In the Greenhouse in Mid March and the Fruit and Vegetable Jobs
Chrysanthemums, dahlias and bedding plants will now be moving on from greenhouse to the frame to harden off. A fortunate exit, for the tomatoes will be hankering to take their place, demanding a temperature of 12 – 15°C. (54°-59°F.). Decorative chrysanthemums should be re-potted into 4& 1/2 inch pots as soon as the 3 in. pots become full of roots: they can then be transferred to the frame.
Dahlia cuttings of 3-4 ins. may be taken. Taken with a heel, a hundred percent ‘strike’ may be expected, but of course there will be fewer cuttings.
Heliotrope or cherry pie cuttings will root in a sandy soil if kept close.
Repot or top-dress the aspidistra, maidenhair and other fern
Fuchsias should be regularly pinched back and the prunings used as cuttings.
Sow herbaceous perennials in frame or greenhouse, covering the seeds with finely sieved soil, shading them from sunlight until germination.
Delphinium seed bought from a specialist is a worthwhile investment.
Some of the annuals make desirable pot plants; among them are the stocks which give a drench of fragrance.
Stake and tie growing plants early rather than late: schizanti need regular training.
What about the vegetables at this point of time in March?
After the onions and parsnips, peas, broad beans, lettuce and radishes should be sown in rich soil at intervals of 10-12 days.
Half-inch drills suit most small seeds, sowing the peas in a drill a little deeper than the rest.
French beans may be sown in frames or in open, previously prepared ground and covered with cloches.
Beds should now be ready for sowing Brussels, cabbage, and cauliflower to be transplanted later on.
Celery can be sown, also leeks, under glass, if possible.
Watch out for carrot fly.
In the Fruit garden recently planted fruit trees should be kept free of grass weeds at their base: they need all the nourishment and nitrogen they can get.
In cold districts bloom on wall peaches and others may be damaged by spring frosts. Protection can be given by covering the trees with a double thickness of netting. The covering should be removed every day when the temperature rises above freezing point. Some gardeners protect the blossom with spruce shoots placed among the branches.
New strawberry plants can still be planted, but must not allowed to fruit this season.
Raspberry canes recently planted should be reduced to 12-18 ins., according to their vigour.
Very time consuming in a big garden, you must do what you can with the time you have.
