This month presents an exciting opportunity to sow a variety of vegetables, especially in milder districts where the soil begins to warm up. Here are the key tasks for March:

Undercover Sowing:  If you have a greenhouse or cold frame, sow early varieties of cauliflower, broccoli, and celery. These plants thrive in controlled conditions, ensuring a successful start to the growing season.

Broad Beans: In milder districts, you can directly sow broad beans in the ground, while in colder areas, it’s best to start them undercover for an early crop.

Onions & Leeks: If you haven’t already sown your onions and leeks, now is the time to get them started. These versatile vegetables are an essential addition to any allotment.

Horseradish & Seakale: March is an excellent time to establish new beds for horseradish and seakale. You can plant new specimens or divide old ones to create new patches for growth.

Spinach: For a spring harvest, sow spinach in a sheltered spot or under cloches to protect it from any lingering cold snaps.

Carrots & Potatoes: Towards the end of the month, sow carrots under cloches, and plant early potatoes under cloches for an early harvest.

Fruit: March is the final window for planting new strawberry beds, so be sure to plant them if you haven’t yet.Keep an eye on any fruit trees, especially peaches, apricots, or nectarines, as early frosts can damage blossoms. When frost is forecast, cover these trees with fleece or a similar protective material, but remember to remove it once the frost has lifted.

Greenhouse Care Tasks: For those with heated greenhouses, March is the perfect time to sow tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, melons, and aubergines. Keep seedlings close to the glass to prevent legginess, allowing them to grow sturdy and strong as the days grow longer. If your greenhouse is unheated, be cautious with watering. Excess moisture can lead to fungal problems, so it’s best to water sparingly and allow for proper ventilation on warmer days.