As the chill of winter begins to fade and the days grow longer, March is the perfect month to start preparing your garden for a bountiful season. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice, planting the right vegetables and flowers now will ensure a thriving garden come summer. Here are 17 must-plant vegetables and flowers to get you started.
Vegetables
- Spinach
- Why Plant: Spinach thrives in cooler weather and can be harvested quickly.
- Tips: Plant seeds directly in the ground and keep the soil consistently moist.
- Peas
- Why Plant: Peas are a hardy crop that can withstand cooler temperatures.
- Tips: Sow seeds directly into the soil and provide a trellis for climbing varieties.
- Lettuce
- Why Plant: Lettuce is fast-growing and perfect for successive planting.
- Tips: Plant seeds in well-drained soil and ensure they receive partial sunlight.
- Radishes
- Why Plant: Radishes mature quickly, making them ideal for early spring planting.
- Tips: Sow seeds directly in the ground and thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
- Carrots
- Why Plant: Carrots prefer cool soil and will sweeten with a light frost.
- Tips: Ensure the soil is loose and free of rocks to allow proper root development.
- Beets
- Why Plant: Beets can be harvested for both their roots and greens.
- Tips: Plant in fertile soil and water consistently to promote growth.
- Broccoli
- Why Plant: Broccoli is a cool-season crop that can be planted early.
- Tips: Start seeds indoors in late winter and transplant seedlings in March.
- Kale
- Why Plant: Kale is hardy and can survive early spring frosts.
- Tips: Plant seeds directly in the garden and thin seedlings to encourage robust plants.
Flowers
- Pansies
- Why Plant: Pansies are cold-tolerant and bloom in early spring.
- Tips: Plant in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight.
- Snapdragons
- Why Plant: Snapdragons thrive in cool weather and add vertical interest.
- Tips: Start seeds indoors and transplant after the last frost.
- Sweet Peas
- Why Plant: Sweet peas offer fragrant blooms that love cool weather.
- Tips: Sow seeds directly in the garden and provide a support structure.
- Daffodils
- Why Plant: Daffodils herald the arrival of spring with bright, cheerful flowers.
- Tips: Plant bulbs in well-drained soil in a sunny spot.
- Tulips
- Why Plant: Tulips are a spring garden staple with vibrant colors.
- Tips: Ensure bulbs are planted in well-drained soil with full sun.
- Crocus
- Why Plant: Crocuses are among the first flowers to bloom in spring.
- Tips: Plant bulbs in clusters for a stunning visual effect.
- Hyacinths
- Why Plant: Hyacinths provide a burst of fragrance and color.
- Tips: Plant in well-drained soil and avoid areas with standing water.
- Primroses
- Why Plant: Primroses bloom early and can add color to shady areas.
- Tips: Plant in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.
- Iceland Poppies
- Why Plant: Iceland poppies produce delicate, papery flowers in early spring.
- Tips: Sow seeds directly in the garden and thin seedlings to encourage airflow.
Tips for a Thriving Garden
- Soil Preparation: Before planting, enrich your soil with compost to provide essential nutrients.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially for newly planted seeds.
- Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
- Mulching: Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Frost Protection: Use row covers or cloches to protect tender plants from unexpected frosts.
By carefully selecting and planting these vegetables and flowers in March, you’ll set the stage for a vibrant and productive garden.