Sowing Options in March: Unleash Vibrant Blossoms and Delectable Produce Throughout the Summer and BeyondtimeFrame: Mars - BeyondSummer
Hey there, gardening buddy! Forget the naysayers and the cold, dreary weather - it's time to embrace the new season and get your green thumb swinging! March is the magical month where winter takes a hike and spring steps right in. But don't be fooled by its initial warmth, as ol' Jack Frost tends to make a surprise visit now and then.
So, instead of sitting around and wondering when to get down to business, let's dive into the world of gardening, shall we? Peruse this list of fantastic plants to bloom this month, along with the best gardening jobs to tackle in March.
First up, the plants: You'll want to tuck narcissi, scillas, and muscari into your borders come hail or shine. Why not try Muscari latifolium, the striking electric-blue, bi-coloured species, or Muscari auchenri 'Ocean Magic' and 'Blue Magic'? They're guaranteed to leave you in awe with their charm. If you fancy a mix, why not go for a combo of Muscari azureum, Muscari armeniacum 'Night Eyes', and Muscari auchenri 'Blue Magic'? Top them off with some moss, and they'll make for a delightful addition to any table - indoors or out.
As for what to sow and get planted, here's the lowdown:
What to Sow in March:
Flowers: It's time to get started on sowing hardy annuals, such as Agrostemma githago, Centaurea cyanus, and Papaver somniferum. You can sow these straight into the ground, and they'll love the erratic nature of March's weather. Many other umbels, including Ammi majus, Bupleurum rotundifolium*, chervil, and dill, also thrive when direct-sown in March.
Vegetables: The vegetable patch calls for broad beans and peas. Although tender borlotti, French, and runner beans should wait for warmer weather, they'll still be plenty in plentitude at the end of March. Other root veggies, like beetroot, carrot, parsnips, and radish, can all be direct-sown during this time.
And don't forget to put some love into your herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses by lifting, dividing, and planting new additions, like Convallaria majalis pips and strawberry crowns.
Want some spring flowers to plant? Give Swiss chard a go. You can find it somewhere in your garden year-round, be it in a pot or in the ground. Don't be surprised when it eventually starts to falter - that's your cue to start fresh. Sow your chard seeds under glass for comfortably ready seedlings by planting time. Once they've developed true leaves, it's time to transplant them, whether into a pot or the ground - just make sure the weather is mild enough. Chard ain't picky, but it ain't too fond of slugs and snails, so watch out for those pesky buggers. Opt for 'Peppermint' with its candy-striped pink and white stems or 'Pink Flamingo' for a cerise and dark green contrast.
Peas:
Got heavy clay soil? No worries! Sow your peas seeds under glass and move the seedlings outside once they've come into their own. Before putting them out in the open, do make sure to put up supports, pea sticks, brushwood, or even posts – they'll need them for support later on. Keep an eye out for birds and snails feasting on the young leaves, and cover them with fleece until they start climbing the supports. A cultivar I'm mad for is 'Dwarf Gray Sugar' - tough name, beautiful reddish purple flowers.
On that note, get out there and feel the springtime vibes for yourself, you intrepid horticulturist, you! Happy Gardening!
Enrichment Data:March is a transitional month in the gardening world, a time to gear up for the growing season ahead. The main activities for gardeners include preparing the garden for early sowing of seeds and cool-season crops, starting seeds indoors, and preparing for the arrival of certain vegetables and herbs.
Here are some key plants and seeds to focus on in March:
Recommended Plants to Sow in March
- Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, and chard make excellent early spring crops that tolerate cooler temperatures.
- Brassicas: These include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and other brassicas that can be started indoors for transplanting later once the last frost has passed.
- Root Vegetables: Beets, carrots, parsnips, and radishes are great choices for early sowing.
- Peas and Beans: Peas can be sown directly outdoors or indoors, while beans should wait for warmer weather before planting.
- Herbs: Basil, parsley, chives, garlic, and other herbs can be started indoors and then transferred outside once warmer weather arrives.
Gardening Jobs in March:
- Prepare garden beds and soil for the upcoming growing season.
- Start seeds indoors in trays or pots using seed-starting mix.
- Transplant seedlings started indoors once they are strong enough to handle outdoor conditions.
- Plan companion planting pairings, such as beans and corn.
- Set up supports for plants like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.
- Apply organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid using hay due to its weed seeds.
By following these tips and guidelines, gardeners can ensure the success of their gardens throughout the season.
- Embrace the upcoming season and kickstart your gardening activities with March's array of remarkable plants, such as narcissi, scillas, muscari, agrostemma githago, centaurea cyanus, papaver somniferum, and various ornamental grasses.
- Don't miss out on sowing hardy annuals, like chard, ammi majus, bupleurum rotundifolium, and dill directly into the ground for an enchanting display come spring.
- For a picturesque garden, consider planting the striking Muscari species, such as Muscari latifolium, Muscari auchenri 'Ocean Magic' and 'Blue Magic', or a vibrant combo of Muscari azureum, Muscari armeniacum 'Night Eyes', and Muscari auchenri 'Blue Magic'.
- Renew your lifestyle and home-and-garden by taking on March's essential gardening tasks, including preparing the garden bed, planting leafy greens, brassicas, root vegetables, and starting seeds indoors. Remember, happy gardening!
