March is the beginning of the busy gardening season as the days lengthen and the earth warms. It's the ideal time of year to plant a variety of crops, particularly hardy veggies that do well in the chilly, rainy early spring weather.
At Yorkshire Seeds, we think that planting the appropriate seeds at the right time is the first step towards garden success. Here is our guide to the best veggies to sow in March, regardless of whether you have a windowsill, raised bed, or an entire allotment. It also explains how to give them the best start possible.
1. Cabbage (Summer & Autumn Varieties)
Why Sow in March?
Cabbage loves cooler temperatures. Sowing in March gives you a strong head start on summer or autumn harvests.
How to Sow: Sow indoors or under cover in modules. Keep soil moist and transplant outside when 4–6 weeks old.
Top Varieties: 'Greyhound', 'Golden Acre', 'Durham Early'
Harvest: June–October
Tip: Protect young plants with fleece if a cold snap hits after transplanting.
2. Spinach
Why Sow in March?
Spinach thrives in the cool, damp spring. It grows quickly and offers generous harvests in as little as 6 weeks.
How to Sow: Directly in well-drained beds or in containers; thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding.
Top Varieties: 'Perpetual'
Harvest: April–May
Tip: Water consistently to prevent bolting during warmer spells.
3. Carrots (Early Varieties)
Why Sow in March?
Early carrots can be sown outdoors as soon as the soil is workable. March sowings produce tender, sweet roots by early summer.
How to Sow: Sow thinly in rows, cover lightly with fine soil, and keep moist.
Top Varieties: Nantes Early
Harvest: June–July
Tip: Cover with fleece to protect from carrot root fly and chilly nights.
4. Spring Onions
Why Sow in March?
Fast-growing and space-saving, spring onions are ideal for early season salads and stir-fries.
How to Sow: Direct sow in rows; minimal thinning needed.
Top Varieties: 'White Lisbon', 'Ishikura'
Harvest: May–June
Tip: Succession sow every few weeks for a continuous harvest.
5. Lettuce & Salad Leaves
Why Sow in March?
Lettuce prefers cool weather and can tolerate light frosts, making March the perfect month to start your salad garden.
How to Sow: Indoors in seed trays or direct outdoors in mild areas.
Top Varieties: 'Little Gem', 'Lollo Rosso', 'Rocket'
Harvest: April–June
Tip: Mix cut-and-come-again varieties for long harvest windows.
Bonus: Other March Sowings
Beetroot – Sow indoors or outdoors under cloches.
Leeks – Start in modules for transplanting in early summer.
Turnips & Radishes – Great for small spaces or containers.
Yorkshire Seeds’ March Gardening Tips:
Warm the Soil: Use cloches or fleece to warm soil ahead of sowing.
Watch the Weather: March can still bring snow or frost, so keep covers handy.
Succession Sow: Don’t plant all at once—stagger sowings every 2–3 weeks.
Happy planting,
The Yorkshire Seeds Team 🌱
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