with the right watering, support, and pest management.
