Spring is upon us and the gardening gloves are out in force! For all you backyard growers, urban farmers, and plant enthusiasts residing under the unpredictable skies of the UK, March heralds a time of new beginnings and green possibilities.
But with an array of vegetables to choose from, it can feel like standing in a gardening centre surrounded by seeds, wondering which will transform your plot into a riot of productivity. Fear not, green-fingered friends, for we've curated a fail-safe list of March must-plant veggies that promise to bring your garden – and your dinner plate – to life.
The UK may be known for its unpredictable weather, but armed with this guide, a sprinkle of enthusiasm, and a dusting of patience, your March planted vegetables have the best possible start. Grab that trowel and those seeds; it’s time to make this month one to remember in your gardening diary.
1. Peas to Please
Starting off with the humble pea, planting them in March is perfect as they prefer cooler weather to germinate. Besides, nothing quite beats the sweetness of harvesting your own, home-grown peas right from the pod. Remember to provide them with support as they grow; tall varieties love to reach for the skies!
2. Spinach for Strength
Spinach is not just good for your muscles, but it’s a champion grower for early spring too! Sow directly into well-drained soil and watch as they yield a harvest full of lush, green leaves. Rich in nutrients and perfect for a fresh salad or a steamed side dish, it’s a true garden winner.
3. Luscious Lettuce
March is also lettuce's time to shine. These leafy greens are ideal because they can be harvested a few leaves at a time, meaning a continuous crop throughout spring and beyond. Butterhead, romaine, or iceberg – pick your preference and get planting.
4. Perfect Parsnips
Parsnips can take their time to germinate, but they’re worth the wait. Plan for a hearty autumnal harvest by getting these roots in the ground during March. They might be the tortoises of the vegetable world, but their sweet and earthy reward post-first frost is unmatched.
5. Radishes for Rapid Rewards
For quick gratification, radishes are your go-to. Fast to germinate and growing with enthusiastic speed, they're perfect for that quick 'I grew this!' win. Plant a few seeds every fortnight and enjoy a succession of spicy, crunchy roots all season long.
6. Beautiful Beetroot
Nothing quite paints a plate like the deep purples of beetroot, and sown early in March, they will thrive. Plant them in pots or straight into the ground – they're not fussy – and wait for the round, ruby jewels to emerge.
7. Broccoli for the Win
Finally, robust broccoli. Starting these off in trays or pots before transplanting them into the garden once they've got some strength ensures that your summer will be full of these green, nutrient-packed florets.
8. Shallots - The Gourmet Onion
Shallots, often hailed as the "gourmet onion," bring a subtle hint of garlic and a milder flavor that can elevate any dish. Planting shallots in early spring or autumn allows them to flourish, but March offers a unique window for those who seek a summer bounty (Gardener's World). Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil and enrich it with some well-rotted compost to give your shallots the best start. Plant the bulbs with their tips just showing above the soil surface, spaced about 15cm apart. Water them gently and keep the area weed-free. With minimal fuss, shallots will reward you with an abundance of flavor.
9. Onion Sets - The Trusty Alliums
Onion sets are wonderfully unfussy and a joy to grow. They're the trusty alliums that ask for so little yet give so much. For those eager to see their efforts come to fruition quickly, planting onion sets in March is a splendid idea. Ensure they're nestled into a sunny patch with fertile, well-draining soil. Plant the sets so that the tip is barely visible above the ground, spacing them about 10cm apart in rows that are 30cm apart (Marchie's Nursery). As the days lengthen and the soil warms, you'll see their green shoots piercing through the soil, heralding the start of your gardening success.
10. Early Potatoes - The Precocious Tubers
Early potatoes, those precocious tubers, are eager to break ground and be the first to grace your table. Chitting your potatoes in February means they're primed and ready for planting in March. Select a sunny, frost-free spot and prepare the soil by incorporating plenty of organic matter. Plant your chitted potatoes about 12cm deep and 30cm apart, with rows spaced 60cm apart. As they grow, 'earth up' by piling more soil around the shoots to prevent the tubers from turning green. In as little as 10 weeks, you'll be harvesting your very own early potatoes, ready to be boiled, roasted, or turned into the crispiest chips (Adam's Gardens).
With your green sleeves rolled up and these seven veggies on your March to-do list, your garden will soon turn into a carousel of colour and food. And remember, gardening isn't merely about the result; it’s about the gentle, nurturing process. Connect with the earth, take delight in each emerging sprout, and revel in the wonder of producing your own food.
Find joy in forecasting the coming weather, keeping those delicate seeds snug in their beds, and perhaps while you're at it, sharing a tale or two with fellow gardeners over a fence or on a forum.
The UK may be known for its unpredictable weather, but armed with this guide, a sprinkle of enthusiasm, and a dusting of patience, your March planted vegetables have the best possible start. Grab that trowel and those seeds; it’s time to make this month one to remember in your gardening diary.
Happy Planting! 🌱✨