What to Plant 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 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 is an exciting month for gardeners as spring begins, temperatures rise, and daylight increases. It’s the perfect time to start planting a variety of flowers, vegetables, and herbs to enjoy in the months ahead.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

✔️ What flowers to plant in March for a beautiful display
✔️ Which vegetables and herbs to sow this month for a productive harvest
✔️ How to prepare your soil for planting
✔️ Tips to protect young plants from late frosts

Let’s dive into what to plant in March for a successful growing season! 🌱🌸

1. Flowers to Plant in March

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

Hardy Annuals to Sow Outdoors

🌼 Pansies & Violas – Cold-resistant and great for pots and borders.
🌷 Sweet Peas – Beautiful climbers with fragrant blooms.
🌺 Cornflowers – Easy to grow and pollinator-friendly.
🌸 Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist) – Delicate flowers with feathery foliage.

Perennials & Shrubs to Plant in March

🌿 Lavender – Low-maintenance and attracts bees.
🌼 Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) – Bright, long-lasting flowers.
🌺 Echinacea (Coneflower) – Great for wildlife gardens.
🌷 Hardy Geraniums – Provide ground cover and color all summer.

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

2. Vegetables to Plant in March

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

Vegetables to Sow Directly in March

🥕 Carrots – Prefer light, well-drained soil.
🥬 Spinach & Lettuce – Fast-growing and ideal for early harvests.
🥔 Potatoes – Plant early varieties for a June harvest.
🧅 Onions & Shallots – Establish well when planted in cool soil.
🌱 Broad Beans – Hardy and ideal for early sowing.

Vegetables to Start Indoors or Under Cover

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

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

3. Herbs to Plant in March

March is perfect for starting a herb garden, whether indoors or outdoors.

🌿 Basil – Best started indoors due to its warmth requirements.
🌱 Parsley – Hardy and suitable for both pots and garden beds.
🌿 Coriander – Grows well in cooler spring temperatures.
🌿 Chives – Perennial herb that thrives in beds and containers.
🌱 Thyme – A drought-tolerant herb that attracts pollinators.

Tip: Start tender herbs indoors and transplant them outside in late spring.

4. Preparing Soil for Planting in March

Before planting, ensure your soil is nutrient-rich and ready for new growth.

✔️ 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 if necessary.

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 protect young plants from frost damage.

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

Tip: Check the weather forecast regularly and cover delicate plants when temperatures drop.

FAQs: What to Plant in March

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

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 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 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 for the best growing conditions.

March is the perfect month to kickstart your gardening season with flowers, vegetables, and herbs. Planting now ensures healthy growth and great harvests 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! 🚀