Issue 22Veg to Sow Now

Be sure that you've read the general advice on seed sowing earlier in this issue before starting off veg seeds. That being said, there are some things you can get started on during February and March, both indoors and outdoors.
Indoors

Begin chitting potatoes this month on a windowsill to get them off to a good start, ready to be planted out around the end of March.

Chillies, peppers, aubergines, and tomatoes can be sown on a warm windowsill, in propagators, or on heat mats in the greenhouse as they need a long growing season to maturity.

Plant onion sets in modules from late February to give them a head start before they get planted out.

Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower can be started off indoors and salad mixes can be sown in a cool greenhouse or front porch.

Start seeds of cold-hardy herbs like chives and parsley this month. They can go out in the garden in March or April as they can withstand cold weather.

Squash can be sown in pots indoors in March, under protection of a greenhouse or windowsill, to be transplanted later in the season.

Plant up a few pots or trays of microgreens for some almost instant gratification.

Outdoors

Peas can be started indoors in empty toilet roll tubes to get them off to a raring start, or outdoors from late February as they are generally hardy, but do keep an eye out for heavy frosts. Be sure to choose early cropping pea varieties like ‘Sugar Ann’.

Broad beans are also hardy and can be sown outdoors from February. Exactly like peas, they can be planted in seed trays or direct-sown in the ground, ready to be picked from May onwards.

Garlic cloves can be planted outside.

Rhubarb crowns can be planted outside, even nestled in a flower border where their colourful stalks can add a pop of colour.

Radish, beetroot, carrot, and parsnip can be sown out into well-draining soil in March but will need protection from frost with a cold frame or cloche.

Some salad greens such as spinach, lettuce, and rocket are hardy enough to be sown outdoors directly into the soil in a cold frame or in a sheltered spot, to be harvested from April onwards. Providing a little bit of cover will bring crops on faster.

Top Tip: Warm the soil in raised beds with clear polythene after weeding and raking it level. The polythene will keep the soil dry whilst still allowing radiant light to warm the surface. Do make sure to weigh it down with heavy bricks or similar to keep it in place in strong winds.
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