Have you decided what seeds to plant this year?
We know how rewarding it is to grow and harvest your own fruit and vegetables, not to mention the physical and mental benefits! March marks the beginning of a new gardening season, and there’s no better time to start sowing your favourite veggies, herbs, and flowers, in this guide we’ll walk you through what to plant, along with some tips for success, companion planting.
Chard
Chard is a fantastic leafy green that grows well in cooler temperatures and is perfect for early spring. It’s a versatile crop that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to stir-fries. Chard also tolerates some shade, so you can plant it in a slightly shaded area if your garden doesn’t get full sun all day.
Chard pairs wonderfully with onions, garlic, and brassicas like cabbage or kale. These plants help keep pests away from each other.
Chillies
Start Chillies indoors in March, as they require warmth to germinate, while they won’t be ready to harvest until summer, starting them early ensures a longer growing season. You can transplant them outside after the last frost in a sunny spot.
Kale
Kale is a packed with nutrients, and you can harvest the leaves as soon as they’re large enough. Kale benefits from a soil rich in organic matter, so be sure to feed your plants regularly with compost.
Kale loves being planted alongside peas, carrots, and other leafy greens. Just be careful not to plant it too close to other brassicas like cabbage, as they might compete for nutrients.
Peas
March is an ideal time to plant peas, especially if you’re growing a cool season variety, they thrive in cooler weather and can be sown directly into the ground as soon as the soil is workable. Plant them in a sunny, well-drained location for the best results.
Peas are naturally climbers, so provide them with a trellis or netting to help them grow vertically, this saves space and makes harvesting easier.
Sweet Peppers
Start your sweet pepper seeds indoors to get a head start on the growing season, these heat loving plants need at least 8-10 weeks indoors before they can be transplanted outdoors after the last frost. Sweet peppers can be sensitive to cold, so be sure to wait until the temperatures are consistently warm before transplanting them outdoors.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a must-have for many gardeners, and now is the perfect time to start seeds indoors. Tomatoes require a long growing season, so starting them early is a great way to ensure a bountiful harvest in the summer. Once the last frost has passed, you can transplant them outside.
Tomatoes grow well with basil, oregano, and marigolds, these companions help deter pests like aphids and attract beneficial insects like bees.
Salad Leaves (Lettuce, Spinach)
Salad leaves are one of the easiest and fastest crops to grow in early spring, and you can sow them directly into the soil or start them indoors. Lettuce and spinach thrive in cool temperatures and can be harvested in as little as 4 to 6 weeks. Keep your salad crops well-watered and in a sunny spot and consider sowing small batches every couple of weeks to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season.
Flower Seeds to Plant in March
While veggies and herbs are essential, don’t forget about planting flowers in your garden, they not only brighten up your outdoor space but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are vital for a healthy ecosystem.
Cornflowers
Cornflowers are easy to grow from seed and bring a pop of blue to your garden, these annuals are perfect for attracting pollinators and also make great cut flowers! They can be planted directly into the ground in early spring and thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
Calendula
Add vibrant colour to your garden while also attracting beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies by planting Calendula, these hardy annuals thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, making them ideal for spring planting. Calendula is relatively low maintenance, requiring only occasional watering and deadheading to promote continuous blooming throughout the season.
Lupins
Lupins are stunning perennials that bring vertical interest to your garden with their tall, colorful spikes. Start them indoors in early spring, and they’ll be ready to transplant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Lupins prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil and need plenty of space to grow and they thrive in full sun or partial shade.
Sweetpeas
Sweetpeas are a beloved flower that fills the air with a beautiful fragrance. Start them indoors in March for an early bloom, or sow them directly outside if the weather allows. Sweetpeas need a sunny spot and well-drained soil to thrive.
Consider providing support such as a trellis or netting for your sweetpeas to climb. This will keep them healthy and prevent them from sprawling on the ground.
Before you Plant!
Ideally add some well-rotted manure or compost to the soil a few weeks before you plan to plant your vegetables. To prepare an area for sowing, first remove any weeds then fork over the soil to loosen and break up any large lumps of soil and remove any large stones. Then rake the soil smooth with a steel rake before planting.
We recommend 6X Natural Fibrous Fertiliser, a traditional chicken fertiliser that’s 100% natural, it contains all the nutrients and trace elements plants and crops require, the fibrous, organic content conditions the soil while it feeds the plants. Simply sprinkle 35 g/m2 (1 oz per square yard), and thoroughly rake in.
If you’re going to plant your seeds in the greenhouse, it’s a good idea to wash down all of the glass and sweep the benches and floor to allow in more light and protect against pests and disease. It’s also a good idea to wash out previously used pots or seed trays or cold frames.
Veg Packs are Ready to go!
If you’re short on space or simply don’t have the time to grow your own vegetables, we currently have a wide variety of veg packs and soft fruit available in poly one, including chard, beetroot, broad beans, leeks, sprouts, onions, cabbages, carrots, and much more!
March is a great time to get your garden started, and with a little planning, you can grow a variety of delicious vegetables and stunning flowers. Whether you’re sowing seeds indoors or direct sowing outside, now is the time to prepare your garden for a successful growing season. Don’t forget to think about companion planting and consider adding beautiful flowers to your garden, they’ll support pollinators and provide a splash of colour all season long!
Happy gardening!