What to Plant in the Month of March

When the days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer, March is the perfect time to sow plenty of seeds, whether they’re flowers, fruit, or vegetables. However, if some frost is still around or the ground is still too wet, you can sow the seeds indoors with the aid of a propagator, then plant outside when the weather becomes suitable. The following are some of the seeds you can plant in the month of March.

Tomatoes

One of the most popular crops to grow, tomatoes are versatile and beloved ingredients in the kitchen. They can be started from seeds indoors or purchased as young plants and planted outdoors. Tomatoes flourish in both indoor and outdoor settings, with a particular preference for thriving inside a greenhouse. For optimal growth, it is recommended to plant tomatoes from seeds between late March (indoors) and mid-April.

Sweet Peppers

Sweet peppers, also recognized as bell peppers or pointed peppers, thrive in warm summer conditions, and boast resilience against pests and diseases. Growing peppers is a straightforward process that you can undertake on your own. They flourish in full sun exposure and well-drained, moist soil. Achieving a balanced blend of sandy and loamy soil ensures optimal drainage and rapid warming. For those growing peppers in a greenhouse, it is advisable to sow the seeds indoors in early March. On the contrary, if you are growing them outdoors, the ideal time for seed sowing is late March to early April.

Dahlias

Dahlias, with their stunning beauty, showcase a wide palette of colours that spans the entire spectrum. Each Dahlia is unique, varying not only in colours but also in sizes. The blooming season for Dahlias extends from mid-summer through late August, ensuring a prolonged display of their vibrant hues. Thriving best in rich, well-drained soil, these tuberous plants particularly benefit from 6–8 hours of sunlight, especially during the morning hours.

Lettuce

Lettuce is an easy-to-grow vegetable that thrives in moist, well-prepared soil or compost, along with ample exposure to full sun for optimal growth. It is versatile, suitable for growing both indoors and outdoors, either in the ground or in containers (with containers being an easier option). To achieve a bountiful summer or autumn harvest, the ideal planting window for lettuce is from late March to late July. Not taking up a lot of space, lettuce is an excellent choice for small spaces, making it an ideal space filler in gardens. Ensure protection against slugs and snails, and during early spring, safeguard the plants from sparrows and cold temperatures.

 Sweet Peas

Sweet peas are delightful and easy-to-grow flowers, boasting a diverse array of colours and a captivating fragrance. Cultivating these blooms is a straightforward process. They thrive in full sun and demand well-drained yet consistently moist soil. For optimal results, it is recommended to plant these flowers in late February or March. To stimulate robust, bushy growth, pinch out the tips. Additionally, ensure they are well-watered to achieve the best results.

Potatoes

The potato is a traditional vegetable loved by many. Thriving in cool weather, this versatile crop is easy to grow, requiring full sun exposure and demonstrating adaptability to various soil types, with a preference for richer soil. To ensure optimal growth, the recommended time to plant the first early potatoes is mid-March. For a head start, it is advisable to 'chit' or sprout the tubers before planting, a process that encourages seed potatoes to initiate sprouting prior to being placed in the soil. To maintain soil health and prevent the build-up of diseases or other issues, it is advisable to rotate potato planting locations each year. This practice helps preserve the overall well-being of the soil and ensures continued success in potato cultivation.

-Written By: Aiste Stonkute