When planting brassicas, nip off the seed leaves, which are the first leaves up from the roots, trim back the roots by a third and the outer leaves by half then plant down to the true leaves.
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As the plants grow hill up the soil around them for added support otherwise the stems can bend and snap from the weight of the growing flower head.
Best beets
Soak beetroot seeds overnight in water before sowing five centimetres deep, five to ten centimetres apart and 30 to 40 centimetres between rows.
Feed seedlings every two weeks with a liquid fertiliser.
Harvest when golfball size which should be about two to three months from planting. Beetroot comes in many shapes, sizes and colours.
Spinach spin
Sow winter spinach seeds in groups of two to three in a sunny spot. Make successive sowings for a continual supply of dark green, nutritious leaves that are harvested by snipping them off at the base of the plant.
The flavour of spinach has improved greatly over the past years and has now a delicious, smooth taste.
Planting plan
March is a good time to plant citrus trees to enable them time to make new roots while the soil is still relatively warm.
Oranges, limes, cumquats and grapefruit can be grown in large pots that can be moved undercover during the frosty, cold months.
Japanese anemones add a subtle colour to the late summer to autumn garden with single white, pink or mauve flowers.
These long-lived perennials require minimal care and are ideal for cottage or coastal gardens or left to naturalise in the garden. Established clumps can be divided in early winter.
Begonia Bossa Nova is perfect for hanging baskets where its arching branches adorned with vibrant red blooms can be seen at its full potential. The masses of fuchsia-like flowers bloom continuously.
There is a white form and would look stunning planted in the same container.
Azaleas must not be planted too deep as they can suffer from collar rot especially in heavy, wet soils.
If the roots appear constricted when planting new plants they should be gently teased with the fingers to encourage outward growth.
Nerines will shortly be displaying their iridescent blooms in colours from white to pale pink through to bright red and red/blue.
Their spidery-shaped flowers are long-lasting and are used with great effect in floral arrangements.
These favourite autumn bulbs thrive in most conditions and flower best when clumps become crowded.
To maintain their showy display apply a complete fertiliser when flowers first appear and water in well.
