Climate change is one of the planet’s biggest challenges. On a much smaller scale, the changes in the climate and their effect on the weather pose a different sort of challenge for gardeners with longer winters, wetter springs and harder frosts to test their potting mettle.
Spring is the busiest time for planting but when the weather refuses to play ball, gardeners have to be prepared to take alternative measures.
For example, seed potatoes need to be planted when the air is frost free. A way round this is to use containers instead, from which the seeded plants can be then moved into the ground at a later date. Make sure there are holes in the bottom of the pot or bucket for drainage, then place in a shed or dry place that’s free from frost. You can also use a horticultural fleece to cover your pots and these fleeces are also ideal if you have already planted your potatoes in beds and want to protect them from any unexpected late frosts.
Horticultural fleeces really are the spring gardener’s best friend. They can be utilised to protect the new shoots of any perennials that are popping up around the garden from frost or high winds. Use fleeces to cover open flowers and buds on plants and trees.
A cold spring makes planting vegetable seeds more troublesome than it should be. Generally vegetable seeds need the soil temperature to remain at a consistent 6-8C and when the mercury is barely reaching 5C, you need to try an alternative. Your ground should be completely defrosted before you attempt to do any preparation or digging – mulching when the soil is still partly frozen will keep the ground chill in place.
To get your vegetable seeds underway, cover the soil with plastic sheeting to help raise the temperature below. Sow your seeds in plastic module trays and set them on windowsills where they can soak up any warmth and heat from the sun. Covering the trays with a clear plastic bag or clingfilm will secure the heat and give your seedlings the warmest start in their growing life. When the roots start to show, remove the plastic coat bit by bit to prepare the plants for a hardier life outdoors but only plant them in borders outdoors when the weather is warm enough for you to work without a jacket.
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