March is here, which means soil temperatures are warmer and we can start planting our gardens.
At this point, we plant species that need somewhat cooler temperatures to start growing, or we plant those that need a long growing season.
You can sow the seeds directly in the ground or start them indoors and transplant them after the last frost.
If you can’t decide which plants to grow, or are unsure if they need to be planted in March, I’ve got you covered!
Here are some vegetables and flowers to plant in March and some tried-and-true growing tips!
Prepare The Following
Before we move on, I have to discuss the equipment you should use to make gardening in March easier.
I suppose you already have the seeds, but there is some additional kit for seed starting you should consider.
• Cold frame: This is a great option for those who need to ensure extra protection from wet and cool weather.
• Greenhouse: Controlled conditions in a greenhouse enable protection and an opportunity to grow cold-sensitive plants.
• Heated propagators: Seedlings need specific and consistent temperatures to develop healthily, and that’s where heated propagators step in.
Veggies For March
Now let’s see which veggies you can start in March for a bountiful harvest later in the season.
Chard
Chard is a perfect option for both in-ground and container growing. You can start this veggie in March but don’t forget to add a layer of compost over the soil.
You should harvest your Swiss chard regularly to encourage growth.
Chives
These veggies do best if started in pots, and you don’t need to plant them in the ground at all. The good news is that the blossoms of chive plants attract pollinators, so you should leave it to flower.
Fill the seed modules with peat-free compost and sow chive seeds. Keep your chives on a sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse, and when new growth occurs, repot them to a larger container or plant them in the ground.
Peas
Another veggie you can plant in March is peas, but you’ll need to select early varieties.
You can sow the seeds in single or double lines, making sure they’re approximately 2 inches deep and there’s a spacing of 11 inches between them.
Broad Beans
If you’re a beginner gardener and looking for low-maintenance veggies, broad beans are an excellent choice.
They’re very productive and you’ll be rewarded with an abundance of broad pods filled with tender beans with little effort.
Start broad bean seeds directly in the ground, making sure there are 12 inches of space between each.
Sweet Peppers
Growing peppers means ensuring a lot of warmth and sun exposure. When starting your peppers, sow the seeds in a peat-free compost and keep them in a heated propagator.
If you don’t want to invest in this device, you can put a plastic bag over your pepper seeds and secure it with an elastic band.
Chilli
I always start my chilli plants in pots and keep them on a sunny windowsill. If you have a greenhouse, then put your chillies there for the best results. A plastic bag over the pot can help you replicate greenhouse conditions.
Early ripening varieties with a compact growth habit are more likely to ensure a good harvest in cooler weather.
Potato
The first step you need to take is to chit your potatoes by putting the tubers in seed trays and keeping them on a cold and bright windowsill.
Once the end of March arrives, you can plant your sprouted potatoes in trenches or containers. Don’t forget to add compost after planting your potatoes to boost their growth.
Beetroot
Beetroot seeds don’t need warm temperatures to germinate, so March is perfect for planting these veggies.
Make shallow holes in the ground, sow beetroot seeds, and add soil or compost. Once the crop is the size of a tennis ball, you can start harvesting and enjoying these delicious veggies!
Tomato
If you want to grow tomatoes in the ground, choose cordon varieties. For container growing, cherry and bush varieties are more suitable.
Start your tomato seeds by planting them in peat-free compost and covering them with a plastic bag or the lid of a heated propagator.
If you don’t have a propagator, make sure to keep your tomato seeds on a sunny windowsill.
Kale
Many gardens have semi-shaded spots where many plants can’t thrive. That doesn’t refer to kale as it can produce flavorful leaves without a lot of light.
When starting your kale, make sure to sow three seeds in one seed tray filled with peat-free compost.
Salad
If you want to enjoy tasty salads all season long, start the seeds indoors in March.
Transplant them as soon as the danger of frost ends and make sure to harvest your salad regularly.
Flowering Plants To Grow In March
If you plan to have flower beds this season, here are the species you can start in March.
Hardy Annuals
The seeds of hardy annuals can tolerate soil temperatures in March. First, remove all the weeds from your selected planting site and rake it into a fine tilth.
There’s no need to amend the soil and make it more nutrient-rich if you’re planting hardy annuals.
Some of my favorite species include coneflowers, borage, and Ammi majus.
Half-hardy Annuals
These annuals aren’t cold-hardy and you’ll most likely need to sow the seeds under the cover.
Simply sow the seeds in a peat-free compost, cover them with vermiculite, irrigate, and put the trays in a heated propagator or use a plastic bag.
Zinnia, cosmos, and cleome are some of the half-hardy annuals you can start in March.
Wildflowers
Growing native plants has many benefits, and hardy varieties can be started in gardens in March.
First, get rid of weeds in your selected planting location and rake the soil into a fine tilth. Sow the wildflower seeds directly in the ground and no amendments are necessary.
Tender Perennials
If you have a greenhouse, use it to start tender perennials such as dahlias. For sowing the seeds, use the standard procedure: peat-free compost and propagator lid.
You can start dahlias in pots but, in this case, use an inflated clear bag and secure it with a rubber band.
Fast-growing Perennials
The last group of plants you can start in March are fast-growing perennials. Lupin, achillea, and coreopsis are some of the varieties you can add to your garden at this time.
Start the seeds indoors, cover them with a plastic bag, and remove the cover once you notice the seedlings.