What to Grow in March: Best Vegetables and Flowers for Your Garden

March is an exciting time for gardeners in the UK as the days start to lengthen, and the temperatures rise. It’s the perfect month to sow a wide range of seeds, both indoors and outdoors, as you prepare your garden for the coming months. From hardy annuals to early-season vegetables, there’s a lot you can plant in March. Here's your ultimate guide to what you can sow in March, including flowers and vegetables that thrive in this transitional month.

Vegetables to Grow in March

1. Broad Beans

Broad beans are hardy and easy to grow, producing large pods filled with tender beans. Sow them directly in the ground, spacing the seeds 30cm apart. You can also grow them in pots and use the young shoot tips in salads. Broad beans thrive in cool weather, making them perfect for early spring planting.

2. Chard

Swiss chard is a nutritious vegetable that grows well in both pots and directly in the ground. Sow chard in pots or directly outdoors, covering the seeds with 2cm of compost. This vegetable is perfect for container gardens and provides an attractive crop with colorful stems and leaves.

3. Chillies

Chillies need warmth and long growing seasons, making them ideal for starting indoors. Sow seeds in a sunny spot or on a heated propagator, covering them with a thin layer of compost. Use a propagator lid or clear plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse. Remove the cover once seedlings appear to encourage healthy growth.

4. Chives

Chives are great for container gardening, and they don’t require much space. Sow chive seeds in individual seed modules filled with peat-free compost, covering with a thin layer of compost. Keep them in a sunny location until the risk of frost has passed, and then transplant them outdoors.

5. Kale

Kale is a perfect vegetable for growing in semi-shaded spots. Start by sowing seeds indoors in pots or seed modules, and once the seedlings are strong, transplant them outside. Kale can be harvested early for young leaves or left to grow for larger leaves.

6. Peas

March is a great time to sow peas. Choose early varieties that are hardy enough to handle the cooler spring temperatures. Sow peas in large pots for shoots or directly in the ground for a full harvest. Space the seeds 30cm apart for the best results.

7. Potatoes

Potatoes can be planted in both the ground and in containers. Start by "chitting" seed potatoes indoors to encourage sprouting. Towards the end of March, plant the sprouting potatoes in trenches or large pots. Cover them with compost and continue to "earth up" as the shoots emerge.

8. Sweet Peppers

Sweet peppers love warmth and sunlight, so they’re best grown in pots or greenhouses. Sow seeds onto moist, peat-free compost, then cover with a thin layer of vermiculite. Keep them in a sunny spot to promote healthy growth, and once the seedlings appear, remove the cover to allow them to continue growing.

9. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding crops to grow in the UK. Sow seeds in a light, well-drained compost, and keep them in a warm, sunny location like a windowsill or greenhouse. There are various varieties to choose from, including bush, tumbling, and cordon types.

10. Beetroot

Beetroot is ideal for early sowing in March as it germinates in low temperatures. Direct sowing in shallow drills is recommended, and you can cover the seeds with a fine layer of soil. Harvest when the roots are about the size of golf balls for tender beets.

11. Salads

March is the time to start sowing salad crops indoors, as they need warmth and protection from frost. Once the seedlings are ready, you can plant them out after the frost risk has passed. Regular sowing ensures a steady supply of fresh salad leaves throughout spring and summer.

Flowers to Grow in March

1. Hardy Annuals

March is a great time to sow hardy annuals directly outdoors. These flowers thrive in poor soil, so avoid enriching the soil with fertilizers. You can expect beautiful blooms in summer and autumn, making them perfect for adding color to your garden.

2. Half-Hardy Annuals

Dahlias, cleome, and other half-hardy annuals should be sown under glass, such as in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill. These flowers need warmth and protection until the last frost has passed. Once they’re strong enough, plant them out in fertile soil for a vibrant summer display.

3. Perennials

March is also a good time to start sowing perennial flowers indoors. Once they are well-established and frost-free, transplant them into your garden for long-lasting blooms that return year after year.

Essential Gardening Tools for March Sowing

To give your seeds the best chance to thrive, it’s worth investing in the right equipment. Here are some tools to consider:

• Heated Propagators: These help create the perfect environment for seedlings to germinate. There are a range of sizes available to suit different needs.
• Cold Frames: Cold frames offer additional insulation and protection for hardy plants, helping them get off to a good start.
• Greenhouses: If you're considering a greenhouse, now is the time to invest in one. Greenhouses provide a controlled environment, making it easier to grow a variety of plants year-round.

Conclusion

March is the start of the gardening season in the UK, and there’s plenty of opportunity to sow a wide variety of vegetables and flowers. Whether you're starting chillies indoors or sowing broad beans directly in the ground, you can make the most of this transitional month to get your garden ready for a productive and colorful spring. With a little preparation and the right tools, you’ll be enjoying fresh produce and beautiful blooms in no time!

For more gardening tips and advice, explore our other guides on growing vegetables, flowers, and everything you need to make your garden thrive.

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