March is a truly invigorating month for gardeners in the UK, signalling the transition from the quiet dormancy of winter to the lively buzz of spring. With longer daylight hours and gradually warming soil, March offers a prime window to plant a wide variety of flowers that will bring your garden to life throughout spring and summer. Whether you have a cosy city garden, a traditional country plot or a balcony in bloom, knowing what to plant in March helps you capitalise on the season’s fresh energy and potential.
Embracing Spring’s Early Stars
By March, the earliest bulbs are well on their way, but there is still time to plant tulips, daffodils and crocuses if you didn’t get around to it in autumn. These bulbs are reliable and provide a joyful burst of colour in beds, borders or naturalised areas. Planting them now in well-drained soil will ensure strong roots and healthy shoots come spring.
Snowdrops and winter aconites may still be flowering in sheltered spots, and their fading blooms make way for daffodils and primroses to shine. Primroses, with their delicate, pastel flowers, can be planted in March to create charming drifts in shady areas or containers. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil and add a gentle softness to early spring garden scenes.
Sowing Seeds Indoors and Outdoors
March is the perfect time to start sowing seeds for a wide range of hardy annuals and perennials, both indoors and directly outside in milder spots. Sweet peas remain a firm favourite and can be sown indoors or under glass to encourage strong growth before transplanting outside in late spring.
For those with milder microclimates or well-drained soil, hardy annuals like calendula, cornflowers and nasturtiums can be sown directly outdoors in prepared beds. These plants offer a beautiful mix of colours and textures and are known for attracting beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden.
Planting Bare Root and Container Plants
March is a key month for planting bare root roses, shrubs and climbers. These dormant plants establish quickly and adapt well when planted early in the growing season. Shrubs such as lilacs, viburnums and camellias can add structure and seasonal interest with their vibrant blooms and lush foliage.
If space is limited, container planting is an excellent way to introduce colour and life. Winter pansies and violas may be fading now but can be replaced with cheerful primroses, polyanthus or cyclamen. For a splash of fragrance, consider winter-flowering heathers or early-scented bulbs in pots.
Preparing and Enriching Your Soil
Before planting, it’s essential to prepare your soil thoroughly. Clear away any winter debris and weeds, then dig in organic matter such as garden compost or well-rotted manure to boost fertility and drainage. Healthy soil encourages vigorous growth and helps plants withstand summer heat and occasional droughts.
Mulching newly planted areas with natural materials like bark chips or leaf mould helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. This simple step also improves soil texture as the mulch breaks down over time.
Tips for Small and Challenging Spaces
For gardeners with limited space, March is an ideal time to think vertically and creatively. Climbing plants like sweet peas, clematis and honeysuckle can be grown in containers or small borders, adding height and colour without occupying precious ground space.
Window boxes and hanging baskets can be refreshed with early spring favourites such as primroses, violas and dwarf daffodils. Using lightweight, frost-resistant compost and positioning containers where they receive morning sun will help these plants thrive.
Sustainability in March Gardening
Opting for peat-free composts when planting supports UK peatland conservation efforts. Growing flowers from seed not only offers a wider selection but reduces packaging waste and carbon emissions associated with nursery-grown plants.
Planting native species and early-flowering varieties also supports local wildlife by providing essential nectar and pollen sources in the early season. Encourage bees and other pollinators by choosing flowers like primroses and sweet peas.
In Summary
March is a month of awakening and opportunity in the UK garden. From planting cheerful bulbs and sowing seeds to establishing bare root shrubs and refreshing containers, it offers gardeners a wonderful chance to prepare for a vibrant and flourishing growing season. By choosing the right flowers and preparing your soil with care, you can enjoy a garden full of colour, scent and life throughout spring and beyond.
