March Seasonal Update: The Return of Full Sunlight and a Waking Garden
The Big News in March
The most exciting change this month is the return of longer days and full sunlight in Scotland
The garden is beginning to show signs of life again as spring arrives
Everything else gets a little more comfortable as temperatures rise
Food
While there are no major shifts in our diet from February, the garden is starting to wake up, offering the promise of fresh, homegrown produce soon.
What’s in the Garden?
Fruit trees, including apple, fig, pear, plum, and quince are beginning to leaf out, with early signs of flowering on the plums.
The red currant bush is also showing new leaves.
What’s in the Shops?
Not much has changed in store selections, but we are seeing more frequent availability of fish such as Atlantic Red Perch and John Dory.
Asparagus has reappeared, signaling the start of spring.
What Are We Eating?
Our meals remain largely consistent with last month
Microbiome
Spending more time in the garden is likely benefiting gut health by increasing exposure to beneficial microbes in the soil
Sunlight: The Biggest Change in March
The most noticeable seasonal shift is the increase in sunlight and the return of UVB rays, which enable vitamin D production in the skin.
The Spring Equinox on March 20th marked the balance of day and night across the Northern Hemisphere
Shortly after, UVB rays became strong enough around midday to allow for vitamin D synthesis in the skin
This is the perfect time to gradually reintroduce full-spectrum sunlight exposure. Here’s my approach:
Early-morning light: A 15-minute walk or time in the garden near sunrise to regulate the circadian rhythm
Midday UVB exposure:
Avoiding seed oils in my diet, which make the skin more prone to sunburn
Walking in shorts and a t-shirt as temperatures become more bearable
Sitting shirtless in the sun for about 30 minutes while reading a book
No sunscreen—using clothing or shade instead, if needed
Late-day sunlight: Similar to morning light, this helps regulate hormones and sleep patterns
The key is to gradually build up sun exposure, avoiding burns and allowing melanin production to increase naturally—akin to easing into an exercise routine after time off
Earth’s Natural Charge
With rising temperatures, barefoot grounding outdoors is becoming easier and more comfortable again