Is it really spring? (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Is it really spring?

8:27pm Sunday 28th March 2010

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One thing that April is noted for is its changeability, a fact which can be to our advantage, think of the old adage which tells us ‘April showers bring forth May flowers’.

Of course, this probably doesn’t take into account April snow. Having welcomed the first day of spring on the 21st March and suffered the disruption of putting the clocks forward this weekend, surely a sign that summer is on its way, the weather forecasters are warning us of snow and cold weather before the end of the week. This all reinforces the fact that we have to be ready for whatever happens and make the most of any fine days. Be patient; don’t be tempted by milder days to plant out anything that can’t cope with frost and cold conditions. In a perfect existence we could order our own weather but the reality is that we still have to be ready with the horticultural fleece to protect vulnerable plants if the temperature plummets. On the other hand, if we have a dry April we need to be ready to water thirsty plants.

It might not always seem like it but the soil is slowly warming up. As soon as the weather conditions allow you can make a start sowing hardy annuals directly into open beds in the flower garden. Dig in lots of well rotted garden compost to get them off to a good start. In this area many of us have to cope with heavy clay soil and now is a good time to try and improve the soil structure by digging in grit or sharp sand. Break up large lumps of soil as you go along to help germination. For a natural effect sow the seeds at random or, if you prefer a more structured approach, sow thinly into narrow drills using the edge of your hoe as a marker. Lightly rake over the planted area and make sure that the newly emerging plants are kept moist.

Keep pulling up any weeds as they grow, making sure you aren’t pulling out your new crop of summer flowers!

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