March in the vegetable garden

March marks the true restart of the vegetable garden. Days are noticeably longer, light intensity increases and the soil gradually begins to warm up. Although frost is still possible, activity accelerates: sowing increases, the first plantings begin and soil work resumes carefully.

🌱 Possible sowings and early crops

In March, sowing intensifies both under cover and gradually outdoors when the soil is workable and sufficiently warmed.

Under greenhouses or cold frames, early spring crops such as lettuce, spinach, leeks and certain brassicas can be sown. Warm-season crops started in February (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants) continue growing and require sufficient light and monitoring.

Outdoors, hardy crops such as peas, broad beans, carrots, radishes, turnips, some onions and spinach can be sown when conditions allow.

Only work the soil when it is not waterlogged to preserve its structure.

🌱 Planting

March also allows the first plantings, depending on weather conditions.

Early potatoes can be planted towards the end of the month in soil that has warmed sufficiently. Garlic, shallots and onions can still be planted if not done earlier.

It is also the last favourable period to plant fruit trees and soft fruit outside frost periods.

🥒 Late winter harvests

Despite the seasonal change, harvesting continues:

• Leeks

• Winter cabbages

• Lamb’s lettuce and winter spinach

• Root vegetables left in the ground such as parsnips

With increasing daylight, some crops begin to bolt, so timely harvesting is important.

🍂 Maintenance and soil preparation

March is an important preparation month:

• Clear beds that have been freed

• Add mature compost to beds intended for demanding crops

• Lightly aerate the soil without deep digging

• Weed early to prevent weeds from establishing

• Monitor slugs and pests as soon as seedlings emerge

A well-prepared soil in March sets the foundation for the entire season.

🍂 Preparing the rest of the season

March turns winter planning into action:

• Finalise crop rotation

• Organise beds for summer crops

• Prepare supports, nets and protective systems

• Adjust sowing quantities to available space

Anticipation prevents last-minute adjustments later in spring.

✅ In summary

In March, the vegetable garden becomes fully active again:

• 🌱 Increased sowing under cover and outdoors

• 🥒 Final winter harvests

• 🍂 Soil preparation and enrichment

• 🍂 Concrete organisation of the growing season

March sets the rhythm of spring: observation, gradual progress and consistency make all the difference.