In The Vegetable Garden This March

Start Sowing Seeds Indoors 

• Tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines: These need a long growing season, so it’s time to start them indoors. Use seed trays or pots, and keep them in a warm, sunny spot. 
• Cabbages, cauliflowers, and kale: Start sowing these brassicas indoors for planting out later in spring. 
• Leeks and onions: Start sowing leek seeds indoors to give them a head start. Onions can also be sown indoors or from sets. 

Direct Sow Hardy Vegetables 

• Peas: March is a great time to sow peas outdoors, especially early varieties that can handle the cooler temperatures. Consider sowing them in rows with support structures. 
• Broad beans: These can be sowed directly into the ground. Broad beans are hardy and can tolerate cooler soil. 
• Carrots and parsnips: As long as the soil is workable, you can begin sowing early varieties of carrots and parsnips directly into the soil. 
• Spinach, kale, and chard: These cold-hardy vegetables can be directly sowed into the ground for a spring harvest. 

Plant Shallots and Onions 

• Shallots: Plant shallot sets in rows about 15-20 cm apart. 
• Onion sets: You can plant onion sets (small bulbs) directly into the soil for an early harvest. Make sure the soil is well-drained and rich in nutrients. 

Start Potatoes Early 

• Chitting potatoes: Early in March, you can start chitting (sprouting) your seed potatoes in a light, cool place like a windowsill or egg carton. Chitting gives them a head start, so they can be planted outdoors in April or May when the ground warms up. 

Prepare the Soil 

• Clear the beds: Remove weeds, old plant material, and any debris from last season to reduce pests and diseases. 
• Add compost: Add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility. This is especially important for vegetables like potatoes and brassicas that need fertile soil. 
• Dig or fork the soil: If the soil is still workable (not too wet or frozen), dig over the beds to break up clumps and improve drainage. 

Feed Your Soil 

• Apply organic fertilisers: Give your vegetable garden a boost with a light application of organic fertiliser or liquid feed to encourage healthy growth. This is especially beneficial if your soil is heavy or lacking in nutrients. 

Protect Your Plants 

• Fleece or cloches: The weather in March can be unpredictable, so protect any tender plants or seeds with fleece or cloches to help them grow in the cooler temperatures. 
• Cold frames: Use cold frames to harden off seedlings, which helps prepare them for outdoor conditions. 

Start Asparagus Beds 

• If you want to grow asparagus, March is the time to prepare the bed by digging a trench and adding plenty of compost or well-rotted manure. Plant asparagus crowns towards the end of the month, as they need a lot of space and well-drained soil. 

By following these tips, your vegetable garden in March will be primed for a bountiful and healthy growing season. Happy gardening! 🌱