March offers ideal conditions for sowing a variety of crops and flowers as soil warms and daylight extends. Hardy vegetables like kale, beetroot, and spinach thrive when sown directly outdoors. Tender varieties such as tomatoes and chillies do best started indoors on a sunny windowsill or in a heated propagator. Onion sets and early potatoes also perform well now, along with hardy annuals including cornflowers and poppies that tolerate cooler weather.

Before sowing, ensure soil remains unfrozen and free of standing water. Remove weeds, and cover beds with fleece if frost threatens. Loosen soil using a fork or tiller for better aeration, and incorporate organic matter like compost or manure to boost nutrients and structure.

Top 8 Recommendations for March Planting

Chillies

Chillies excel in pots and require an early start indoors in March, preferably in a heated propagator or warm, sunny spot. Sow in small pots, then transplant seedlings with a few leaves into 9cm pots, progressing to 20-30cm as they develop. This timing ensures a longer growing season and earlier harvest.

Beetroot

Sow beetroot directly outdoors once soil hits 7°C, typically mid to late March. Plant seeds in 2cm-deep shallow drills, thinning seedlings to allow roots ample space. Water consistently during dry periods for sweet, vibrant roots within months.

Spinach

Spinach germinates quickly in cool March weather. Choose a sunny or partially shaded site, prepare the soil, and sow thinly in shallow drills with 20cm between rows. It fills gaps effectively in vegetable plots or borders due to rapid growth.

Kale

Kale withstands chilly springs robustly. Sow in trays or directly in the ground. Harvest outer leaves regularly once established to encourage ongoing production for months.

Tomatoes

Start tomatoes indoors now for sturdy plants ready for summer. Sow in small pots, cover lightly with compost, and maintain warmth via a propagator or windowsill under a clear plastic bag. Pot on larger seedlings individually for root development.

Early Potatoes

Plant early potatoes in ground trenches 15cm deep or 30cm-wide containers half-filled with peat-free compost. Position seed potatoes sprout-side up and cover lightly with soil.

Hardy Annuals (Cornflowers and Poppies)

Scatter cornflower and poppy seeds directly on prepared outdoor soil, covering lightly. These annuals establish easily in cooler conditions.

Onion Sets

Onion sets plant simply by pushing into moist, well-draining soil with tips exposed. Provide a sunny location for minimal-maintenance growth.