Best Plants to Plant in March: Flowers, Vegetables & Herbs for a Thriving Garden

March is the perfect month to start planting! As the weather warms up and daylight increases, it’s time to sow hardy vegetables, colorful flowers, and aromatic herbs that will flourish in the months ahead.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

✔️ The best flowers to plant in March for spring and summer color
✔️ Which vegetables and herbs to sow now for a great harvest
✔️ How to prepare your soil for planting
✔️ Tips to protect young plants from frost

Let’s explore the best plants to plant in March and give your garden the best start! 🌸🌱

1. Best Flowers to Plant in March

March is ideal for planting hardy flowers that will bloom in spring and summer.

Hardy Annuals to Plant in March

🌼 Pansies & Violas – Bright, cheerful flowers perfect for borders and containers.
🌷 Sweet Peas – Fragrant climbers that thrive when sown early in the season.
🌸 Cornflowers – Great for attracting bees and butterflies.
🌺 Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist) – Delicate, feathery flowers with a stunning blue hue.

Perennials & Shrubs to Plant in March

🌿 Lavender – A low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly plant.
🌼 Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) – Produces golden-yellow flowers in late summer.
🌺 Echinacea (Coneflower) – Attracts pollinators and adds long-lasting color.
🌷 Hardy Geraniums – A reliable, low-maintenance flower with beautiful blooms.

Tip: Water new plants well and mulch around perennials to help retain moisture and prevent weeds.

2. Best Vegetables to Plant in March

March is a key month for sowing vegetables, with many crops ready to be planted directly into the ground or started indoors.

Vegetables to Sow Directly in March

🥕 Carrots – Best sown in light, well-drained soil for straight roots.
🥬 Spinach & Lettuce – Fast-growing leafy greens ideal for early harvests.
🥔 Potatoes – Start planting early varieties for a June harvest.
🧅 Onions & Shallots – Hardy crops that establish well in cool soil.
🌱 Broad Beans – A great early-season crop that thrives in cooler weather.

Vegetables to Start Indoors or Under Cover

🌶 Peppers & Chillies – Need warmth, best started indoors in pots.
🍅 Tomatoes – Start seeds indoors for transplanting outside in May.
🥒 Cucumbers – Require warmth, so start them in a heated propagator.
🌽 Sweetcorn – Best sown in biodegradable pots before being transplanted outdoors.

Tip: Protect young plants with cloches or fleece if unexpected frosts occur.

3. Best Herbs to Plant in March

March is a great time to plant herbs, whether in pots, containers, or directly in the garden.

🌿 Basil – Start indoors as it needs warm temperatures to thrive.
🌱 Parsley – Hardy and can be grown in pots or garden beds.
🌿 Coriander – Prefers cooler temperatures, making early spring ideal.
🌿 Chives – A perennial herb that adds flavor and looks great in borders.
🌱 Thyme – A drought-resistant herb that grows well in containers and borders.

Tip: Sow herb seeds indoors first, then transplant them outside later in spring.

4. Preparing Soil for Planting in March

For plants to thrive, the soil must be well-prepared.

✔️ Turn over the soil to break up compaction and improve aeration.
✔️ Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich nutrients.
✔️ Mulch around perennials and shrubs to retain moisture.
✔️ Test soil pH and adjust if necessary for specific plants.

Tip: Cover empty beds with black plastic or fleece to warm the soil before planting.

5. Protecting Plants from Late Frosts

March can still bring cold nights, so it’s important to protect young plants from frost damage.

✔️ Use fleece or cloches to cover seedlings at night.
✔️ Move potted plants to sheltered areas if frost is forecast.
✔️ Mulch around roots to insulate against temperature drops.
✔️ Water in the morning to prevent freezing overnight.

Tip: Always check the weather forecast and cover delicate plants when temperatures drop.

FAQs: Best Plants to Plant in March

Can I plant potatoes in March?
✔️ Yes! March is the best time to plant early and maincrop potatoes.

What flowers should I plant in March?
✔️ Pansies, sweet peas, cornflowers, and lavender are great choices for early planting.

Should I start tomatoes indoors in March?
✔️ Yes! Tomatoes need warmth, so they should be started indoors before transplanting outdoors in late spring.

Can I grow herbs outside in March?
✔️ Hardy herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme can be planted outdoors. Tender herbs like basil should be started indoors.

How do I protect plants from frost in March?
✔️ Use fleece, mulch, or cloches to cover young plants during cold nights.

Final Thoughts: Best Plants to Plant in March

✔️ Plant hardy flowers and perennials for a colorful garden.
✔️ Sow vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions for a productive harvest.
✔️ Start tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers indoors for transplanting later.
✔️ Plant herbs like parsley, chives, and coriander for fresh flavors.
✔️ Prepare soil and protect plants from frost to ensure strong growth.

March is the perfect month to begin growing flowers, vegetables, and herbs that will flourish in the coming months. A little effort now will lead to beautiful blooms and a delicious harvest later! 🌸🌱

What are you planting this March? Share your gardening plans in the comments!

Now you’re ready to start planting in March and set up your garden for a fantastic season! 🌸🌱 Let me know if you have any questions! 🚀