As spring begins to take hold, now is the perfect time to start planting many of your summer crops and planning ahead for the rest.
1. Start Planting Long-Season Crops
Now is the time to plant summer crops that require a long growing season to fully ripen. Tomatoes, aubergines, squash, and peppers all need an early start to ensure they develop properly and reach their best flavour. It’s also the ideal time to sow broad beans and peas.
2. Create a Planting Calendar
A simple planting calendar can help keep your growing on track. Map out what you’re sowing and when to ensure a well-paced, manageable harvest throughout the season.
It’s tempting to plant everything at once, but a little planning goes a long way in ensuring a steady harvest. Focus on three or four vegetables that you’ll actually enjoy eating and use succession sowing to extend your supply. For example, if you want a continuous supply of lettuce, sow around 10 seeds every 10 days instead of all at once. This prevents a sudden glut of produce that might go to waste. With crops like beetroot, consider saving most of your sowing for June to stagger the harvest, while planting a small batch now for tender baby beets in summer—just as we do when growing for the restaurants.
3. Get Your Herb Garden Going
Now is also the time to start your herb garden. Parsley and chives are great options to plant early in the season, providing fresh flavours for your kitchen in the months ahead.
4. Cultivate Your Soil
If you’re eager to plant flowers, it’s best to wait a little longer—April is a safer bet. Frost is still a risk in March, which could damage delicate young plants.
Instead, take advantage of sunny days to prepare your growing space. Start weeding, enrich your soil by adding compost, and get your beds ready for planting. A well-prepared garden now will set you up for a thriving growing season ahead.
By taking a thoughtful approach to planting this March, you’ll enjoy a productive and rewarding harvest throughout the year. Happy growing!