Finally, the days are lengthening and spring is upon us. The soil is warming and we can begin to think about what to plant for a bountiful and beautiful year ahead in the garden. It can be tempting to begin the gardening season a little gung-ho as the sun begins to shine and the soil warms through. After a long winter, the heady days of spring can bring upon us a planting frenzy as we gorge ourselves on just what to plant. But pause a while and remember to grow what you love the most and pick out your favourites from our quick guide to spring planting.

Vegetables

Peas, lettuce, onions, spinach, carrots, and beets can all be planted at this time of year. Cauliflower, radishes, broccoli and cabbage seeds can also be sewn, or you can wait a few weeks longer to enjoy crops into the autumn. If you’re starting seeds off indoors or directly sewing into the veg patch, perliteor or vermiculite can help root development and help retain and air and moisture in soil and compost.

Potatoes

Potatoes can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring though they won’t grow until the soil reaches around 45 degrees fahrenheit. First early varieties such as Maris Bard and Pentland Javelin can be planted from late February up to the end of May and will take around 10 weeks to harvest. Second earlies such as Kestral and Charlotte can be planted from March onwards. Maincrop potatoes including Harmony can go in from mid-March to mid-May. Salad crops like the famous Jersey Royal can start being planted from March and April.

Flowers

Summer-flowering bulbs such as lilies, dahlias and cannas can be planted in spring as can hardy perennials and shrubs. Perennials including foxgloves, lupins, delphiniums, and peonies can also be planted now. Sweet peas and hardy annuals can be sown in pots from early spring and remember to stock up on planters to ensure your blooms are in great heath.