March Planting Guide:
Vegetables to Sow and Grow
As the grip of winter loosens, March beckons gardeners back into their beloved plots. With the promise of longer days and milder weather, it’s the perfect time to start sowing a variety of vegetables and to get your garden ready for the year ahead.
Vegetables to Sow in March
Outdoors: The soil begins to warm, making it ideal for sowing hardy vegetables directly into the ground. Consider planting:
Asparagus from crowns.
Rhubarb in well-drained areas.
Potatoes, a staple that’s easy and rewarding to grow.
Beetroot for early summer salads.
Onion sets, which will develop into full bulbs by late summer.
Carrots, perfect for early autumn harvest.
Indoors: Some vegetables need a head start inside before being transplanted outdoors.
Tomatoes, a favourite that requires a longer growing season.
Chilli seeds, for those who like a bit of spice in their dishes.
Salad leaves, to ensure a continuous supply of fresh greens.
Mushrooms, which can be grown in special kits indoors.
Gardening Tips for March
Soil Preparation: Enrich your garden beds with compost or well-rotted manure to prepare for planting.
Pruning: Trim summer-flowering shrubs and roses to encourage robust new growth.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Sowing: Start sowing hardy annuals and vegetables under cover or in heated propagators.
Feeding: Give your fruit trees and bushes a nitrogen-rich feed to kickstart their growth.
Protection: Use cloches or fleece to protect early sowings from late frosts.
Conclusion
March is a month full of potential for gardeners. By starting your planting now and following these tips, you’ll set the stage for a bountiful and beautiful growing season. So, grab your gloves and trowel, and let’s get gardening!