Here's our guide to what you can get started this month, no matter what the weather is doing!
With the arrival of spring, it's time to start planning your garden for the year. March is a great month to begin sowing and planting some of your favorite fruits and vegetables. As the weather starts to change, it's important to choose crops that are hardy and can withstand unpredictable conditions. Here are some great fruits and vegetables that you can sow or plant in March:
Strawberries
Strawberries are a popular fruit that can be sown in March. You can start them indoors in a seed tray or directly sow them into the soil outside. Make sure to keep the soil moist and warm, and provide plenty of light. Once the seedlings have emerged, they can be transplanted outdoors.
Raspberries
Raspberries are another fruit that can be sown in March. Like strawberries, raspberries can be sown indoors or directly sown outside. Keep the soil moist and warm and provide plenty of light. Once the seedlings have emerged, they can be transplanted outdoors.
Broad Beans
Broad beans are a great vegetable to sow in March. They can be sown directly into the soil outside. They are hardy and can withstand the changing weather. Broad beans are also known for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making them a valuable addition to any garden.
Early Potatoes
Early potatoes can also be sown in March. You can start them indoors by chitting them, which means allowing the potato to sprout before planting it in soil. To chit potatoes, place the seed potatoes in a cool, dry, and bright spot. Allow them to sprout for several weeks, then plant them in soil outdoors or in a container.
Peas
Peas are another vegetable that can be sown in March. They can be sown directly into the soil outside. Peas are hardy and can withstand the changing weather. They are also great for fixing nitrogen in the soil.
Lettuce and Spinach: Lettuce and spinach can be sown indoors in a seed tray or directly sown outside in the soil. Keep the soil moist and warm and provide plenty of light. Once the seedlings have emerged, they can be transplanted outdoors.
Carrots
Carrots can also be sown directly into the soil outside in March. Make sure to prepare the soil well by removing any stones or weeds. Plant the seeds about 1cm deep and keep the soil moist. Carrots take a while to germinate, so be patient.
Beetroot
Beetroot is another hardy vegetable that can be sown directly into the soil outside. Make sure to prepare the soil well by removing any stones or weeds. Plant the seeds about 2cm deep and keep the soil moist. Beetroot takes around 10 to 12 weeks to mature.
Radishes
Radishes are a quick-growing vegetable that can be sown directly into the soil outside. They can be ready to harvest in as little as 3 to 4 weeks. Plant the seeds about 1cm deep and keep the soil moist.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that can be planted in March. It requires a lot of space and takes a few years to establish, but it's worth the wait. Plant the asparagus crowns in a sunny spot in well-drained soil. Make sure to prepare the soil by digging in plenty of organic matter.
Sowing Seeds Indoors in March
Starting seeds indoors is a useful technique for getting a head start on the growing season. In March, there are several vegetables that can be sowed indoors, including sweet peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, and celery. Each of these vegetables has its own unique requirements and characteristics, but with the right care, they can all be successfully started indoors.
Sweet peppers
Sweet peppers are a great vegetable to grow indoors because they require warm temperatures and plenty of light. Once the seedlings have emerged, they need to be kept in a warm and bright spot, and it's important to make sure the soil stays moist. Sweet peppers are slow to germinate, so be patient and give them plenty of time to grow before transplanting them into larger pots.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are another popular vegetable to grow indoors. They require lots of light and warm temperatures, and they can be sensitive to overwatering. Once the seedlings have emerged, make sure to provide plenty of light and keep the soil moist but not too wet. Tomatoes are a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of recipes, and they're a great addition to any garden.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a refreshing and healthy vegetable that can be grown indoors as well. They require plenty of light and warm temperatures, and they can be sensitive to low humidity. Once the seedlings have emerged, make sure to provide plenty of light and keep the soil moist. Cucumbers can be used in salads, sandwiches, and even pickles.
Aubergines
Aubergines are a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be grown indoors as well. They require plenty of light and warm temperatures, and they can be sensitive to overwatering. Once the seedlings have emerged, make sure to provide plenty of light and keep the soil moist but not too wet. Aubergines can be used in a variety of recipes, including moussaka and ratatouille.
Celery
Celery is a healthy and crunchy vegetable that can be grown indoors as well. They require plenty of light and warm temperatures, and they can be sensitive to low humidity. Once the seedlings have emerged, make sure to provide plenty of light and keep the soil moist. Celery is a great addition to soups and salads, and it's a healthy snack on its own.
Starting seeds indoors is a useful technique for getting a head start on the growing season. By following the unique requirements of each vegetable, you'll be able to successfully start sweet peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, and celery seeds indoors in March. Once the seedlings have grown a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots and eventually transplanted outside when the weather is warm enough.
March can be an unpredictable month when it comes to weather, but that doesn't mean you can't start planning your garden. By sowing or planting the right crops, you can get a head start on the growing season. Remember to pay attention to each crop's unique requirements and be prepared with the right tools and equipment. Growing your own fruits and vegetables is a rewarding and sustainable way to enjoy fresh produce, but it requires patience and care.
So, don't let the weather deter you from starting your garden in March. With a little planning and effort, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest in the months to come.