What To Grow From Seed In March?

What To Grow From Seed In March?

As the winter draws to a close and spring approaches, many gardeners are eager to start planting their vegetable and herb gardens. But with the weather still unpredictable, especially in the UK where we can have both snow and lovely sunshine in the same week, it can be tricky to know what’s safe to start growing from seed during the month of March.

Fortunately, there are plenty of options for those who want to get a head start on their gardening this year, and March is one of the busiest months for planting from seeds. Here’s my top pick of vegetable, salad, and herb plants that you can start growing in March in the UK.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a popular choice for greenhouse gardeners, and March is the perfect time to start growing them from seed. Tomatoes require warmth to germinate, so make sure your greenhouse is heated to at least 15°C before planting. Start by sowing the seeds in small pots or seed trays, and transplant them to larger pots as they grow. There are many tomato varieties available to grow in the UK, so if you’re wondering which ones to grow yourself, see my dedicated guide to growing tomatoes here.

Aubergines
Aubergines are a popular Mediterranean crop that can be grown successfully in a UK greenhouse. Sow the seeds in small pots or seed trays and keep them in a warm, well-lit spot in your greenhouse. Aubergines need plenty of warmth and light to thrive, so make sure they are placed in a sunny spot.

Peas
Peas are a great addition to any vegetable garden, and they’re easy to grow from seed. Once the seedlings have grown into big enough saplings, they can be transplanted into a container, raised bed or straight into the ground, and will be happy with a tall stake or trellis for which they can grow and climb up on. They’re perfect for adding to salads, soups, and stir-fries, or for snacking on straight from the pod. They’re also an easy one to store, as you can simply de-pod them and keep in the freezer to enjoy later on in the year.

Peppers
Peppers are another warm-weather crop that can be started in March. Like tomatoes, they need heat to germinate, so make sure your greenhouse is warm enough before planting. Peppers can take a little longer to germinate than tomatoes, so be patient and give them plenty of time to sprout. You can also see my dedicated guide to growing bell peppers here.

Lettuce
Lettuce is a great option for those who want to start growing salads from seed in March. Lettuce is easy to grow and can be sown directly into the ground or started in small pots. Keep the soil moist and place the pots in a well-lit spot in your greenhouse. If you’re interested in growing lettuce yourself this year, my dedicated guide to growing lettuce may be a handy read.

Spinach
Spinach is another salad crop that can be grown successfully in a greenhouse. Sow the seeds in small pots or seed trays and keep them in a warm, well-lit spot. Spinach prefers cooler temperatures, so make sure the greenhouse is not too hot.

Beetroot
Beetroot is a nutritious root vegetable that’s easy to grow from seed and then transplanting out into the ground or deep raised bed when the sapling has matured a little. Beetroot itself is great for roasting, juicing, or adding to salads, and the leaves can also be used in cooking.

Radishes
Radishes are a fast-growing crop that can be grown from seed in March. Sow the seeds directly into the ground or in small pots and keep the soil moist. Radishes prefer cooler temperatures, so make sure the greenhouse is not too hot.

Coriander
Coriander is a popular herb that can be grown from seed in a greenhouse. Sow the seeds in small pots or seed trays and keep them in a warm, well-lit spot. Coriander can be slow to germinate, so be patient and give it plenty of time to sprout.

Basil
Basil is another herb that can be grown from seed in a greenhouse. Sow the seeds in small pots or seed trays and keep them in a warm, well-lit spot. Basil prefers warmer temperatures, so make sure the greenhouse is heated to at least 15°C.

Chives
Chives are a versatile herb that can be grown from seed in a greenhouse. Sow the seeds in small pots or seed trays and keep them in a warm, well-lit spot. Chives prefer cooler temperatures, so make sure the greenhouse is not too hot.

Growing your own vegetables from seed is a rewarding experience that allows you to have full control over the quality and taste of your produce. It’s also a great way to save money, reduce waste, and promote sustainability in your community. By starting your seeds in March, you give your plants the best chance to thrive and produce a bountiful harvest throughout the summer.

In conclusion, March is an excellent time to start sowing seeds for your summer garden. My list of eleven vegetables, herbs, and salad greens above is by no means exhaustive, and is simply my top picks of favourite things to grow and eat. There are many more options out there to explore, depending on your preferences, growing conditions, and location. However, these recommended few are a great place to start, especially if you’re new to gardening or looking for some inspiration.