Spring has officially sprung, Detectives! The days are getting longer, the soil is warming up, and the garden is finally waking up from its winter sleep. But wait—our vegetables aren't the only things waking up. The weeds are back, and they are hungry for space! It is time to put on our gardening gloves and become Weeding Warriors.
What exactly is a weed?
A weed isn't a bad plant; it's just a plant growing in the wrong place! If a beautiful dandelion grows right where you want to plant your carrots, it becomes a weed because it will steal the sunlight and water that your baby carrots need to grow.
Step 1: The Weeding Warrior Mission
Before we can plant our new seeds outside, we need to clear the way.
- The Root of the Problem: When you pull a weed, you have to get the roots! If you just snap off the green leaves, the weed will grow right back. Grab the weed close to the dirt, wiggle it gently, and pull the whole thing out like a magic trick.
- Use the Right Tools: A small hand trowel or a garden fork is perfect for digging under stubborn weeds (like dandelions) that have long, deep roots.
- Compost Power: Don't throw your weeds in the bin! Toss them into your compost pile (as long as they haven't grown seeds yet). They will break down and turn into yummy plant food for next year.
Step 2: St. Patrick's Day Potatoes
In Ireland, there is a very special gardening tradition: planting your potatoes around St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th)!
- Check Your Spuds: Remember those potatoes we started "chitting" in January? They should have strong, stubby green shoots on them now.
- Dig a Trench: Dig a narrow ditch in your veggie patch about as deep as an adult's hand.
- Planting Time: Place your seed potatoes into the trench. Make sure the little shoots are pointing up towards the sky so they can find the sun!
- Tuck Them In: Carefully cover them back up with soil and give them a gentle pat.
Step 3: Brave Seeds Go Outside
While tomatoes are still warm inside on the windowsill, some tough seeds don't mind the chilly March breeze.
- Sow Broad Beans & Peas: These super-tough seeds can be planted straight into the ground now. They love climbing, so make sure you push some long sticks into the ground next to them so they have something to hold onto!
- Radishes: Radishes are the fastest-growing vegetable in the garden. Plant some seeds now, and you could be eating spicy red radishes in just 4 weeks!
Did You Know?
As the soil warms up in March, the earthworms start coming up closer to the surface. If you see a worm while you are digging, say hello! They are aerating (putting air into) the soil and making it perfect for your new seeds. Always gently cover them back up with dirt.
