Free expert seed sowing tips
March is one of the most exciting months for gardeners.
According to Peter Burks, Garden Centre Association CEO and trained horticulturalist, who has kindly put these free tips together for us, this is the time when rising light levels and gradually warming temperatures give seeds the perfect conditions to get going.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grower, here’s how to make the most of this busy sowing month and don’t forget to sow some for our Spring Plant Sale too!
- What to sow now
March is ideal for starting a wide range of easy, reliable seeds. Peter recommends the following fuss‑free choices:
- Vegetables: lettuce, spinach, radish, beetroot, carrots, spring onions, peas, broad beans
- Herbs: parsley, coriander, chives, dill
- Flowers: sweet peas, marigolds, calendula, cosmos, sunflowers
These varieties germinate well in cooler UK conditions and are perfect for gardeners of all experience levels.
- Start indoors or under cover
March weather can be unpredictable, so sow tender seeds in a greenhouse, cold frame or on a bright windowsill. Use seed trays or modules filled with fine seed compost. Water the compost first, sow at the recommended depth, and place somewhere with good light but gentle warmth. - Direct sow hardy varieties
Hardier seeds like radish, beetroot, peas, broad beans and hardy annual flowers can be sown directly outdoors. Pick a mild day, clear weeds, rake the soil to a fine tilth, and sow thinly in shallow drills. - Water wisely
Peter advises watering lightly and avoiding over‑saturation. Watering from the bottom helps prevent seed disturbance and reduces the risk of rot. - Label everything
It’s easy to forget what’s what! Label your trays clearly. - Harden off seedlings
Towards the end of the month, start acclimatising indoor‑grown seedlings by placing them outside for a few hours each day.
With Peter’s expert tips, your March sowings will be off to a strong, healthy start and you might also have a few extra seedlings you can pot on for our Spring Plant Sale on May 16 at CommuniBakes. Don’t forget to visit your nearest GCA member garden centre to buy your seeds too. One of our closest is Haskins.
Happy sowing!