Plant seeds in March
Spring is upon us, and it's time to start planning your vibrant garden. Here's a guide on how to cultivate cornflowers, lettuce, beetroot, and love-in-a-mist.
### Cornflowers
Cornflowers, with their clear, pure blue color, are a popular choice for adding pops of sky-blue among perennials. They can be planted in early spring or late summer/early fall for a spring bloom. Sow seeds directly in a well-draining garden bed and keep the soil moist during germination. Once established, cornflowers are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from regular watering. Deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms.
### Lettuce
Lettuce prefers cooler weather and can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring. Sow seeds thinly and evenly in rows. Keep the soil consistently moist, and lettuce will thrive. In warmer climates, it can also thrive in late summer for a fall harvest.
### Beetroot
Beetroot can be planted in early spring, about 2-3 weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds about 1 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. Beetroot prefers well-draining, loose soil and requires consistent moisture.
### Love-in-a-Mist (Nigella)
Love-in-a-mist, also known as nigella, is a flower with starry flowers cushioned on ferny foliage. It produces long-lasting balloon-like seed pods crowned with horns. Sow seeds directly in the garden about 1 inch deep and spaced 6 to 12 inches apart. Love-in-a-mist prefers well-draining soil and partial shade. It self-seeds and can be found in unexpected corners for years to come.
## General Tips for a Spring Garden
- Soil Preparation: Add compost or organic matter to improve soil quality and drainage. - Sunlight: Most of these plants prefer full sun, but lettuce and love-in-a-mist can tolerate partial shade. - Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during germination and early growth. Once established, these plants are relatively low-maintenance.
By following these guidelines, you can create a beautiful and diverse spring garden filled with cornflowers, lettuce, beetroot, and love-in-a-mist. Beetroots grow and push each other apart as they grow, allowing for continuous harvest. So, get planting and enjoy the blooms of spring!
To supplement your home-and-garden lifestyle, you might consider incorporating the colorful and vibrant cornflowers in your spring garden, along with the leafy greens of lettuce. For an enchanting touch, nurture the love-in-a-mist, which produces unique seed pods to liven up your home-and-garden decor, while also enjoying the classic growth of beetroot.
