March in the Garden
March brings a real lift in pace as days lengthen, buds open and soil begins to warm, although weather can still switch quickly between sunshine, wind, rain and frost. It is the start of the main sowing season for many hardy vegetables. Work with the conditions rather than the calendar: cold, sodden ground will not reward hurried planting, while protected spaces become increasingly useful.
What to sow & plant in March
Sow carrots, parsnips, beetroot, spinach, radish and early peas outdoors in prepared ground, covering vulnerable rows with fleece where needed. Sow lettuces, brassicas and herbs in module trays, and sow tomatoes under glass for planting out later. Plant onion sets, shallots and garlic if not already done. Plant first early potatoes in a sheltered bed once soil has warmed and drained; protect emerging shoots from frost. Direct-sow broad beans, or plant sturdy module-raised plants. Start early salads in a greenhouse or polytunnel for quick harvests.
Garden jobs for March
Rake seedbeds to a fine surface, removing perennial weeds and large stones without overworking wet soil. Prune roses as buds begin to swell, cutting out dead or weak stems and shaping healthy growth. Feed and mulch fruit, rhubarb and asparagus with compost or an appropriate fertiliser. Divide congested herbaceous perennials before rapid growth begins. Protect new shoots and early potatoes with fleece during cold nights. Set up pea sticks, bean supports and netting now, before crops need them, and keep weeding little and often.
Northern England & Scotland
Across northern England and Scotland, March can still be distinctly wintery, with soil warming later and night frosts common. Delay direct sowing until the ground is workable, and use fleece, cloches or a polytunnel to gain a little time. First early potatoes may wait until late March or April. Begin tomatoes under cover, but do not rush tender plants into cool conditions.
Southern England
Milder southern gardens may be ready for first early potatoes, onion sets and several hardy outdoor sowings earlier in the month. Light soils warm particularly quickly, but exposed plots can still suffer late frosts and drying winds. Succession-sow radish, lettuce and peas rather than planting everything at once. Ventilate greenhouses on bright days to prevent soft, overheated growth.
Gardening in March: frequently asked questions
What can I sow or plant in March in the UK?
Sow carrots, parsnips, beetroot, spinach, radish and early peas outdoors in prepared ground, covering vulnerable rows with fleece where needed.
What garden jobs are there in March?
Rake seedbeds to a fine surface, removing perennial weeds and large stones without overworking wet soil.
What is different in northern Britain in March?
Across northern England and Scotland, March can still be distinctly wintery, with soil warming later and night frosts common.
Timing varies with the season and your local conditions; the RHS or a local garden centre can advise. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.