March is a pivotal month in the gardening calendar, marking the beginning of the growing season in many parts of Europe. As the days grow longer and the soil begins to warm, gardeners can start sowing a variety of flowers and vegetables that will thrive throughout the year. This guide is tailored to European climates and gardening practices, offering detailed advice on what to sow in March for a productive and beautiful garden.
Why March is the Perfect Month for Sowing
March is a month of transition, where the last traces of winter give way to the first signs of spring. It’s the ideal time to start sowing seeds, both indoors and outdoors, to ensure a bountiful harvest and vibrant garden later in the year.
Benefits of March Sowing
Sowing seeds in March offers several advantages:
- Early Start: Getting a head start on the growing season allows plants more time to mature, leading to earlier harvests and blooms.
- Extended Blooming Period: Flowers sown in March will typically bloom earlier and continue flowering throughout the summer and autumn.
- Healthy Seedlings: Early sowing indoors provides seedlings with a controlled environment, resulting in stronger plants that can withstand the rigors of outdoor planting.
European Climate and Soil Considerations
Europe’s diverse climate zones—from the mild coastal regions of the UK and Ireland to the colder continental climates of Scandinavia and Eastern Europe—require different approaches to sowing in March. Additionally, soil types across Europe vary widely, from sandy soils in southern regions to heavier clay soils in the north.
- Mild Climates: In areas with milder winters, such as the UK, Ireland, and coastal France, many seeds can be sown directly outdoors in March, particularly with the use of cloches or fleece for protection.
- Colder Climates: In regions with harsher winters, such as Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, March sowing is best done indoors or in greenhouses to protect young plants from late frosts.
- Soil Preparation: Preparing the soil in advance is crucial for successful sowing. In heavy clay soils, incorporating organic matter can improve drainage, while sandy soils may benefit from added compost to retain moisture.
Flowers to Sow in March
March is the perfect time to sow a variety of flowers, including hardy annuals, half-hardy annuals, and perennials. These flowers will not only bring color and life to your garden but also attract pollinators and other beneficial wildlife.
1. Hardy Annuals
Hardy annuals are resilient plants that can withstand cooler temperatures, making them ideal for sowing directly outdoors in March.
A. Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus)
Sweet peas are a beloved garden flower known for their delightful fragrance and vibrant colors. They are perfect for adding vertical interest to trellises, fences, and arches.
- Varieties: Popular varieties include ‘Cupani’ for its intense fragrance and ‘Old Spice’ for a traditional mix of colors.
- Sowing Tips: Soak sweet pea seeds overnight before sowing directly into well-prepared soil or pots. Sweet peas thrive in full sun and rich, well-drained soil.
B. Cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus)
Cornflowers are easy-to-grow annuals that produce stunning blue flowers, ideal for cutting and attracting pollinators.
- Varieties: ‘Blue Boy’ is known for its bright blue flowers, while ‘Black Ball’ offers a unique deep burgundy hue.
- Sowing Tips: Sow cornflower seeds directly into the ground in March, either in rows or broadcast across a flower bed. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
C. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, adds a cheerful splash of orange and yellow to the garden. It is also edible and can be used in salads and herbal remedies.
- Varieties: ‘Indian Prince’ features deep orange petals with a dark center, while ‘Snow Princess’ offers a softer, cream-colored bloom.
- Sowing Tips: Sow calendula seeds directly into the ground or in pots. They prefer full sun and can tolerate a range of soil types, although they thrive best in well-drained soil.
2. Half-Hardy Annuals
Half-hardy annuals require a bit more care, as they need protection from frost. Sowing them indoors in March will give them the best start.
A. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
Cosmos are tall, graceful plants with daisy-like flowers that bloom from midsummer to autumn. They are perfect for adding height to borders and provide excellent cut flowers.
- Varieties: ‘Sensation Mix’ includes a range of colors from white to deep pink, while ‘Purity’ is known for its pure white blooms.
- Sowing Tips: Sow cosmos seeds indoors in seed trays or pots. Keep them in a warm, bright location until they are ready to be transplanted outdoors after the last frost.
B. Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias are vibrant, long-blooming flowers that come in a wide range of colors. They are easy to grow and attract butterflies and other pollinators.
- Varieties: ‘Benary’s Giant’ is a popular variety with large, dahlia-like flowers, while ‘Zahara’ is a more compact variety ideal for borders and containers.
- Sowing Tips: Sow zinnia seeds indoors in March, in trays or pots. Transplant the seedlings outdoors once the risk of frost has passed, in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
C. Marigolds (Tagetes)
Marigolds are cheerful, easy-to-grow annuals that provide bright color throughout the summer. They are also known for their pest-repelling properties, making them a great companion plant.
- Varieties: ‘French Marigold’ is a compact variety ideal for borders, while ‘African Marigold’ produces larger blooms and is better suited for beds.
- Sowing Tips: Sow marigold seeds indoors or under cover in March. They can be transplanted outdoors once the weather warms, in full sun and well-drained soil.
3. Perennials
Sowing perennials in March allows them to establish strong root systems, ensuring they return year after year with minimal maintenance.
A. Delphiniums (Delphinium spp.)
Delphiniums are stately perennials known for their tall spikes of flowers, which can reach up to 2 meters in height. They are a favorite in traditional cottage gardens.
- Varieties: ‘Pacific Giants’ offers a range of colors, including blue, white, and purple, while ‘Magic Fountains’ is a more compact variety suitable for smaller gardens.
- Sowing Tips: Sow delphinium seeds indoors in seed trays or pots. They require a period of cold stratification, so placing them in the fridge for a few weeks before sowing can improve germination.
B. Lupins (Lupinus spp.)
Lupins are hardy perennials that produce tall, spiky flowers in a range of colors. They are excellent for adding vertical interest and are particularly attractive to bees.
- Varieties: ‘Russell Hybrids’ are popular for their wide range of colors, while ‘Noble Maiden’ is known for its pure white flowers.
- Sowing Tips: Sow lupin seeds indoors in pots or seed trays. Transplant the seedlings outdoors once they have developed a strong root system and the risk of frost has passed.
C. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Echinacea, or coneflower, is a hardy perennial that produces large, daisy-like flowers with a prominent central cone. It’s known for its medicinal properties and is a favorite with pollinators.
- Varieties: ‘Magnus’ is a popular variety with vibrant pink petals, while ‘White Swan’ offers a striking white bloom.
- Sowing Tips: Sow echinacea seeds indoors in pots. They require light to germinate, so press the seeds onto the surface of the soil without covering them. Transplant the seedlings outdoors after the last frost.
Vegetables to Sow in March
March is an ideal time to sow a wide variety of vegetables, both indoors and outdoors, depending on your local climate and soil conditions. These early sowings will set the stage for a productive growing season, with plenty of fresh produce to harvest throughout the year.
1. Early Vegetables for Outdoor Sowing
Certain hardy vegetables can be sown directly outdoors in March, especially in milder climates or with the use of protective cloches or fleece.
A. Peas (Pisum sativum)
Peas are one of the first vegetables that can be sown directly into the ground in March. They are easy to grow and produce a sweet, early harvest.
- Varieties: ‘Kelvedon Wonder’ is an early maturing variety, while ‘Alderman’ produces tall plants with abundant pods.
- Sowing Tips: Sow peas directly into well-prepared soil, in rows or along trellises for support. They prefer a sunny location with well-drained soil.
B. Broad Beans (Vicia faba)
Broad beans are hardy legumes that can be sown directly outdoors in March for an early summer harvest.
- Varieties: ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ is a popular early variety that produces large, tender beans.
- Sowing Tips: Sow broad beans in double rows, spacing them about 20 cm apart. They can tolerate colder temperatures, making them ideal for early sowing.
C. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Spinach is a cool-season vegetable that thrives when sown in early spring. It’s packed with nutrients and can be harvested multiple times throughout the season.
- Varieties: ‘Perpetual Spinach’ is a long-lasting variety that can be harvested continuously, while ‘Giant Winter’ is particularly cold-tolerant.
- Sowing Tips: Sow spinach seeds directly into the ground in rows or broadcast across a bed. They prefer a location with partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil.
2. Vegetables for Indoor Sowing
Some vegetables benefit from being started indoors in March, especially in colder regions. These can be transplanted outdoors later in the spring when the weather has warmed up.
A. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)
Tomatoes are a staple in many gardens and benefit from an early start. By sowing seeds indoors in March, you can ensure your plants are well-established by the time they are ready to be transplanted outdoors.
- Varieties: ‘Moneymaker’ is a reliable, all-purpose variety, while ‘Gardener’s Delight’ produces sweet cherry tomatoes.
- Sowing Tips: Sow tomato seeds in small pots or seed trays filled with a quality seed starting mix. Keep them in a warm, bright location and transplant them outdoors after the last frost.
B. Peppers (Capsicum annuum)
Peppers, including both sweet bell peppers and hot chillies, require a long growing season, making March the perfect time to start them indoors.
- Varieties: ‘California Wonder’ is a classic bell pepper variety, while ‘Jalapeno’ is a popular choice for those who like a bit of heat.
- Sowing Tips: Sow pepper seeds in seed trays or small pots and keep them in a warm, sunny spot. They need consistent warmth to germinate, so using a heated propagator can be beneficial.
C. Aubergines (Solanum melongena)
Aubergines, or eggplants, are another warm-season crop that benefits from an early indoor start. They require a long growing season to produce a good harvest.
- Varieties: ‘Black Beauty’ is a classic variety with large, glossy fruits, while ‘Rosa Bianca’ offers a unique, light purple color.
- Sowing Tips: Sow aubergine seeds indoors in pots or trays. Keep them warm and well-lit, and transplant them outdoors after the last frost when the soil has warmed up.
3. Root Vegetables
Root vegetables can be sown directly into the ground in March, particularly in well-prepared, loose soil. These vegetables are hardy and will establish themselves early in the growing season.
A. Carrots (Daucus carota)
Carrots are a versatile root vegetable that can be sown early in the spring. They prefer light, sandy soils that are free from stones.
- Varieties: ‘Early Nantes’ is a quick-growing variety that produces sweet, tender carrots, while ‘Chantenay Red Cored’ is known for its deep orange color and excellent flavor.
- Sowing Tips: Sow carrot seeds directly into well-prepared soil in rows. Thin the seedlings to allow space for the roots to develop properly. Carrots prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
B. Beetroots (Beta vulgaris)
Beetroots are another early sowing favorite, known for their earthy flavor and vibrant color. They are easy to grow and can be harvested for both their roots and leaves.
- Varieties: ‘Boltardy’ is a reliable variety that resists bolting, while ‘Chioggia’ offers a striking red-and-white striped interior.
- Sowing Tips: Sow beetroot seeds directly into the ground in rows, spacing them about 10 cm apart. Beetroots thrive in well-drained, fertile soil and full sun.
C. Radishes (Raphanus sativus)
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, making them ideal for early sowing in March. They are perfect for filling gaps in the garden and can be harvested within a few weeks.
- Varieties: ‘French Breakfast’ is a classic variety with a mild flavor, while ‘Cherry Belle’ produces round, bright red radishes.
- Sowing Tips: Sow radish seeds directly into the ground in rows or scatter them across a bed. They prefer cool weather and will bolt if it gets too warm, so early sowing is ideal.
Preparing Your Garden for March Sowing
Before you begin sowing in March, it’s important to prepare your garden to ensure the best possible conditions for your seeds to germinate and grow.
1. Soil Preparation
Good soil preparation is the foundation of successful gardening. In March, the soil is beginning to warm up, making it the perfect time to prepare your beds for sowing.
A. Clearing and Weeding
Remove any debris, dead plant material, and weeds from your garden beds. This clears the way for new growth and reduces competition for nutrients.
- Weeding Tips: Use a hoe or hand tool to remove weeds by their roots. Mulching around your plants can also help suppress future weed growth.
B. Amending the Soil
Add organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve soil fertility and structure. This is particularly important in heavy clay soils or light, sandy soils.
- Soil Testing: Consider testing your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. Most vegetables prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Adjust the pH if necessary by adding lime to raise it or sulfur to lower it.
2. Tool Maintenance and Organization
Ensure that your gardening tools are clean, sharp, and ready for use. Well-maintained tools make the planting process easier and more efficient.
- Tool Maintenance: Sharpen blades, oil wooden handles, and repair or replace any broken tools. Store them in a dry place to prevent rusting.
3. Planning Your Garden Layout
A well-planned garden layout can maximize your growing space and make the most of companion planting and crop rotation.
A. Companion Planting
Companion planting involves growing certain plants together to benefit each other, either by deterring pests, improving growth, or enhancing flavor.
- Companion Combos: For example, planting marigolds near tomatoes can deter nematodes, while beans can be grown near corn to provide natural support.
B. Crop Rotation
Rotate your crops each year to prevent the build-up of pests and diseases in the soil and to manage soil fertility.
- Rotation Plan: Group plants into families (e.g., brassicas, legumes, root vegetables) and rotate them to different areas of the garden each year.
Conclusion
March is a month full of promise for gardeners, offering the perfect opportunity to sow a wide variety of flowers and vegetables for a productive and beautiful growing season. By carefully selecting the right plants for your climate and soil conditions, and by preparing your garden with care, you can ensure a bountiful harvest and a vibrant, thriving garden. Whether you’re sowing hardy annuals directly into the ground or starting tender vegetables indoors, the work you do in March will set the stage for a successful and rewarding gardening year.
