What to sow and plant in March?
Vegetable garden
In March, we sow and plant vegetables that can be harvested in spring and early summer. Gardening work can begin as soon as the soil is prepared for cultivation. In March, we also sow seedlings of tomatoes and other vegetables.
In March, we sow and plant lettuce
Lettuce can be sown at the end of January or February in heated greenhouses, and in February and March in unheated greenhouses. With favorable weather, even the first lettuce seedlings are transplanted in March.
Lettuce is sown outdoors when the soil has a minimum nighttime temperature of 5° C. Along with lettuce, we usually sow radishes, but we can also try arugula or garden cress.
Before sowing lettuce, we can already plant garlic and onions. Beans and peas are also sown early.
The soil is easiest to prepare with the Quick Fork
Before sowing and planting, the soil should be loosened with the Quick Fork. As soon as the soil is dry enough not to stick to shoes and tools, work can begin. The soil is optimally prepared, as it is not turned over with the Quick Fork. Thus, we also preserve the microorganisms that decompose organic substances into nutrients available to plants. In such prepared soil, seeds germinate better and seedlings root more easily.
Soil preparation with the Quick Fork is simple and quick. The spine and arms are less strained, and weeds are greatly reduced. This gardening tool is especially suitable for older gardeners and women.
We also sow and plant early cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, peas, beans, garlic, and onions
Spring garlic is planted in the garden as the first vegetable in spring (February, March) as soon as the soil is suitable for cultivation. We also transplant seedlings of early vegetables (early cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli) into the garden as soon as the weather in March is suitable for the first gardening work.
Peas are sown early in spring. Before sowing, they are soaked overnight in warm water or chamomile tea, which also disinfects the seeds somewhat. We recommend hurrying with the sowing of peas, as they love cold soil. Sow low-growing peas as early as possible in spring (beginning of March) to harvest early.
In March, we also sow tomato seedlings
The sowing of tomato seedlings depends on the location of the garden, as well as elevation and climate. The sowing date should be planned so that the seedlings can be planted in the garden in mid-May, but not earlier. Almost every year, we are surprised by cold snaps in May, which would hinder the development of the seedlings. Tomato seedlings need about 60 to 70 days to develop. So, if you want to plant tomatoes in a greenhouse at the end of April, the sowing of seedlings should take place at the beginning of March.
At the end of February or beginning of March, we also sow the seedlings of peppers and eggplants. These are usually sown in special boxes.
Optimal temperature for good development of seedlings
The temperature in the room should slowly decrease in parallel with the development of the seedling, therefore suitable temperature regulation is important. If the temperature is too high and the seedling is poorly lit, it will grow very quickly. We also say that the seedling “bolts”. If this happens, then the seedlings should be provided with a slightly lower temperature and improved lighting.
Table: Optimal temperature for growing vegetable seedlings by type of vegetable
| Vegetable / optimal temperature | T (°C) | T (°C) | T (°C) |
| Lettuce | 17 | 15 | 10 |
| Early cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower | 23 | 17 | 14 |
| Pepper | 25 | 20 | 17 |
| Eggplant | 25 | 20 | 17 |
| Tomato | 25 | 18 | 15 |
What happens in the greenhouse?
In the greenhouse, tasty vegetables can also be harvested in winter. In winter, lamb’s lettuce, spinach, chard, arugula, spring onions, parsley, and many herbs and spices thrive there.
In January and February, we can already sow the first lettuce, peas, and beans and install additional protection over them. Lettuce should be sown at monthly intervals. Do not over-fertilize the soil, so it does not contain too many harmful nitrates.
What do we plant in a greenhouse and when?
For a faster harvest, lettuce seedlings are planted in mixed cultures with garden cress, arugula, or radish. In March, we grow the first lettuce, radishes, lamb’s lettuce, etc., in the greenhouse. Then we cut arugula, chard, parsley, spring onions, pick the first peas, and other early vegetables.
Raise your own vegetable seedlings in the spring with the help of a greenhouse. Growing vegetables requires a bit more knowledge but is definitely worth a try.