The Flower Garden in Mid-Spring: Growth Accelerates, Greenhouse Crowds, Pests Emerge

Mid-spring can be when plants really start growing — busy outdoors and in greenhouse. Sometimes growth is slower: dry, cold, east winds (though sunny). Flowers last longer, but outdoor seed growing harder than early spring. Half-hardy annuals can sow outside late mid-spring, but often better to wait for late spring.

Planting safer, but herbaceous perennials may need aftercare watering (summer droughts far off). Rock plants don't mind chill but fragile roots affect water uptake — watch them.

Major mid-spring job: lawn from seed. Best time for grass seed, especially cold regions where autumn-sown grass less reliable. Germination dodgy — possible to sow then no rain for 3 weeks.

Greenhouse gets crowded if enthusiasm ran away: seeds germinating, seedlings pricking out, pricked-out potting, rooted cuttings potting, sprouted plants potting, new growth = cutting material. Rising outdoor temps → some to frames, but if cold stays → expert juggling needed.

Insect pests hatching/emerging from winter dormancy; diseases appearing fast/slow by temperature. Be ready if they threaten to overwhelm.