Indoor Jobs for March

March is the official start of spring and although we’ve had a lovely sunny spell and the mowers were out in force, there are still some chilly days ahead of us.  What better time to focus on indoor jobs before heading into the garden to continue your spring prep, as the days get longer and properly warmer.

1.      Wash plant pots to make sure last years soil and plant debris has been removed.  Fungus and disease can survive over the winter so a good clean will give your seedlings, plugs and cuttings the best chance.

2.      Give your greenhouse a good clean.  Remove any pests, clean the glass and scrub out any unwanted growths.

3.      Clean your tools to control the spread of disease or viruses.  Hose off any tools heavy with soil or use a wire brush. Wire wool is great to clean away any dried on sap from blades.  WD40 is useful for loosening dirt.  Vinegar is a great way of removing rust – a soak for 24 hours then wire wool to deal with anything remaining.  Jeyes Fluid is a gardeners friends – use for disinfecting blades and any equipment that has been used with diseased plant material.  Make sure you dry your tools afterwards.  Tighten up any loose parts and oil.  Wooden handles should also be oiled to stop cracking and keep them supple.

4.      Purchase seeds, potting compost, canes and replace worn gloves.

5.       Tidy your shed in readiness for planting and potting on. Make sure your tools all have a home.

6.       Treat yourself to a new potting table to give you the perfect space to work efficiently and effectively.

You’re ready for a successful and satisfying start to spring.  Now we just need to sort out the weather.......