Which vegetables should I plant in March?

March: 4 weeks to plant your vegetables

Here is a selection of the nine main vegetables to plant in March. It is important to keep in mind that lists like the one proposed below are purely informative and that the environment (climate, hygrometry, etc.) should always to be taken into consideration for any type of for garden work. The amateur gardener must therefore show awareness and common sense to avoid failure and prepare his garden before planting.

To plant in the first half of March

Garlic

Garlic is grown from pods that are also called cloves. To properly plant it, you must:

• Space the rows 30 cm apart;

• Push the pods into the soil, taking care to cover them well with soil. The tip should barely emerge from the surface;

• Space the pods 10 to 15 cm apart

Asparagus

Asparagus is not overly demanding: it can planted in all climates and in all types of soil, but it is at risk from excess moisture. This vegetable is however greedy when it comes to space it requires: 10 m² of land is needed to harvest 5 kg of asparagus per season. 
Asparagus plants should not be removed at the end of each season. It can be left in place and remain productive for up to ten years. To be properly plant, you need to:

• Dig trenches 15 to 25 cm deep, depending on the nature of the soil;

• Space each trench  apart by 120 to 180 cm;

• Space the plants apart from one another by 40-60 cm;

• Spread out the crowns (roots) at the bottom of the trench;

• Cover the crowns with dirt.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower needs a very fertile soil and a very consistent moisture supply to prosper.

A substantial amount of compost should therefore be anticipated. When it comes to planting, selecting the more progressive plants and eliminating the so called "hidden" plants is highly recommended.  Hidden plants that still have their head concealed within their core. To accomplish this, a simple visual verification is largely enough. 
For a successful planting, it's important to:

• Trace out rows around 60 to 80 cm long;

• Transplant the plants when they acquire 3-4 leaves;

• Space the plants out about 10 to 12 cm.

Shallots

Shallots is the least difficult of the bulb family to grow. To ensure that you can conserve a good amount after the harvest, you must assure that the previously spread compost did not contain any organic manure. The planting method is the same to that of the garlic, described above. When planting in wet soil, a board should be used, set about 5 to 10 cm high. This prevents thes excess humidity from rotting of the bulb.

Planting in dry ground is carried out flat. During the plant's growth, the soil can sometimes become excessively moist due to a variety of factors (rain, excessive watering, etc.). When this happens, the plants must be removed. Each of shallot plant will produce between 5 and 12 bulbs.

Lettuce

The planting of lettuce requires soil that is sufficiently rich in humus (between 3% and 5% minimum). There are several varieties of lettuce which are all different and must therefore be adapted to the planting season. For an anticipated planting in March, we would favor the following varieties, among others: butter, May queen, spring mesclun, divina or carlane varieties. 
For proper planting, here are three wise tips:

• Plant fragile plants with as little intervention as possible;

• Trim any plants that are a little wilted before planting. In other words, simply remove the upper parts of the leaves;

• Be careful not to bury the collar.

Onion

The method for planting onions is similar to that of shallots and garlic. To plant, you must:

• Trace rows according to available space, spacing them anywhere from 20 to 25 cm;

• Drivce the plant 4 cm deep;

• Leave 10 cm of space between the bulbs.

To plant in the second half of March

Cabbage

Cabbage generally enjoys cool, rainy climates. They are planted in deep, fertile soil. When the plant reaches the point where it has 6-8 leaves, it is time to plant it. The plants that have visibles bud are preferred. 
Before planting, it is advisable to praline the plant, or in other words to plunge it into a specific clay mixture prepared especially for the garden. This technique helps to promote the re-activation of plant growth and ensure proper rooting. 
After planting, it's important to remember to:

• Place the plant in the shade with an overturned crate;

• Water generously;

• Mulch all around the plant.

Potato

Cultivating potatoes is easy. They are ideal for planting in clearings after deforestation operations. To plant, you need to:

• Trace rows that are spaced 45 cm apart;

• Dig holes using a bulb planter or hoe;

• Place the bulb in the hole, 1 or 2 cm below the surface of the ground;

• Leave about 35 cm space in between each bulb;

• Do not pack the earth;

• Protect the plants with a row cover or tunnel.

More information

It's that time of year again! If you are looking for more information on obtaining the perfect garden, follow the links below for gardening-related accessories, advice from our editors and more helpful guides:

• How to weed your garden?
• How to choose your weeding tools?
• How to choose your tools for working the soil?
• How to choose and maintain your tool handles?
• How to choose your lawnmower?
• How to choose your tiller or cultivator?
• How to choose your cultivator?
• How to choose your fertilizer?
• How to choose your compost?
• How to choose your mulch?
• How to choose your weed killer?
• When to prepare your seedlings?
• When to plant a tree?
• How to choose your soil?
• How to prepare your soil for a kitchen garden?
• How to choose your planters?
• How to choose your greenhouse?
• How to choose your watering can or sprinkler?

And for month by month guides:

• What to plant or sow in March?
• What flowers should I plant in March?
• Which vegetables should I plant in March?
• Which vegetables should I plant in April?
• What flowers should I plant in April?
• Which vegetables should I plant in May?
• What flowers should I plant in May?
• Which vegetables should I plant in June?
• What flowers should I plant in June?
• What should I sow or plant in my garden in July?
• What should I sow or plant in my garden in August?
• What should I sow or plant in my garden in September?