What Can We Plant In The Vegetable Garden In March?

Vegetables to Start Growing in the UK in March

Broad Beans:

• Broad beans can continue to be sown directly outdoors in March. These hardy legumes tolerate cool temperatures and will establish well for an early summer harvest. Ensure they are planted in well-drained soil and support them as they grow taller.

Peas:

• Peas can be sown directly into the ground in March. Early varieties like ‘Meteor’ and ‘Kelvedon Wonder’ are ideal. Peas prefer cooler weather, making this the perfect time to plant for a late spring to early summer harvest.

Carrots:

• Maincrop and early varieties of carrots can be sown in March. Varieties like ‘Nantes’ and ‘Early Nantes’ do well when sown in well-prepared, sandy soil. Protect the young seedlings from frost with cloches if necessary.

Beetroot:

• Beetroot can be sown directly into the ground in March. Varieties like ‘Boltardy’ are good choices for early sowing. Beetroots are versatile and can be harvested as baby beets or left to grow larger.

Spinach:

• Spinach can be sown directly into the ground in March. Varieties like ‘Perpetual Spinach’ thrive in cooler temperatures and will provide fresh leaves for salads and cooking.

Lettuce:

• Lettuce, especially hardy varieties like ‘Little Gem’ and ‘Lollo Rossa’, can be sown under cover or directly into the ground in March. These will provide fresh salad greens throughout the spring and early summer.

Radishes:

• Radishes can be sown directly into the ground in March. They grow quickly, and varieties like ‘Cherry Belle’ and ‘French Breakfast’ can be ready to harvest in just a few weeks.

Parsnips:

• Parsnips can be sown directly into the ground in March. They need a long growing season, and early sowing allows them to develop their sweet, nutty flavor after the first frost.

Leeks:

• Leeks can continue to be sown indoors or in seed beds in March. Transplant the young plants outdoors when they are large enough to handle, spacing them out to give them room to grow.

Cabbage:

• Spring and summer cabbage varieties can be sown indoors or in a greenhouse in March. Varieties like ‘Greyhound’ and ‘Golden Acre’ will do well when started early and transplanted outdoors later.

Cauliflower:

• Cauliflower can be sown indoors or in a greenhouse in March. Early varieties like ‘Snowball’ are suitable for starting now and transplanting outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.

Brussels Sprouts:

• Brussels sprouts can be sown in seed trays or modules in March. They need a long growing season, and starting them now ensures they will be ready for harvest in late autumn to early winter.

Onions:

• Onion sets and seeds can continue to be planted in March. Ensure they are placed in well-drained soil and kept free from weeds to establish strong growth.

Turnips:

• Turnips can be sown directly into the ground in March. Early varieties like ‘Purple Top Milan’ are quick to mature and can be harvested in as little as six weeks.

Chard:

• Chard can be sown directly into the ground or in seed trays in March. This versatile leafy green will produce continuously throughout the growing season.

Conclusion

Starting these vegetable seeds in March can help you make the most of the growing season, ensuring a productive and healthy garden. By sowing these hardy crops both indoors and outdoors, you can enjoy fresh produce throughout the spring and summer. Be sure to provide the right conditions for each type of seed and monitor their growth carefully to achieve the best results.

What Can We Plant In The Fruit Garden In March?

Fruits to Start Growing in the UK in March

Strawberries:

• Strawberries can be started in March using bare-root runners or young plants. Plant them in pots, hanging baskets, or directly in the ground, ensuring they are in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Cambridge Favourite’ and ‘Honeoye’ are excellent choices for early planting.

Raspberries:

• Raspberries can be planted as bare-root canes in March. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Autumn Bliss’ and ‘Glen Ample’ will establish well and provide delicious fruit later in the year. Plant the canes about 45cm apart and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Blueberries:

• Blueberries can be planted in March if the ground is not frozen. These acid-loving plants thrive in ericaceous (acidic) soil. Varieties like ‘Duke’ and ‘Bluecrop’ are well-suited for early planting. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot and mulch with pine needles or bark to maintain soil acidity.

Blackberries:

• Blackberries can be planted as bare-root plants in March. Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Loch Ness’ and ‘Triple Crown’ are good choices. Plant the canes about 1.5m apart and support them with a trellis or wires.

Gooseberries:

• Gooseberries can be planted as bare-root bushes in March. These hardy bushes thrive in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Varieties like ‘Invicta’ and ‘Hinnonmaki Red’ will establish well. Space the plants about 1.2m apart and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Currants (Red, White, Black):

• Currants can be planted as bare-root bushes in March. Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Ben Sarek’ (black), ‘Red Lake’ (red), and ‘Blanka’ (white) are excellent choices. Space the plants about 1.5m apart and mulch around the base.

Apples:

• Apple trees can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in March. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Bramley’ and ‘Discovery’ are great choices for early planting. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots and backfill with soil. Stake the tree to provide support and water well. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Pears:

• Pear trees can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in March. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Conference’ and ‘Doyenne du Comice’ are excellent for early planting. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree for support, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to keep the soil moist and suppress weeds.

Plums:

• Plum trees can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in March. Choose a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Victoria’ and ‘Opal’ are ideal for early planting. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree for support, and water well. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

Cherries:

• Cherry trees can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in March. These trees prefer a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Stella’ and ‘Morello’ are good choices. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and control weeds.

Peaches:

• Peaches can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in March. Select a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Peregrine’ and ‘Redhaven’ are suitable for early planting. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree, and water well. Mulch around the base to keep the soil moist and reduce weed growth.

Apricots:

• Apricot trees can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in March. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Moorpark’ and ‘Goldcot’ are great choices. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Grapes:

• Grapevines can be planted as bare-root or container-grown plants in March. Choose a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Chardonnay’ and ‘Pinot Noir’ are excellent choices. Dig a hole large enough for the roots and provide a trellis or support system for the vines. Water well and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Figs:

• Fig trees can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in March. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Brown Turkey’ and ‘Brunswick’ are ideal for early planting. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and control weeds.

Conclusion

Starting your fruit plants in March can set the stage for a productive growing season. By planting hardy varieties in sunny, well-drained locations, you can ensure a bountiful harvest of delicious fruits. Make sure to provide the right conditions for each type of fruit and monitor their growth throughout the season. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a healthy and productive fruit garden.

What Can We Plant In The Flower Garden In March?

January is an exciting time for flower enthusiasts eager to get a jumpstart on the growing season. Despite the cold weather, there are several hardy flower varieties that can be sown now to ensure a vibrant and colorful garden in the coming months. Starting your flowers early indoors or in a greenhouse gives them the time they need to develop strong roots and prepare for blooming as soon as the warmer weather arrives. This guide will explore the best flowers to plant in January, offering tips and insights to help you cultivate a flourishing and beautiful flower garden.

Flowers to Start Growing in the UK in March

Sweet Peas:

• Sweet peas can be sown indoors in March or directly outdoors. These fragrant flowers need a sunny spot and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Old Spice Mixed’ and ‘Cupani’ will thrive. Start them in pots or seed trays indoors or sow directly in the garden once the soil warms up.

Pansies:

• Pansies can be sown indoors in March for an early start or directly outdoors. Varieties like ‘Swiss Giants’ and ‘Black Beauty’ thrive in cooler temperatures and will provide colorful blooms. Sow in seed trays or directly in the garden beds after the last frost.

Primroses:

• Primroses can be started indoors in March. Varieties like ‘Crescendo Mixed’ and ‘Husky Mixed’ will brighten up your garden with their early blooms. Sow in seed trays and transplant outdoors when the weather warms up.

Delphiniums:

• Delphiniums can be sown indoors in March. These tall, majestic flowers need a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Pacific Giants’ and ‘Magic Fountains’ are ideal for early sowing. Start them in seed trays and transplant to the garden after the last frost.

Lupins:

• Lupins can be sown indoors in March. These striking flowers prefer a sunny position with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Russell Mix’ and ‘Gallery Mix’ will establish well when started early. Sow in pots or seed trays and transplant outdoors once the weather warms.

Hollyhocks:

• Hollyhocks can be started indoors in March. These classic cottage garden flowers need full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Chater’s Double’ and ‘Indian Spring’ will benefit from early sowing. Start in seed trays and transplant to the garden after the last frost.

Calendula (Pot Marigold):

• Calendula can be sown directly outdoors in March. These cheerful flowers are easy to grow and prefer full sun. Varieties like ‘Orange King’ and ‘Pacific Beauty’ are good choices. Sow directly in the garden once the soil is workable.

Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist):

• Nigella can be sown directly outdoors in March. These delicate flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Miss Jekyll’ and ‘Persian Jewels’ are ideal for early sowing. Sow directly in the garden once the soil is workable.

Snapdragons:

• Snapdragons can be started indoors in March. These versatile flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Rocket Mix’ and ‘Madame Butterfly’ are suitable for early sowing. Sow in seed trays and transplant outdoors when the weather warms up.

Sweet William:

• Sweet William can be sown indoors in March. These fragrant flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Wee Willie’ and ‘Indian Carpet’ are ideal for early sowing. Start in seed trays and transplant to the garden after the last frost.

Foxgloves:

• Foxgloves can be sown indoors in March. These stately flowers prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Excelsior Hybrids’ and ‘Pam’s Choice’ are excellent for early sowing. Sow in seed trays and transplant outdoors when the risk of frost has passed.

Echinacea (Coneflower):

• Echinacea can be started indoors in March. These hardy perennials need full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Magnus’ and ‘White Swan’ are good choices for early sowing. Start in seed trays and transplant to the garden after the last frost.

Coreopsis:

• Coreopsis can be sown indoors in March. These bright, daisy-like flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Early Sunrise’ and ‘Sunfire’ are suitable for early sowing. Sow in seed trays and transplant outdoors when the weather warms.

Gaillardia (Blanket Flower):

• Gaillardia can be started indoors in March. These vibrant flowers need full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Arizona Sun’ and ‘Mesa Yellow’ are ideal for early sowing. Sow in seed trays and transplant outdoors after the last frost.

Aquilegia (Columbine):

• Aquilegia can be sown indoors in March. These elegant flowers prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘McKana Giants’ and ‘Winky Double Mix’ are excellent for early sowing. Start in seed trays and transplant to the garden when the risk of frost has passed.

Dahlias:

• Dahlias can be started indoors in March. These stunning flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ and ‘Cafe au Lait’ are great choices. Start tubers in pots indoors and transplant outdoors after the last frost.

Conclusion

Starting your flower seeds in March can set the stage for a vibrant and colorful garden. By planting hardy and early-blooming varieties indoors or directly outdoors, you can ensure a head start on the growing season. Make sure to provide the right conditions for each type of flower and monitor their growth throughout the season. Enjoy a beautiful and productive flower garden with a variety of blooms that will brighten up your outdoor space.