Early spring opportunities in vegetable growing

An exciting month ahead for vegetable growing.
Sow under cover includes tomatoes, celery, celeriac from 10th, melon watermelon loofah and early leeks in March's last week. Find more monthly details here • Planting with the Seas...
Sow carrots outside from equinox, also Jerusalem artichoke, onion sets. For early potatoes - know your last frost date, plant first earlies probably late March.
Transplant, there are so many possibilities, I show at what stage and how deep
Harden off? No worries! Use a cover
Covers for new plantings, fleece for warmth, thicker grade
Hoops for covers? eg wire, check for wind damage
PESTS Cover vs flea beetle and tidy to reduce slug habitat
Keep beds ready - weeding, raking, tidy plastic, clear cover crops if in the way
Prepare new beds eg with plastic on compost
Sow wildflowers, see • Wildflowers in the Meadow
Harvests are increasing such as overwintered spinach - reference other harvests
Seeds from tamarorganics.co.uk/product-c...
Long dibber from www.gardenimports.co.uk/produ...
Fleece and mesh from www.paidonresults.net/c/57860...
CD module trays from UK and international stockists: www.charlesdowding.co.uk/stor...
00:00 Introduction
00:25 Sowing opportunities
01:25 Tomatoes - my recommended sowing times
02:00 Sowing celery and celeriac
02:18 Sowing melons, cucumbers, watermelons and loofahs
02:41 Sowing leeks
03:01 Outdoor sowing possibilities
03:23 Different categories of potatoes, different sowing times
03:54 Transplanting frost-hardy early sowings
04:46 How to transplant - I demonstrate with a pea plant
06:38 Transplanting onions
07:17 Hardening off - is it necessary?
07:46 The benefits of using covers
08:43 Different grades of fleece, how to secure, and how to store
10:00 Different types of cover - Thermacrop, Enviromesh, and bird netting
11:14 Weeding
11:57 Creating new beds, and using black plastic or cardboard to smother weeds
12:59 Harvests - spinach, spring cabbage, spring onion
13:42 Managing slugs
14:24 Wildflower seeds sown after smothering weeds with black plastic
15:24 Drier through March, less watering needed
You can join this channel by paying a monthly fee, to support our work with helping gardeners grow better, and to receive monthly videos made only for members:
/ @charlesdowding1nodig
#nodig #growyourownfood #healthyfood #slugs #wildflowers

[@RockMan-go3ni]

Charles I'm afraid I have 2 complaints to share with you. 1: I have been forced to watch your entire back catalogue of videos because I can't get enough of your knowledgeable and relaxing content and to my dismay I have now ran out. 2. I recently transplanted multisown clumps of raddish under fleece and everytime a plant went in I had to say "in the ground with their mates". This is undoubtedly your fault. Regards, transfixed viewer

[@timothyortega5608]

Actually, I am joyful to hear your complaints. Thank you. Yes, they're compliments!😂❤

[@camicri4263]

Hahaha! Absolutely!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Ah cool! Thanks for your lovely comment 💚 and for making me laugh!

[@turtle2212]

😂

[@boneysworld]

If I watch any more, my misses is gonna kick me out😅😅

[@theenglishherbalist]

Before I became a medical Herbalist I worked as a Psychologist. Therefore, I'm fully aware of the need for dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins to affect the brain in positive ways. These can be achieved/boosted by multiple methods - but for me - it's watching your films. They're the complete and uplifting package for me. Thank you 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

This is lovely to hear, I am glad you enjoy them 🙂

[@marydrew3568]

Charles- I tell everyone about you and your channel, and no dig method. I have an 8 acre piece of property where it was a blank slate! I am fortunate to have three horses, that help me make beautiful compost and my compost is loaded with red wrigglers. My focus on my farm is on sustainability and no pesticides and herbicides. I have been growing along with you for two seasons now and I'm changing the soil on my farm, one season at a time with your guidance. I am so thankful for all you do. Cheers from Oregon, US Wine Country. 🍷

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Lovely to see this comment Mary. That sounds like a nice part of the world! And great that you are improving the soil 💚

[@ItsSweetLew]

Never fails to make my day when I see that a new video has been released. You are an inspiration Charles!❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Happy to hear that 💚

[@jeffhamilton9453]

I always find a new pearl of knowledge every time Charles has a new video.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear Jeff

[@donaldthomson9411]

Corduroy jackets are the future of gardening!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😍

[@annal3708]

I’m under one meter of snow 😟 greetings from Sweden! 🇸🇪 on the other hand, I will catch up when my strawberries grow 24 hours a day around summer solstice. 😅

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Such different seasons Anna!

[@fionaimison2042]

So relaxing to watch. The music, Charles voice, the garden, the birds & that adorable cat!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am glad you enjoyed it Fiona

[@andyc972]

Thanks Charles, always handy to have a little nudge to remind us what can be done now !

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am glad you found it helpful Andy 🌱

[@patmillar961]

Yes Charles I'm not rushing! It's very cold and so very wet here in the north east of England. You're a pleasure to watch, an absolute mind of information and great advice. Thank u 👍

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am glad and you are very welcome Pat

[@rjones8576]

Thanks, Charles! There is nothing on KZbin I look forward to more than a new video from you!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Very Kind, thank you. I am glad that you enjoy the content I share.

[@tedbastwock3810]

me too!! well said

[@mirabilo]

The best vegetable gardening educator on the planet.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Ah thanks

[@KOLLEKZIYA_FASOLI]

💚💚💚Dear Charles, thank you very much for your videos. I live in the south and it’s also warm here like you. Crocuses are blooming and tulips are sprouting. Now I’m planting cabbage in cups. I also sow it very thickly, and then I plant it. You need to sow a lot , to make sure there is a harvest. My grandparents planted so much and I continue to do so. I really like working on the land. And seeing how many like-minded people on the earth do this, I become more confident that the world is beautiful.💚💚💚

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear and you are very welcome 🌱

[@dougtheslug6435]

Zone 4 Canada here and what a difference between what you have there Charles and the piles of snow we still have here and we're roughly at the same latitude. I just sowed some onions, leeks, broccoli and brussels sprout a couple days ago down in my grow room in basement. Looking forward to get out there in a month or so to sow carrots and radishes directly in garden and get some exercise.....cheers and happy gardening.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

We are fortunate Doug, for the same latitude as you say, I hope it warms on time

[@annelygermaine7874]

love your handle... (ahem - it's a CB radio term, not the other..) I call my garden the Crone Henge because it's circular, but i understand to be a real henge, I would need a moat. We've had so much rain this winter, it wouldn't be that hard. LOL Re crone, I qualify because I'm a 'disagreeable old woman!' Cheers!

[@dougtheslug6435]

Very good, yes slugs are my nemesis out there in the garden and manage to out wit me every year with their elusive behaviour. I'm going on 50 years of gardening soon and I still have trouble controlling them, they enjoy the garden as much as I do. You know the old saying, if you can't beat them, join them. You can send some of that extra rain this way if you like this summer around July/August......cheers and happy gardening in Crone Henge. @@annelygermaine7874

[@margaretalice6343]

Charles I’ve been watching your channel for a few years now. What a game changer for us to multi sow in modules certain crops. And to use cardboard/compost on beds. Worms love it and suppresses so many weeds. Your approach has transformed our plot & our harvest. Thank you 🤩

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Lovely to hear Margaret!

[@walkingbacktogardening381]

Brilliant video, get everyone excited for gardening season 2024. 🐈

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am glad 🌱

[@galetimpone1712]

Charles, you a wealth of knowledge for new and old gardeners. I always learn someway of improving how to garden after watching your video. Thank you for sharing and encouraging people to grow their own vegetables and plants.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear and you are very welcome 🌱

[@yvonnejackson1696]

I can’t overemphasize how impressed I am with how drought resistant no dig veggies are and how easy the method makes weeding. I only use about a fourth as much compost as you do and have only been doing no dig about three years but it is vastly better than anything else I have ever tried.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So good to hear Yvonne!

[@amandadobson4229]

So much inspiration for our new community garden and I’m passing on all your knowledge to the other volunteers. our poly tunnel is already looking good I have your calendar which is brilliant and have signed up for the emails, but think I will need to get your skills book as well. Thank you so much Charles.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear Amanda 🌱

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

Good morning, Charles, from Windermere, Florida zone 9b USA People would love your SKILLS book....filled with information that we all need👍 Take care and Happy Gardening ❤Peggy❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Good morning Peggy, nice to hear

[@artstamper316]

I love your style of videos. I’m thinking that with the weather looking like it’s going to be barely above the freezing mark for the rest of the month where I am in Ohio my garden is going to be getting off to a really late start with my physical limitations, but I will have a garden, regardless. I need to be able to cut the cover crop then add a layer of compost when it warms up enough for me to use my rollator outside. You are an invaluable source of information!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks, and I would cover the cover crop now so it dies in darkness 4-5 weeks, then you are ready to plant

[@theenglishherbalist]

This is by far my most favourite film. 1. I've just taken on a three year untended allotment in beautiful North Cornwall and this video has answered 4 questions I had 2. Your gorgeous tortie cat! Cats and vegetable growing - two winners for me. Thank you Charles 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am glad you enjoyed it 🙂 I look forward to hearing how you get on with your allotment this page may help you www.charlesdowding.co.uk/education/starting-a-no-dig-allotment

[@theenglishherbalist]

​@CharlesDowding1nodig Thank you so VERY much. It's very much a learning process (growing in the ground) as I've only ever grown in pots. I'm really looking forward to attending any future dates of talks / presentations you attend in Cornwall 😊

[@ChrisJohnson-pd4hh]

You must be joking re cats on the garden. They use mine as a toilet. Nasty stuff.

[@tornadostories]

Have a brilliant growing season. I'm hoping that we get a nice warm Spring and Summer 🌞

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks and yes!

[@paulmaxwell8851]

We have 25cm/10 in. of snow on the ground here this morning in central British Columbia, Canada. The nights fall to -20C still. But my wife has salad green starts germinating under a heated cloche in the greenhouse! And all our seeds are spread out on the dining room table, being organized while we plan the new garden. Happy gardening, everyone!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So impressive!

[@toam4948]

Grazie sempre Charles per il tuo modo fantastico di fare giardinaggio, i tuoi consigli sono preziosi è funzionali ,ti seguo sempre da Napoli è aspetto con pazienza la traduzione in italiano dei tuoi libri.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Grazie 🌱

[@gwennandenise2338]

LOVE the pocket embroidery !! Another of your enviable skills?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I wish! By a creative friend ⭐️

[@kymvalleygardensdesign5350]

Wonderful as always, but when sowing wildflower seeds you need to mimic sheep by asking a group of people to walk all over the seeds to push them into the ground, some wildflower seeds also need successive frost to germinate. You could also try growing your own wildflower seeds in plugs and then planting them out, I find Ox Eye daisies do really well where I am.😀

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

All good tips but I do it like this every year and they grow nicely!

[@kymvalleygardensdesign5350]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Well done

[@rashpalrai66]

Thanks for this video, it's answered all the questions I'm asking at the moment! Especially on planting out seedlings. 👍😀🥦🥦

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So good to hear!

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

It’s a really exciting time of year! Just done my cucumber!!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wow early! I sow them in two weeks

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig lol I think I get way too excited and worried that I’m behind! I hope they will be ok!

[@idavvtt]

Ugh I’m so jealous😩😂In my zone in Norway (in the mountains) spring is still two months away… Luckily light is good enough for window sowings🌱

[@iteerrex8166]

Same here in Colorado, 1.5-2 months away ☹️

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oooh so long winters! And in Col you are far south of Norway

[@iteerrex8166]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Yes but high in altitude, at the edge of Rocky Mountains. First frost to last is 7 months and 20 days here 🤦‍♂️

[@idavvtt]

@@iteerrex8166yeah it’s tough, I’m about 780m above sea level, last frost is usually in late May, and first frost again in mid-September😅 Luckily, we have a lots of daylight being this far north!

[@iteerrex8166]

@@idavvtt Ah so very similar to ours. I’m not attached here, so its time to migrate south permanently lol

[@carolinethomson1297]

Just brilliant content as always Charles. Your No Dig book arrived yesterday. What an amazing go-to book this is. So much valuable information. It's my bible for growing veg your No Dig way. Thank you a million times over!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear Caroline, I am glad you are enjoying it 🌱

[@user-xl3xy3ty4q]

Exclusive suit mr. Dowding. Thank you for sharing your experience. I have been in the magical game of gardening for 3 years andI learn so much from you. Greetings from sunny Bulgaria

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you, great to hear and you are very welcome 🌱

[@lezleyneill]

Thank you for another great video. I always look forward to them and love the knowledge you offer. It's helped my own no dig gardening come on leaps and bounds!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear Lezley 🙂

[@toin9898]

I'd love to see you overwinter pepper plants, Charles. I did this for a few years here in Canada and my pepper harvest was incredible. I lost the plants to a freak early frost last year but it worked great for three years running.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great suggestion and you are right that I should do that. I know it works because for four years I overwintered some habanero chilli plants, and they actually got almost too vigorous and enormous, then they had a frost issue one December!

[@martinhorridge4794]

Excellent video again Charles thank you. This video certainly compliments your 2024 calendar plus your skills book. I have both.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Ah cool, thanks Martin

[@Chocolatking]

Charles is (and will be) the GOAT, I'm going to order the book as well! Sadly not narrated so I'd miss out on the David-Burroughesq vibe the youtube offers but still I'm so thankfull to have so much of his experience, technical know-how and practical small tips and tricks which helped me to get into gardening and every year to keep evolving and getting better at it. Much love and keep doing what u do best!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you for your kind words and you purchase an audible version here amzn.to/49xt8GA 🙂

[@ofrecentvintage]

You can get the audiobook! I have it and listen to it whenever the mood strikes! 😅

[@jeannet9592]

Spring is so rejuvenating! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@Stef.with.an.F]

But buttercups and dandelions are also wildflowers! It looks like the wildflowers you sowed are mostly annual cornflield mix. I recommend Emorsgate Seeds’s EM3 Special General Purpose Meadow Mixture which is perennial ^_^ Annual cornfield mix is great for using as a nurse crop to drain nutrients from the soil, such that species that are better at getting nutrients don’t have a head start and outcompete other species. You’ll have a better diversity if the soil is low in nutrients ^^

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

We are swamped here with buttercups and dandelions, and I want something different around the pond.

[@ianbrooks4797]

Just been allocated a small allotment plot, started to put down the cardboard and compost beds, seeds sown in modules, looking forward to planting out.. Thanks for the inspiration Charles 👍

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear Ian, I wish you a great harvest 🌱

[@winterkonig5997]

Thanks Charles for this interesting video. Our apricot tree is blooming in all its glory. I planted and sowed a few things. Everything is growing fantastically. Warm greetings from Baden near Vienna.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am glad you enjoyed it 🌱

[@brianczuhai8909]

Charles, thank you for sharing. As ALWAYS! Nice seeing the gardens "off season." Slugs! Can you do diatomaceous earth? Sluggo works, but that's a herbicide. You are where your garden is. It is what it is. Adapt and adjust.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Brian that is nice 💚

[@brianczuhai8909]

A brainstorm this evening. Get that other pond established. Bring in some toads, frogs, and snakes for the snails!

[@TheCrazeenana]

Wow I love your videos❤ I grow nettles and dandelion for health in my garden those weeds we’ve been lied about for so long. Research them they do wonders🥰

[@rwally3able]

Thankyou Charles!!!!!

[@patstephenso7206]

Thank you Charles its so excited to arrive on the lst of March 🎉🎉🎉😊

[@tedbastwock3810]

Glad to see your pond filling up! Hope the pond does well!!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Ted!

[@ibrstellar1080]

Another excellent video Charles packed with great information and tips👍.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you Ibr, glad you enjoyed it

[@waynesell3681]

Happy Leap Year! Looking forward to the garden beds thawing out under shredded leaves and straw. Thank you Charles for another inspirational video.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are very welcome

[@tedbastwock3810]

love, Love L💚VE these monthly to-do videos!!! Brilliant idea, well-done, and so SO super helpful!!! 🙏

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am glad you enjoy them Ted 🌱

[@RawLondonGardener]

Another smashing video, so much packed into it, useful tips for all! Great job 👏

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it 🌱

[@elisenoel5557]

Hello , i living Normandy ( seine maritime) . Ici j'ai sème des tomates (reif red ) ( marmande ) ( rose de berne ) à l intérieure et des petits pois en extérieur. J ai planté des pommes de terre (sous serre ) et des échalotes en extérieur . Good moraine !!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

C'est bon alors! Vous avez peut être une semaine d'avance sur nous

[@gardenonthemoors]

Such an exciting month! Great to hear your plans, I sow my tomatoes in the middle of March too and can't wait to get peas and early potatoes a little after then too 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear 🌱

[@olganone9723]

I just discovered this channel and totally love it!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am so glad, welcome 🙂

[@lorainemcguire5795]

Thanks Charles as always a very useful informative video ❤👍

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am glad you enjoyed it Loraine 🌱

[@Cheriesgardenvegplot]

I've got my cup of coffee and a new upload from you Charles. Utter bliss.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@corkion]

great vid i have my tomatoes started now

[@sararc5526]

Magic! Thank you Charles.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@camicri4263]

Charles your garden looks amazing already! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us! Blessings!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are welcome Cami

[@eddy8828]

Love this channel. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am glad Eddy, thank you

[@williamkujanpaa4318]

I just love your new book! The excellent photos with the explanations are so helpful!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I'm so glad!

[@markleakey1797]

Brilliant as always Charles 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks again Mark

[@veggiepatchideas]

Great time of year, I'm always in the polytunnel 🤩🙏 Thanks Charles

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear 🌱

[@monique4048]

I think this is one of your best video's Charles. So much information. Thank you! 🙏

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am glad you enjoyed it Monique🙂

[@margaretmcallister5422]

Last year's outdoor tomato fallen fruit seeds have started to germinate - in northern UK! I've brought some in and they're definitely keen to get started. I don't have a greenhouse or cold frame. I guess I'll be packing my windowsills even more than already. Here goes...

[@janetrush8340]

Wonderful learning from you.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am glad Janet 🌱

[@kiltedcoyot3]

Thanks Charles. Great advice. Just starting a large veg garden since making the move to Ireland. Seems a tad warmer on this west coast with the Gulf Stream so I might be behind!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds nice. In case of interest, I am teaching in Wicklow 6th, 7th April www.charlesdowding.co.uk/product/two-one-day-courses-in-wicklow-ireland-6th-and-7th-april

[@richiej5812]

Another fantastic video from the guru himself......thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge charles👍

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it Richie

[@IndianaJesus84]

Charles, I just have to say, any doubts I had about no dig are officially alleviated. While I was already convinced this is the better way to grow (certainly a lot less hard manual labor!), I was skeptical of just how much more effective this is than turning beds. After two seasons of just adding compost, I went to get some beds ready for Spring only to find I can dig ten inches deep with my bare hands in rich, deep brown soil, and it's impossible to lift a handful of that soil without spotting at least ten worms. Absolutely amazing.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

This is wonderful to hear of your success 🌱

[@jodieziegler1061]

Thats funny I've never noticed that before but your March planting is almost exactly the same as mine here in South Australia 🇦🇺 thats very cool 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So cool!

[@robinlj5767]

Love your Skills book Charles!!! Been using it consistently for the last couple of years and it’s helping me evolve my processes to be simpler & more productive in my Colorado, US garden. Brilliant! So appreciate your teachings ❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear of your success Robin 💚

[@asafhagbi3638]

Watching you it's the best therapy in the world.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am glad, thank you for your kind words 🙂

[@jennesont4791]

A new pest to my area is the spotted snake millepede. They have been devastating to all my vegetables and even the potted plants in my greenhouse! Absolutely infested all over my garden. Have you heard of any remedies for controlling these voracious insects?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh no! Never heard of it, sorry

[@BumblebeeAdventure]

🐝Thanks for the great video 🌻 Need to get the flowers in great tip!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@tammybyrd1054]

For keeping pests off I started using black tuile and it was a game changer for me here in the US Zone 7b! NOTHING got in! lolol LOVE your videos! Thank you I always learn something! :)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Interesting Tammy, and it sounds like enough light got in?!

[@APRICITY963]

Thank you for the reminder Charles! I've always enjoyed your videos, they're very informative! I haven't sown any because it's still too brrr out here. I forgot that it's already March even, you're so right about sowing the night shades now. I'm looking forward to sowing melons, thanks to your videos on that, really gave me hope. Wish me luck, I hope I get sweet ones and so do you! Thank you so much for the tips, I really hate slugs and they're out this time of the year.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am glad you enjoyed it 🌱 I wish you abundant harvests

[@APRICITY963]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Thank you ever so kindly!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

you are welcome

[@LifeHomeandGardenwithAnaRica]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carolewarner101]

An exciting time of year!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

It is Carole 🌱

[@Vlada-Ra]

Очень хорошие, полезные видео у вас. И нравится доброжелательная подача информации. Вы очень трудолюбивый, приятно смотреть на ухоженный огород, но при этом очень естественно всё, приближено к природе. И да, компост - замечательная вещь! Привет из России!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Спасибо, я рада, что они вам нравятся

[@Cherryparfait41]

Hi, Charles! I’ll forever be grateful for you sharing your gardening techniques. Thank you. Nothing has thrown me off more than the early info engrained in me on onions- for them to be pencil thick as transplants. Well, I finally mastered that this year. But, have always had success with my bulbing onions going out when small. Looks like this will be a good test season. Also, so curious, I have some really nice leaf mold and wondering if I could add that into some of my soiless mix for indoor seeding. I’ve been selective in trying different methods and mediums, but I’m pumping out and managing a fair amount of fungus gnats each year. Even though, the texture of compost can’t be beat.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Lovely to hear this Cherry and I reckon your leaf mould will make an excellent addition to your potting mix, up to 50% even if it's well decomposed

[@luisagarcia3961]

Obrigado voce Charles ❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Luis

[@josysteinbach4097]

Another brilliant and fantastic video merci monsieur , just recovering from a total hip replacement , i was like a lion in a cage for a number of months but recovering slowly and doing more little by little so hopefully very soon its gloves off and back to gardening , already starting seedlings like this no tomorrow . Merci for that great video it will put me back on track . Merci encore et à bientôt .

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it Josy, j'imagine la frustration!! Mais vas-y, le sol aide a ta recuperation

[@lara-nikkiramsey9415]

Hello. I thought if the row cover touches the plant, the plant will freeze if temps drop below freezing, but it looks like you just lay the row cover right on top. Surely you guys are going to have more freezing/frost in March and April? Thank you so much for your amazing videos. I also love your seed trays. Very thick, high quality starting trays. They are my favorite.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Lara, and you are correct. However, we also have high winds sometimes which blow covers off if they are on hoops so it's a trade-off

[@UKallotments1]

Nicely done 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you

[@johnmorgan5495]

Youre amazin' Charles X '

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you John

[@robnicolson2747]

Highly recommend the skills book, I re read it every year now and it has transformed my yields immensely. I'd also highly recommend Charles salad book to, the possibilitys are endless with the knowledge in the books!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you for this recommendation Rob, I am glad you enjoy them 🙂

[@Greenmanure62]

Thank you. I'd forgotten about 🌶 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😊

[@coupleofdroners1092]

Thank you as always

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are welcome Henry

[@lifestapestry2968]

Great update Charles, usually plant out peas around now. Essex is generally mild'ish when it comes to frosts, even so a after mild frost they usually push through.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it 🌱

[@lifestapestry2968]

@CharlesDowding1nodig Charles you are a living legend

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

very kind, thank you

[@aida8063]

Hello Charles, could you please do video on growing flowers from seed? It would be great if so. Thank you and take care!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks, if time allows, is similar to starting vegetables

[@hexmonkog1762]

magnificent tip having some compost left in your upper pocket so these carrots and pees cd grow. always food available wherever u r ❤

[@moniquechouteau]

Très bon conseils de jardinage merci

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Je vous en prie Monique

[@iteerrex8166]

Mr Dowding, if it’s not too much trouble, would you speak of planting temperatures, rather then times of the year. So that those of us in cold or very hot climates plan accordingly. Thanks.

[@Elfling26]

Just find out your gardening zone from Google it really isn't hard

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Maybe although many do not know them, and they vary hugely week on week. I talk about average dates rather than precise timings, at least that's the idea!

[@iteerrex8166]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig You mean how to convert Centigrade into Fahrenheit? Maybe this’ll encourage some to learn.

[@tedbastwock3810]

Those in either extreme are simply unable to grow some veg. Those in extreme heat lose some ability to grow cool loving plants, but have more consistent light year round. Those in extreme cold lose some ability to grow solanacea and cucurbitacea and others, but have abundant summer light. The vast majority of the world population, who by a large margin live in middle latitudes, will do well to start by following Charles advice and slowly adjusting over time from observation. Translating to temperature, F, C, or K doesnt matter, but translating to temp is unreliable. As Charles said, it changes week to week, is unreliable from one year to the next, and I will add, does not account for the amount of light and the changes in amount of light through the seasons. He is already doing it the right way. You should trust that.

[@iteerrex8166]

@@tedbastwock3810 Of course it has to adjusted to local climate and conditions, but as a starting point, since these times doesn’t apply to my region, then the temperature is the only thing left.

[@agnieszkalisiecka5794]

Greetings from Poland 🤗🇵🇱

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

and to you Agnieszka

[@agnieszkalisiecka5794]

Thanks 🐞

[@dafyddrhobert2414]

This is the month that I begin sowing in the Cambrian Mountains. Already being frustrated not by molluscs damaging my newly planted cabbage but by mice. They are eating one cabbage every two days. I've already lost 50% of my plants that overwintered in my growhouse. They got under the propagation lids used for protection. I think they tunnel in there. I'm now rising the only option left, poisoned traps.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is super frustrating. Even one mouse can do so much damage and I would use the same method.

[@Tristram9]

As a market gardener in northern Indiana these video reminders are good to help me stay in touch with the seasons. Overwatered spinach is selling 15-18$ per pound and some of the best flavors - in a hoophouse with no fleece. Slugs and snails are not a probably for me personally because we hand pick and clean up debris but also because of the drying effect of the hoop tunnel. (1500 sq ft) the first signs of spinach going to seed are occurring just as the time to plant them outside opens up. I do think transplanting spinach can be worth it here in zone 6

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Tristram, fascinating to hear this and so good your sales are strong

[@Tristram9]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig ☺️

[@heathershaffer6148]

Such a treat to wake up to a new video! I wanted tos ay that it's so nice that you don't have these frenetic clickbaity titles and you're natural in your presentation. A lot of youtube gardeners are so hyper and performy it makes my head tired. A question. What are the loops for on your wire hoop? I have wire hoops but mine don't have the loop on each end.

[@jhorsch94]

I believe those loops help secure your covering to the ground against high winds and insects. You can also throw a bungee cord/shock cord over the wire hoop to add extra support against the wind or insects. Connor from Neversink Farm sells them on his website and goes into more depth about them if you’re interested in looking at them. They’re called LowCat tunnels and they’re pretty pricey but they’re made from stainless steel so they’ll last you for many years.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I'm so glad to hear that Heather, thanks. And actually the hoops with loops are an old design which I do not use anymore because it's simpler to have a wider net or mesh, held down with stones. Or you can run the string under every second loop and across to the other side in a zigzag pattern and the string holds the cover in place

[@twelvesmylimit]

I absolutely love your videos. You inspire me AND relax me, which isn't easy! May I ask what you do with all the food you grow that is surplus to what your family can eat? 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you and I sell to local businesses.

[@twelvesmylimit]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Wonderful! 🤗 Thank you so much for replying. I appreciate that you must be a very busy man!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are very welcome 🙂

[@rubyquinonez5966]

me encanta ver a mintie..m fasina cuando te roba camara mister cahrly...

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚 🐈

[@GARDENER42]

Funnily enough, I sowed my peppers, aubergine, chillies & bell peppers yesterday. Took some cuttings of Sungold tomatoes off the original cuttings, which had become leggy. Too damn' wet here in Cumbria to do anything outdoors but most beds have been covered in compost & paths in year old chipped wood/hedge trimmings. Meanwhile, I'm busy with making gates & fence panels & designing storage cupboards in the dry & itching to get outside...

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes so much cloud and rain. The wettest February I recorded in 50 years

[@luisagarcia3961]

Maravilhoso o vídeo obrigado querido ❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Obrigado Luisa

[@donnabarbour5358]

Thank you 🇺🇲

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are welcome Donna

[@cheaputhyvan4705]

Great job 🏞️

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you