Alan Titchmarsh Declares March the Prime Month for Garden Preparation
Renowned television gardener Alan Titchmarsh has emphasised that March represents one of the most crucial and active periods for gardening enthusiasts across the country. The celebrated horticulturist, famous for programmes like Gardeners' World and Love Your Garden, insists that this month offers a golden opportunity to get ahead before spring fully blossoms.
Five Key Gardening Tasks for a Productive Season
In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh, the 76-year-old expert outlined five vital jobs that every gardener should prioritise during March. He stated, "March is a great time to start preparing your garden for spring. To help you, I’m counting down the key tasks I do in March, taking you through each one, step by step."
Titchmarsh highlighted a comprehensive list of activities, ranging from soil enhancement to seed sowing. He elaborated, "From adding soil improver to your borders to planting new potatoes to sowing your favourite seeds, this is one of the busiest months for us gardeners, and if you garden along with me, I’ll help you get the best out of your outdoor space."
Early Potatoes: The Standout March Priority
Among all the seasonal duties, Titchmarsh singled out planting early potatoes as an absolute must-do task for March. He explained that timing is critical for those hoping to enjoy a bountiful harvest. "If you love new potatoes smothered in butter, this is the perfect time to plant your earlies," he advised.
Planting in March can yield surprisingly swift results, with Titchmarsh noting, "Planting early potatoes now will give you new potatoes from mid-June through July." He recommended preparing potatoes through a process called chitting before planting. "You can buy them in packets at the garden centre. And I like to chit them before planting. That's arranging them in a light, warm place so the shoots begin to grow before planting. That way they crop earlier."
Practical Planting Methods for All Garden Sizes
For gardeners with ample outdoor space, Titchmarsh advocates a traditional approach. "I usually plant them in rows on my veg patch. First I dig a trench, then add some soil improver before placing in the tubers about a foot apart. I then pull back the earth over the top."
However, he assures that even those with limited space can participate successfully. "If your garden's small, you can also plant them in special potato sacks. Make sure they have drainage holes in the base and roll them halfway down. Then add peat-free, multi-purpose compost and pop the potatoes in."
The process requires ongoing attention as the plants develop. Titchmarsh encouraged gardeners to continue tending them, saying, "As the shoots begin to grow, add more compost. You'll be amazed how many potatoes you'll get come summer."
Additional Essential March Gardening Tips
Beyond potato planting, the Love Your Weekend presenter shared four other indispensable gardening tips for March:
- Mulching beds and borders to enhance soil health and moisture retention.
- Planting summer flowering bulbs in pots to ensure vibrant colour later in the year.
- Sowing favourite flowers from seed to gain a head start on the growing season.
- Creating a spring planter to immediately brighten up outdoor living spaces.
Taking Time to Appreciate the Seasonal Transition
Despite the demanding schedule of gardening tasks, Titchmarsh urged enthusiasts to pause and relish the changing season. He reflected, "And finally, take some time to sit back and enjoy your garden. The soil is beginning to warm up. The shoots are coming and proving to us all. It's been such a long wait, but spring is just around the corner."
His advice combines practical guidance with an appreciation for the natural rhythms of gardening, making March a pivotal month for both preparation and enjoyment.
