March Gardening Guide: Seed Germination and Early Planting Tips

What we can achieve on the plot in March is always dictated by the weather, but getting going on a few things at home can ensure that you are well prepared to start planting out once the soil has warmed up. Seeds develop slowly and can rot in cold soils, and it makes them targets for hungry rodents. Seeds will respond in a warm atmosphere sown in a mix of 50:50 moist vermiculite and multi-purpose compost, using about half a teaspoonful of seed to 0.5 litres of the mix and placed in a box with a lid in a temperature of 18 to 20 degrees.

Once they have germinated the compost/seed mix can be planted out at the usual depth, making sure not to damage the emerging delicate roots. In a cold March carrots can take three to four weeks to appear, but only two weeks if you are using this pre-germination method. Planting out a single germinated seed can be tricky if it is tiny, so a small cluster can be put in and thinned out later.

Chitting seeds is just like chitting seed potatoes but on a smaller scale. It is particularly suitable for anything that may be precious or rare; but leeks, onions, parsnips and hardy annuals such as larkspur will do well. With moisture and warmth you can also get ahead in the same way by using a paper towel which has been dunked in warm water and gently rung out. Pull away two layers of the paper and place the seeds well spaced and then cover with the other two layers of paper, placing the whole thing in a clear plastic bag and leaving it open for some air circulation. Place the bag in a warm spot and gently spray it with warm water if it starts to dry out. Once the roots appear you can plant them up in the ground or in pots when the weather is warm enough.