Sarah Raven’s top tips: Pave the way for a homegrown harvest

It’s easy to see why March and April are great months for sowing, growing, and harvesting – the sun sets later, and the harsh winter weather is gradually on its way out. So, with the new season’s growth truly on the move, now is the time to make the most of it whether you have a large garden, small terrace, or an allotment.

What to sow in March & April (for the greenhouse)

The months of March and April are all about preparing for an abundant harvest once the threat from frost has passed…

• Tomato seedlings – If sown now, kept frost free, and the tips not pinched out, it crops until November.
• Broad bean seedlings – You might notice that their roots are bursting out of root trainers, so should be planted out as soon as possible.
• Cucumbers – Sow your favourite cucumber varieties under cover from March. Remember, these are climbers, so provide support.
• Courgette – The perfect choice for an abundant harvest, sow under cover from late March into April.

A project for March: Create your own herb garden

Herbs are always the front runners for March. In a window box or in a series of pots on a doorstep, these will enhance so many homecooked meals, and, unlike newly sown annual salads, neighbourhood cats often leave these pungent leaves alone.

Fresh herbs are much more effective than dried, and homegrown more than shop bought. Of the reliable evergreens, rosemary is the top of my list. March is the moment for rosemary, which is flowering away right now, and there’s no better plant for spring pollinators.

Rather than just the standard grey-blue-flowered rosemary, I go for a named variety with more interesting, coloured flowers. I’d also be lost without bay now, even though it can grow to an impressive size. Herbs such as chives, mint, fennel and lovage also make wonderful choices.

Herbs to try:

• Chives – An easy and quick germinating perennial herb from seed, which is cut-and-come-again, with a characteristic, mild oniony flavour
• Florence Fennel ‘Romanesco’ – A summer sowing variety, which forms the largest, most succulent bulbs, yet it remains tasty, tender, and sweet.

What to harvest in March & April

• Brussels sprouts – Protect against cabbage white butterflies. Water well during dry spells and mulch to help keep soil moist.
• Kale – A wonderful crop for the winter into spring. I love this in a finely chopped topping for crostini, mixed with a few capers and green olives.
• Leeks – Many varieties of leek have good disease resistance and an excellent strong flavour.
• Rhubarb – This can be harvested from March. Rhubarb is known for its long harvesting season, use your abundant harvest to create jams and crumbles for all your friends and family to enjoy.

Watch Sarah’s video about planting tomatoes:

Source: ngs.org.uk