Vegetables In March: Best Options For Small Space Gardeners

Close up of a carrot planted in soil.

As the cold winter months start to draw to a close, March is an excellent time to think about your city garden and what options best suit your space. In this article I’m going to look at the best vegetables in March for small space gardeners.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, you can start by doing an assessment of your area and considering the amount of plants you can grow as well as the sunlight available.

You’ll also want to consider the methods you want to use to grow your plants. From container gardening to vertical gardening, there are many options available.

Ready to learn about the best vegetables to grow in March? Keep reading!

Table of Contents

Vegetables in March: What Should You Plant?

Top view of three seed potatoes in a grow bag. Potatoes are one of the best  options for vegetables in March.
Potatoes are one of the best vegetables to grow in March…

Below is my list of the best vegetables to plant in March so you can move towards building a self-sufficient life.

1. Potatoes (First Earlies)

March provides optimal conditions for early potatoes, as the soil begins to warm up and the risk of frost diminishes.

Potatoes are a good option for those operating in small spaces. You can plant them in grow bags, which are extremely convenient for balconies, backyards and other outdoor spaces.

By planting early in the season, you can take advantage of the longer daylight hours and cooler temperatures. First earlies, such as varieties like ‘Swift’ or ‘Rocket’, have a shorter growing period and tend to maturing in around 10 to 12 weeks, making them perfect for planting in March for a summer harvest.

2. Carrots

Carrots are a resilient and versatile root vegetable that thrive in well-drained, loose soil, making them good for different garden setups and adaptable to a variety of climates.

Growing carrots in March allows you to maximise yield before the onset of hotter summer temperatures, which creates good growing conditions for carrots.

Another benefits is that carrots don’t require much vertical space for growing so they can grow successfully in different container types. You can also increase your yield by growing baby carrot varieties.

3. Broccoli

Broccoli plants appreciate the cooler weather, which helps to prevent premature bolting and ensures the development of large, tight heads.

Starting broccoli from seeds or transplants in March allows ample time for the plants to establish themselves before the heat of summer arrives, providing a longer growing season and maximising harvest potential.

Unlike sprawling plants, such as squash or melons, broccoli plants grow upright, making the most of vertical space efficiently.

4. Celery

By starting celery seeds indoors in March, you can give them a head start before transplanting them into the garden once the weather warms up.

This early start allows the celery plants to establish strong root systems, which works well for their later growth and development.

And, growing celery from seeds in March provides ample time for the plants to mature before the hotter summer months, as celery prefers mild temperatures and consistent moisture.

5. Spinach

Spinach is an excellent choice for small spaces because it has a compact growth habit and doesn’t require much space between plants, making it ideal for container gardening.

And, spinach grows relatively quickly, especially in the cooler temperatures of early spring, making it well-suited for short growing seasons or small spaces where longer-maturing crops might not be feasible.

7. Beet

Beets are compact and versatile root vegetables and work well in limited spaces, offering a range of varieties, such as traditional and heirloom types.

March is a good time to plant beets because of cooler temperatures, and planting them in early spring allows them to establish strong root systems before the onset of warmer weather.

Also, beets are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike.

8. Leeks

Starting leeks from seeds or transplants in March means they have ample time to establish themselves before the warmer months arrive.

With their mild, onion-like flavour, leeks are a fantastic addition to soups, stews, and other savoury dishes, making them a good choice to plant in March!

Best Vegetables in March: Final Thoughts

March is a great opportunity for city gardeners to cultivate a variety of vegetables. The transition from winter to spring offers optimal conditions for these vegetables to thrive, with milder temperatures and increased sunlight promoting robust growth.

Each of these vegetables bring unique advantages to your garden, from the compact versatility of carrots and potatoes to the vertical growth habit of celery and spinach.

By starting these vegetables in early spring, gardeners can take set the stage for a successful growing season!

Hannah

Hannah is a journalist based in London who is passionate about self-sufficient living and loves exploring how to live independently in urban spaces. When she’s not planting on her balcony and small garden (and working out how to best shield her crops from the erratic UK weather) you can find her exploring the wild outdoors in the home counties or Cornwall.

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