Plants to Plant in March: Best Flowers, Vegetables, and Herbs for Spring

Q: Can I plant potatoes in March?

Yes! March is the perfect time to plant early potato varieties for a summer harvest.

Q: What flowers can 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 plant 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 marks the start of spring, making it the perfect time to plant a variety of flowers, vegetables, and herbs. As temperatures begin to rise and daylight hours increase, plants can establish strong roots before summer.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

✔️ The best flowers to plant in March
✔️ Which vegetables and herbs to sow now
✔️ How to prepare soil for early planting
✔️ Tips for protecting young plants from frost

Let’s explore the top plants to plant in March for a thriving garden! 🌱🌷

1. Flowers to Plant in March

March is a great time to plant flowers that will bloom in spring and summer.

Hardy Annuals to Sow Directly

🌼 Pansies & Violas – Add color to beds, borders, and pots.
🌷 Sweet Peas – Fragrant climbers, perfect for trellises and fences.
🌺 Cornflowers – Easy to grow and great for pollinators.
🌸 Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist) – Delicate flowers with feathery foliage.

Perennials & Shrubs to Plant in March

🌿 Lavender – A low-maintenance plant that attracts bees.
🌼 Rudbeckia – Adds late-season color to borders.
🌺 Echinacea (Coneflower) – Ideal for wildlife-friendly gardens.
🌷 Hardy Geraniums – Provide long-lasting color and ground cover.

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

2. Vegetables to Plant in March

March is a key planting month for many vegetables, both outdoors and under cover.

Vegetables to Sow Outdoors in March

🥕 Carrots – Prefers light, well-drained soil.
🥬 Spinach & Lettuce – Fast-growing leafy greens for early harvests.
🥔 Potatoes – Start planting early varieties for a June harvest.
🧅 Onions & Shallots – Ideal for overwintering and spring planting.
🌱 Broad Beans – Hardy legumes that can handle cooler temperatures.

Vegetables to Start Indoors or Under Cover

🌶 Peppers & Chillies – Need warmth to germinate, best started indoors.
🍅 Tomatoes – Start seeds indoors for transplanting in May.
🥒 Cucumbers – Require warmth, so use a heated propagator.
🌽 Sweetcorn – Best sown in biodegradable pots before outdoor planting.

Tip: Cover seedlings with fleece or cloches to protect them from late frosts.

3. Herbs to Plant in March

March is the perfect time to plant culinary herbs for cooking and companion planting.

🌿 Basil – Needs warmth, best started indoors.
🌱 Parsley – Hardy and great for year-round harvesting.
🌿 Coriander – Thrives in cooler spring temperatures.
🌿 Chives – Perennial herb that grows well in pots or borders.
🌱 Thyme – A drought-tolerant herb that attracts pollinators.

Tip: Sow herb seeds in trays indoors for an early start, then transplant outside later.

4. Preparing Soil for Planting in March

Good soil preparation is key to successful planting.

✔️ Turn over soil to break up compaction and improve aeration.
✔️ Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
✔️ 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 still brings cold nights, so protect your plants from sudden temperature drops.

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

Tip: Keep an eye on the weather forecast and take action when frosts are predicted.

FAQs: Plants to Plant in March

Can I plant potatoes in March?
✔️ Yes! March is the ideal time to plant early potato varieties for a summer harvest.

What flowers can I plant in March?
✔️ Pansies, sweet peas, cornflowers, and lavender are great choices.

Should I start tomatoes indoors in March?
✔️ Yes! Tomatoes need warmth to germinate and should be started indoors before outdoor transplanting.

Can I plant 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: What to Plant in March

✔️ Plant hardy flowers and perennials for a colorful spring and summer.
✔️ 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 culinary use.
✔️ Prepare soil and protect plants from frost for the best growing conditions.

March is the perfect time to kickstart your gardening season with a variety of flowers, vegetables, and herbs. A little effort now will result in beautiful blooms and a bountiful harvest later in the year! 🌸🌱

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

Now you’re ready to plant in March and get your garden off to a great start! 🌸🌱 Let me know if you have any questions! 🚀