Plants to Grow in March: Best Flowers, Vegetables, and Herbs for a Thriving Garden

Q: Can I plant potatoes in March?

Yes! March is the perfect time to plant early and maincrop potatoes for a summer or autumn harvest.

Q: What flowers should I plant in March?

Pansies, sweet peas, cornflowers, and lavender are great choices for planting in March.

Q: Should I start tomatoes indoors in March?

Yes! Tomatoes need warmth to germinate, so they should be started indoors before being transplanted outdoors later.

Q: Can I grow herbs outside in March?

Hardy herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme can be planted outdoors in March, while tender herbs like basil should be started indoors.

Q: How do I protect plants from frost in March?

Use fleece, mulch, or cloches to cover young plants during cold nights to prevent frost damage.

March is an exciting time for gardeners as spring arrives, bringing longer days and warming soil. It’s the perfect month to sow seeds, plant flowers, and grow vegetables for a productive and colorful garden.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

✔️ What flowers to grow in March for beautiful blooms
✔️ Which vegetables and herbs to sow this month for a great harvest
✔️ How to prepare soil for planting
✔️ How to protect young plants from frost

Let’s dive into the best plants to grow in March and get your garden off to a strong start! 🌱🌷

1. Flowers to Grow in March

March is a fantastic time to grow flowers that will bloom in spring and summer.

Hardy Annuals to Sow Outdoors

🌼 Pansies & Violas – Perfect for beds, borders, and pots.
🌷 Sweet Peas – Beautiful climbers with a strong fragrance.
🌺 Cornflowers – Easy to grow and attract pollinators.
🌸 Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist) – Delicate flowers with feathery foliage.

Perennials & Shrubs to Plant in March

🌿 Lavender – Low-maintenance and great for bees.
🌼 Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) – Adds bright yellow color to borders.
🌺 Echinacea (Coneflower) – Ideal for wildlife gardens.
🌷 Hardy Geraniums – Long-flowering and great for ground cover.

Tip: Water new plants thoroughly and mulch around perennials to retain moisture.

2. Vegetables to Grow in March

March is an important month for vegetable gardening, with many crops ready to be sown directly outdoors or under cover.

Vegetables to Sow Directly in March

🥕 Carrots – Sow in light, well-drained soil for straight roots.
🥬 Spinach & Lettuce – Fast-growing leafy greens.
🥔 Potatoes – Plant early varieties for a June harvest.
🧅 Onions & Shallots – Establish well in cool spring soil.
🌱 Broad Beans – Hardy and great for early sowing.

Vegetables to Start Indoors or Under Cover

🌶 Peppers & Chillies – Require warmth to germinate, best started indoors.
🍅 Tomatoes – Sow indoors and transplant outside in May.
🥒 Cucumbers – Need a heated propagator to grow well.
🌽 Sweetcorn – Best sown in biodegradable pots before outdoor planting.

Tip: Protect young plants with cloches or fleece from late frosts.

3. Herbs to Grow in March

March is an excellent time to start growing herbs, either indoors or outdoors.

🌿 Basil – Needs warmth, best started indoors.
🌱 Parsley – Hardy and suitable for both pots and garden beds.
🌿 Coriander – Prefers cooler weather, best grown in spring.
🌿 Chives – Perennial herb that’s great in salads and soups.
🌱 Thyme – A hardy herb that thrives in well-drained soil.

Tip: Start tender herbs indoors and move them outdoors in late spring.

4. Preparing Soil for Planting in March

Before planting, make sure your soil is healthy and nutrient-rich.

✔️ Turn over soil to break up compaction and improve aeration.
✔️ Add compost or well-rotted manure to boost nutrients.
✔️ Mulch around perennials and shrubs to retain moisture.
✔️ Test soil pH and adjust as needed 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 still brings cold nights, so it’s important to protect tender plants.

✔️ 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 cold.
✔️ Water in the morning to prevent freezing overnight.

Tip: Keep an eye on the weather forecast and cover delicate plants when temperatures drop.

FAQs: Plants to Grow in March

Can I plant potatoes in March?
✔️ Yes! March is the best time to plant early and maincrop potatoes for a summer or autumn harvest.

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

Should I start tomatoes indoors in March?
✔️ Yes! Tomatoes require warmth and should be started indoors before being transplanted outside in May.

Can I grow herbs outside in March?
✔️ Hardy herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme can be planted outdoors, but 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: What to Grow in March

✔️ Plant hardy flowers and perennials to bring color to your garden.
✔️ Sow vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions for an early harvest.
✔️ Start tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers indoors for transplanting later.
✔️ Plant herbs like parsley, chives, and coriander for fresh flavors in cooking.
✔️ 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 growing in March and set up your garden for a fantastic season! 🌸🌱 Let me know if you have any questions! 🚀