Vegetable Seeds to Sow in March
Aubergine
March is a great time to sow aubergine seeds indoors. Begin by filling seed trays or pots with quality compost, maintaining a warm temperature of around 21°C (70°F) to ensure good germination. Place them in a sunny spot or under grow lights, enabling strong, healthy growth. As the seedlings mature, transplant them into larger pots or their final outdoor positions after the last frost. Aubergines thrive in sunny, sheltered locations. With attentive care, they develop into prolific plants, yielding rich, flavourful fruits that enhance a wide range of dishes, whether grilled, roasted, or stewed.
Broad Beans
March is ideal for sowing broad beans directly outdoors as the soil warms. Broad beans thrive in well-drained soil and sunny spots. Plant seeds 5-7.5 cm (2-3 inches) deep and space them 15-23 cm (6-9 inches) apart to allow for healthy growth. Young plants resist cool conditions but benefit from a protective layer during harsh weather. In a few months, enjoy an early harvest of wholesome beans that add substance and flavour to soups, stews, and salads, or serve them as a simple seasonal side dish packed with green goodness.
Beetroot
Sow beetroot seeds in March for a vibrant and tasty addition to your garden. Sow seeds directly into rich, well-drained soil, planting them about 2.5 cm (1 inch) deep, and spacing rows around 30 cm (12 inches) apart. The soil should be free of stones to encourage even root growth. Keep the area well-watered, especially during dry spells. Beetroot matures quickly, with young tender roots being perfect for salads, while mature ones are excellent for roasts or pickling. Their sweet, earthy flavour adds a nutritious touch to any meal, packed with vitamins and minerals.
Broccoli – Autumn
March is a great time to start sowing autumn broccoli, ensuring a nutritious harvest later in the year. Sow seeds indoors in trays or directly outdoors under cloches. Opt for a sunny, fertile location with well-draining soil. Transplant seedlings when they are sturdy enough and the risk of frost has passed. Space plants around 45 cm (18 inches) apart for room to grow. With regular care and watering, this hardy crop develops into healthy plants, yielding delicious green florets that are perfect for steaming or stir-frying when autumn arrives.
Brussel Sprouts
Plant brussels sprouts in March for an abundant winter crop. Sow seeds indoors in trays with seed compost, keeping them at around 10-15°C (50-59°F) to germinate. Once seedlings reach 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) tall, transplant them outside into fertile, well-drained soil. Select a sunny location and space the plants about 60 cm (2 feet) apart to allow ample room for growth. As they mature, support plants to prevent wind damage. By autumn, you’ll have robust stalks lined with tasty sprouts, delicious when steamed, roasted, or sautéed as a comforting seasonal dish.
Cabbage (Summer/Autumn)
Sow summer and autumn cabbages in March for leafy heads rich in flavour and nutrition. Start seeds in trays filled with quality compost and position them in a bright, warm area around 15-21°C (60-70°F). Transplant seedlings to their final garden location once they’re sturdy and frosts have passed. Cabbages grow well in fertile, well-drained soil, relishing a sunny spot. With proper care, their mature heads lend themselves to diverse culinary uses—from fresh salads and slaws to hearty stews—ensuring a plentiful harvest through summer and into autumn.
Cardoon
Sow cardoon seeds indoors in March for a unique, ornamental addition to your garden. Plant seeds in pots with nutrient-rich compost, keeping them warm, ideal around 15°C (59°F). Once seedlings are well-established, transplant them to a sunny, sheltered outdoor spot. Give each plant plenty of room to spread, as cardoons grow large. With consistent care, these perennial plants mature into striking silvery foliage, offering artichoke-like flower buds and edible stalks. Their bold presence adds both visual interest and culinary potential, making them an exciting commitment for any adventurous gardener.
Carrot
March is a prime month for sowing carrots directly into your garden. Choose a sunny location with light, sandy soil, free from stones to encourage straight growth. Sow seeds thinly at 1 cm (0.5 inches) deep, spacing rows roughly 30 cm (12 inches) apart. Water consistently in dry spells to support germination. As plants grow, thin them out to avoid overcrowding. These efforts produce sweet, crunchy carrots perfect for salads, soups, or roasting. Home-grown carrots deliver superior flavour to shop-bought ones and are versatile in numerous dishes.
Cauliflower (Summer/Autumn)
March is an ideal time to sow cauliflower seeds for a rewarding summer and autumn harvest. Start seeds in trays filled with quality compost, maintaining a temperature of 18-21°C (65-70°F) for best germination. Once seedlings are strong, transplant them outside into a well-drained, sunny spot, ensuring about 60 cm (2 feet) between plants. With regular watering and care, cauliflower heads develop fully, becoming a hearty addition to your meals. This versatile vegetable works well roasted, steamed, or as the main component of a comforting soup, offering a mild, nutty flavour that complements numerous dishes.
Cayenne Pepper
Plant cayenne pepper seeds indoors during March for a fiery, delightful harvest. Use seed trays or small pots with quality compost, maintaining a warm and sunny environment at 21-27°C (70-81°F). Water consistently to keep seedlings thriving. When frost risks pass, harden them off before moving to a sunny spot outdoors or in a greenhouse. These prolific plants yield a spicy crop perfect for drying, grinding, or adding fresh to dishes. Cayenne peppers deliver significant heat and flavour, offering a vibrant kick to cuisines from around the world.
Celeriac
March is the right time to sow celeriac seeds indoors for a delicious root crop come autumn. Use seed trays with good-quality compost, keeping them in a warm spot with temperatures around 15-18°C (59-65°F). Ensure consistent light and moisture to promote healthy growth. Transplant seedlings into a sunny, fertile garden spot after the last frost. Space them 30 cm (12 inches) apart in rows to allow room for root development. With dedicated care, celeriac grows into nutty, versatile roots perfect for mashing, roasting, or using raw in salads.
Celery
Sow celery seeds indoors this March to cultivate crisp, flavourful stalks. Plant seeds in trays and maintain a warm environment, ideally between 15-21°C (60-70°F), providing ample light. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost to a sunny, sheltered location with rich, moist soil. Regular watering throughout the growing season keeps stalks tender and sweet. By dedicating care early on, you’re rewarded with a fresh, healthy harvest perfect for soups, salads, and snacking raw—a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Cilantro
March is an excellent month to start sowing cilantro seeds, either indoors or directly in the garden. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot and sow seeds about 1 cm (0.5 inches) deep. Keep the soil moist to assist germination. As the plants develop, thin them to improve airflow and growth. Cilantro grows quickly, rewarding you with aromatic leaves that enhance salads, salsas, and sauces. Its fresh, citrusy flavour is an integral part of several cuisines, making it a delightful herb to add to your culinary adventures.
Corn Salad
Sow corn salad, also known as lamb’s lettuce, in March for a steady supply of tender leaves. This hardy leafy green thrives in cool conditions, making it perfect for early spring planting. Sow seeds directly outdoors in well-drained soil, spacing rows about 20 cm (8 inches) apart. Water regularly, ensuring soil remains moist. In a few weeks, enjoy harvesting sweet, nutty leaves for salads and sandwiches. Corn salad’s mild taste complements other greens beautifully, adding delicate flavour and nutrition to your meals as the new gardening season begins.
Cucumber
March is a prime month for starting cucumbers indoors, giving them the head start necessary for full summer production. Plant seeds in pots filled with compost and place them in a warm, sunny position, maintaining a temperature around 20°C (68°F). As seedlings grow, ensure they receive regular water. Transplant them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed, selecting a sheltered spot with support for climbing varieties. Cultivated early, cucumbers result in crisp, juicy fruits perfect for refreshing salads, pickles, or enjoying fresh, adding a cool crunch to summer dishes.
Endive
Sow endive seeds indoors in March for a leafy crop ready in the coming months. Use seed trays with quality compost, providing consistent light and warmth at temperatures of at least 15°C (59°F). Transplant seedlings to your garden as they mature and frosts ease, choosing a sunny, well-drained spot. Endive’s slightly bitter leaves offer a chic, crunchy addition to salads, sautéed dishes, or incorporated as wraps. Cultivation from March ensures robust plants and plentiful harvests, delivering this versatile leafy green to your kitchen.
Leek
March sowing gives leeks ample time to grow into robust plants for autumn harvesting. Start seeds indoors in trays of compost, targeting temperatures of around 15°C (59°F). Provide good light, gradually hardening seedlings before transplanting them outdoors when the risk of frost has passed. Space them 15 cm (6 inches) apart in rows, hills, or trenches, covering with soil as they grow to blanch stems. Leeks are a mild allium perfect for soups, stews, or served as a standalone side, elevating dishes with their subtle, refined flavour.
Lettuce – Summer
Sow summer lettuce seeds in March for a continuous supply of fresh greens. Opt to start seeds indoors in pots or sow directly outdoors, in well-drained soil. Ensure seeds have adequate light and moisture to grow. Space rows roughly 30 cm (12 inches) apart for adequate growth. Regularly harvest young leaves for continual production. A variety of textures and flavours, from crisp romaine to tender butterhead, enriches your meals, offering versatile salads and providing a healthy, low-calorie boost to any dish across the warmer months.
Onion – Spring
March is an excellent month for sowing spring onion seeds directly into the garden. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, sowing seeds about 1 cm (0.5 inches) deep and 5 cm (2 inches) apart. Water regularly to promote even growth. Within weeks, spring onions develop into fast-growing, slender bulbs, offering a mild onion flavour. These are ideal for salads, garnishing dishes, or adding a subtle bite when cooked. Cultivating them in your garden provides a fresh, aromatic ingredient ready to liven up your meals.
Onion
Sow onion seeds indoors in March to establish a stable harvest by late summer. Begin with trays filled with seed compost, maintaining temperatures around 10°C (50°F) during germination. Once seedlings strengthen, transplant them outdoors, spacing roughly 10 cm (4 inches) apart. Onions thrive in sunny, well-drained soil. With regular watering and care, they mature into a reliable ingredient for numerous dishes, with their rich, sharp flavour enhancing everything from soups and stews to salads and roasts. Home-grown onions store well and integrate seamlessly into various recipes.
Parsley
Start parsley seeds in March for aromatic herbs that will enhance your culinary creations. Sow seeds indoors in pots or trays, ensuring consistent moisture and light with temperatures between 15-20°C (59-68°F) to aid germination. Once established, transplant seedlings to a sunny or partially shaded spot in the garden or into larger containers, spacing them about 20 cm (8 inches) apart. With regular watering and occasional feeding, parsley will thrive, offering fresh, vibrant green sprigs perfect as a garnish, seasoning, or star ingredient in countless savoury dishes.
Pak Choi
March is an excellent month to sow pak choi seeds either directly outdoors or indoor starters, allowing a head start in your spring garden. Look for a thick, fertile seed bed amended with compost. Sow seeds lightly, covering with soil, and water regularly to keep moisture levels balanced. Space plants about 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) apart to ensure optimal growth. Pak choi grows well with plenty of light and performs best in cooler temperatures, yielding tender, crisp leaves perfect for stir-fries and soups, adding texture and distinct flavour to meals.
Parsnip
March is the time to sow parsnips directly in your garden for a rewarding autumn crop. Choose rich, stone-free soil to promote straight roots. Sow seeds thinly at 1 cm (0.5-inch) depth, spacing rows 30 cm (12 inches) apart. Ensure regular watering to encourage germination. Thin seedlings as they grow to avoid overcrowding. Parsnips require patience, but the payoff is sweet, earthy roots perfect for roasting, mashing, or adding depth to soups and stews—a distinct addition to comfort food with their robust, creamy texture and flavour.
Peas
Peas thrive when planted in March, providing one of the earliest treats of the gardening season. Sow seeds directly outdoors in well-prepared soil, spacing about 5 cm (2 inches) apart in rows. Choose sunny spots and use supports as plants grow. Maintain moisture to encourage pods. Once pods fill, harvest regularly to extend yields. Enjoy peas fresh, adding sweetness to salads, stir-fries, and sides, or put up in freezer bags to preserve harvests. The early start promises a bountiful, delicious crop adding vibrant garden-to-table goodness over several months.
Pepper
Pepper seeds sown indoors in March thrive and promise a colourful, rewarding yield. For effective germination, use trays filled with compost, maintaining temperatures between 21-27°C (70-81°F). Place seedlings in a sunny area and water consistently. Harden them off before outdoor transplanting after frost risks pass; select sunny, well-drained spots. With diligent care, pepper plants produce vibrant fruits—ideal fresh for salads and grilling, or dried and preserved. Whether you prefer sweet bell peppers or fiery hot varieties, they deliver diverse flavours and enhance a wide range of dishes from around the world.
Radish
Sow radish seeds in March for quick, satisfying crops that invigorate your early garden. Plant them directly outdoors in well-prepared, fertile soil by casting seeds apart roughly 2.5 cm (1 inch) in rows. Ensure consistent moisture but avoid over-watering to prevent splitting. These fast-growing roots become ready to harvest in just a few weeks, yielding crunchy, peppery flavour that enlivens salads and garnishes. Radishes provide a refreshing crunch, offering flexibility in light meals, pickling projects, or a spontaneous garden snack, setting a productive tone for the growing season.
Rhubarb
March is perfect for planting rhubarb crowns outdoors in your garden. Select a sunny, well-drained location and enrich the soil with compost. Space crowns 90 cm (3 feet) apart to allow ample room for growth. Once established, rhubarb becomes a hardy perennial, providing deliciously tart stems suitable for cooking by early summer. Pies, crumbles, and jams greatly benefit from its unique, tangy flavour. With good care, rhubarb offers years of productivity, adding vibrant colour and versatility to your home-grown produce collection as it continues to thrive season after season.
Shallot
Plant shallots in March for a dependable crop of this subtle allium. Use well-prepared, well-drained soil in a sunny position. Set individual bulbs 10 cm (4 inches) apart in rows by gently pressing them into the soil with tips visible. Water regularly during dry periods to promote swift root development. As they mature, the bulbs divide, providing a multi-bulb cluster perfect for harvesting. Shallots’ mild flavour enhances numerous dishes, from sauces to stews, adding depth and interest without overpowering other ingredients. Their prolonged storage capacity makes them a versatile kitchen staple across seasons.
Spinach
Sow spinach seeds in March for a continuous supply of nutritious greens. Select rich, well-draining soil, and plant seeds directly about 2.5 cm (1 inch) apart. Choose a partially shaded area that retains plenty of moisture. For successive crops, sow every few weeks. Spinach leaves mature quickly, offering young leaves ideal for salads or mature ones perfect for cooking. Their mild flavour complements a range of dishes, providing a vital source of vitamins and minerals. Prepared steamed, sautéed, or fresh, spinach brings healthful, garden-fresh appeal to a variety of culinary creations.
Tomato
March is an ideal month to sow tomato seeds indoors, setting the stage for a bountiful harvest later. Use seed trays with quality compost, maintaining a warm environment—around 18-21°C (65-70°F) near bright windows or under grow lights. As seedlings grow, pot them into larger containers before finally transplanting outdoors after the last frost. Choose sunny, sheltered spots for healthy development. These efforts reward you with plump tomatoes featuring a range of flavours, perfect for fresh salads, sandwiches, salsas, and sauces—bringing rich, sun-kissed taste straight from garden to table.
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