March is that awkward in-between month in the UK. One minute it feels like spring has arrived, the next you’re scraping frost off the windscreen again. The soil is slowly warming, daylight is stretching out, and gardeners start itching to get going. You still need to keep an eye on late cold snaps, but there’s plenty you can sow or plant now to get a strong head start on the growing season.
Broad beans
Broad beans are one of the easiest early crops to get going in March. They tolerate cool soil and can handle light frost, which makes them perfect for unpredictable British springs. Sow them directly into the ground if the soil isn’t waterlogged, or start them in pots if your beds are still heavy and wet. They grow steadily through the cooler weeks and reward you with pods in early summer. Choose a sunny spot with decent drainage and give them some support as they grow taller. They’re forgiving, productive and a great confidence booster at the start of the season.
Peas
March is a good time to sow hardy pea varieties outdoors. Like broad beans, peas are happy in cool conditions and actually prefer to establish before the heat of summer arrives. Sow them in shallow trenches and protect young shoots from birds with netting if needed. You can also start them in guttering or modules under cover, then slide them into the ground later. Fresh peas straight from the pod are miles better than anything from the freezer, so it’s well worth making space for a row or two.
Onions and shallots
Onion sets and shallot bulbs can go straight into the ground in March, provided the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged. They like a firm, well drained bed and plenty of sun. Push the sets in so the tips just show above the surface. They’ll sit quietly at first, then start putting on green growth as temperatures lift. Because they mature in summer, getting them in early gives them more time to bulk up before days start shortening again.
@emilysgreendiary Things to sow in March! 🌱 UK Grow your own vegetables and flowers 🌸🥕 #organicgardening #gardening #allotmentuk #growyourown #growyourownfood #growyourownflowers #wildflowers #plants #gardeninspiration #howtogarden #howtogrow #fyp #prettyflowers #weddingflowers #spring #gardeninghacks ♬ Spring Is Coming – Austin Farwell
Carrots
Early carrot varieties can be sown directly outdoors in March in lighter soils. Choose a fine, stone free patch to avoid forked roots. If your soil is heavy clay, consider growing them in raised beds or deep containers. Cover the rows with fleece to help warm the soil and protect against carrot root fly. Sowing little and often from March onwards gives you a steady harvest rather than one huge glut.
Lettuce
Hardy lettuce varieties can be sown outside in March, especially under cloches or fleece. They germinate quickly once the soil warms slightly, and you can start picking baby leaves in just a few weeks. If you prefer, sow in modules indoors or in a greenhouse and transplant once they’re big enough. Regular sowing every couple of weeks keeps salads coming right through spring and into summer.
Spinach
Spinach thrives in the cooler weather of early spring. Sow it directly into prepared soil and keep it well watered. It dislikes hot conditions, so March sowings often give the best results before summer causes it to bolt. You can start harvesting outer leaves once plants are established, allowing the centre to keep growing. It’s a simple crop that slots easily into veg beds or even large containers.
Potatoes
Early potatoes can go into the ground in March in milder parts of the UK, especially in the south. In colder regions, you might wait until late March or early April. Make sure they’ve been chitted, meaning they’ve developed short shoots before planting. Plant them in trenches and earth up as they grow to protect from frost. There’s something deeply satisfying about digging up your first early potatoes in June, and March planting sets that whole process in motion.
@allotmentality Mid-March Cut Flower Seed Sowing! 🌱 Here’s everything I’m sowing this month, both indoors and directly in the ground!. From Malope and Daucus (kindly sent to me by Helen @Suffolk meadow flowers🇬🇧 💐) to Cosmos, Phlox, Snapdragons, Cornflowers, Tagetes and more, these blooms aren’t just pretty – they’re perfect for cut flowers, pollinators, and even companion planting! ALSO. Did you know Phlox germinates best in an airing cupboard? Learned that from Helen, too! Obviously that’s where my seed try is now. Cannot wait to see all of these in bloom! 🥰 #growyourown #cutflowers #gardening #seedstarting #allotment #allotmentuk #flowers #gardeningtips #gardening101 #gardentok #flowergarden ♬ original sound – allotmentality
Sweet peas
For flowers rather than food, March is perfect for sowing sweet peas. Start them in pots indoors or in an unheated greenhouse, then harden off before planting out. They prefer cool roots and sunny tops. If you’ve already sown them earlier in the year, March is when you can pinch out the tips to encourage bushier growth. With support and regular picking, they’ll give you colour and scent well into summer.
Tomatoes (indoors)
Tomatoes shouldn’t go outside yet in most of the UK, but March is ideal for sowing seeds indoors. A sunny windowsill, heated propagator or greenhouse works well. Starting now gives them enough time to grow into sturdy plants ready for planting out after the last frost, usually in May. Choose varieties suited to your space, whether that’s a greenhouse, patio pots or a sunny wall.
Herbs like parsley and coriander
Hardy herbs such as parsley and coriander can be sown in March. Parsley can go directly outside if the soil isn’t too cold, while coriander often benefits from a bit of shelter early on. You can also sow in pots to keep near the kitchen door. Fresh herbs are one of the simplest ways to lift everyday meals, and getting them started now means you’ll have steady pickings through spring.
March in the UK is about balance. You’re working with improving light and slightly warmer soil, but you still need to stay flexible. Keep some fleece handy, watch the weather forecast, and don’t rush tender plants outdoors too early. Get these reliable crops started now, and you’ll thank yourself by early summer.