Omari Gates
March is the month to get your garden in order. In Australia, the combination of warm soil and cooling temperatures means plants that go in now are likely to thrive. It's time to get planting, but what to grow? Well, there are plenty of options. If you're thinking of vegetables, why not try cabbage, Asian greens, lettuce, rocket, tatsoi, silverbeet, cauliflower, beans, peas, spring onions, leeks, radish or cucumber? Or maybe you're more interested in herbs? Go for parsley, basil, coriander, rosemary, marjoram and thyme. And don't forget the flowers! Marigolds, sunflowers, pansies, cornflowers, violas, snapdragons, stock, verbena and lavender will brighten up your garden and attract beneficial insects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegetables | Cabbage, Asian greens, lettuce, rocket, tatsoi, silverbeet, spring onions, spinach, carrots, cauliflower, beans, peas, leeks, radish, cucumber, broccoli, onion, turnip, parsnip, beetroot |
| Herbs | Parsley, basil, coriander, rosemary, marjoram, thyme, mint, lemon balm, chervil, chicory, fennel, garlic bulbs, lavender, oregano, rocket, sage, sorrel, winter tarragon, yarrow |
| Flowers | Cornflower, calendula, dianthus, pansies, viola, snapdragons, stock, nasturtium, verbena, marigolds, sunflowers, lavender |
| Fertiliser | Seaweed tea, low environmental impact liquid fertiliser |
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What You'll Learn
Vegetables: cabbage, lettuce, rocket, silverbeet, cucumber, etc
Cabbage
Cabbage is suitable for all climatic zones and can be planted year-round, depending on the variety. It grows fairly quickly and can be used in salads, stir-fries, or fermented dishes. To grow cabbage, fill starter pots or trays with a seed-raising mix, sow seeds, lightly firm them down, and keep them moist. Feed the seedlings weekly with liquid plant food. Allow them to grow to about 7 cm before transplanting them into a prepared area, spacing them at least 30-40 cm apart. For container gardens, choose non-hearting Asian varieties such as Wombok or Buk Choy, and grow them in 600 mm troughs without overcrowding.
Lettuce
Lettuce is a reliable summer crop that can be grown year-round in Australia, with minimal care. It is a cool-season plant that prefers to be planted in partially shaded spots, especially in areas with hot summers. Lettuce is available as seedlings or seeds, and you can sprinkle seeds at any time of year. It grows quickly and needs well-drained soil with organic matter, regular watering, and mulch. Feed your lettuce fortnightly with a manure/compost tea and a seaweed solution to encourage robust root growth.
Rocket
Rocket is a leafy vegetable that can be grown in a pot or garden bed with full sun or partial shade. Choose a pot at least 300 mm wide and fill it with a quality potting mix. Sow the seeds, cover them lightly, and water well. Feed the seedlings weekly with liquid plant food and water regularly to keep the soil moist. Harvest rocket regularly, especially when the seedlings are young, to avoid bitterness.
Silverbeet
Silverbeet, or Swiss chard, is a cool-climate plant that grows well in warmer zones. It is grown for its leaves and stems, and seeds can be sown almost all year round in warm northern areas. Direct sow the seeds where they will grow, with rows about 500 mm apart, and thin the plants to about 250 mm between plants to allow for mature growth. Silverbeet has large roots that store plenty of carbohydrates, allowing for multiple leaf harvests without detriment to the plant.
Cucumber
Cucumbers can be grown in Australia by sowing seeds in pots or directly into the soil once it is warm enough. They need a sunny spot protected from strong winds and good soil. Sow seeds 2.5 cm deep, either individually in pots or directly into the garden when conditions are optimal. The cucumber-growing season varies depending on your location and temperature, so adjust your planting time accordingly.
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Herbs: parsley, basil, coriander, rosemary, etc
Parsley, basil, coriander, and rosemary are all herbs that can be grown in March in Australia. Here are some tips for growing each of these herbs:
Parsley
Parsley is a versatile herb that can be grown both outdoors and indoors, making it a perfect addition to any kitchen. It is closely related to dill, carrots, and celery. There are two main types of parsley: flat-leaf (Neapolitanum) and curly leaf (P. Crispum). Flat-leaf parsley is often preferred by cooks for its more vibrant flavor and ease of chopping, but curly parsley can provide an eye-catching, edible display in a garden. Parsley seeds can be sown directly into garden soil three to four weeks before the last frost, or started indoors about 2-3 months before the last frost to get a head start. Parsley grows best in moist, loamy, well-turned soil with good drainage. It does well in both full-sun and partial-sun environments. If growing parsley indoors, place it near a sunny window. Parsley is relatively drought-tolerant and adaptable. To give your plants a boost, feed them liquid fertilizer every few weeks or provide extra nutrients with enriched potting mix or compost.
Basil
Basil is a warm-weather herb that can be grown outdoors once temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C). It grows well in containers or raised beds, which allow for better drainage. The soil should be moderately fertile, moist, and well-draining, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). Basil prefers full sun but can also perform well in partial sun. To get a jump on the season, start basil seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outdoors. If planting outdoors, wait until the nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C). Basil seeds should be sown no more than 1/4 inch deep and will germinate within 5-7 days. Transplant the seedlings when they have developed 2-3 pairs of true leaves, spacing them about 10-12 inches apart. A 2-3 inch mulch of compost or ground-up leaves will help retain soil moisture and minimize weeds. Basil plants like moisture, so if you live in a hot area, use mulch to help hold in moisture and suppress weeds. After about 6 weeks, pinch off the center shoot to prevent early flowering. If flowers do appear, cut them off. Harvest basil before a sudden frost, as cold temperatures will destroy the plants.
Coriander
Coriander is a short-lived plant that will go to flower after about two months. To ensure a continual supply, successive planting every two weeks is recommended. Coriander is easy to germinate; simply scatter seeds over prepared ground, cover with seed-raising mix, and keep moist. Coriander is better planted at 10 cm intervals, and it will take about five to six weeks before you can start to harvest. Coriander loves full sun but will bolt in hot weather, so consider planting it in a slightly shaded spot or in pots that can be moved to a cooler location if needed. Prepare the soil with a fertilizer that has a high nitrogen ratio to promote leaf growth. Once the seedlings have four true leaves, feed them twice a week with a half-strength high nitrogen liquid fertilizer.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a hardy herb that can be grown in a variety of climates, including Australia. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
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Root vegetables: carrots, beetroot, parsnips, turnips, radishes
Root vegetables to grow in March in Australia
Carrots
Carrots are best planted from seed rather than seedlings as they don't transplant well. Make a trench about 2 cm deep and as long as you like. Then, tap the seeds out of the packet along the row. Fill the trench halfway with a soil/sand mix or a shop-bought seed-raising mix. Lightly press on the covering mix to ensure contact with the soil and seed. Water it gently so you don't blast the seeds out of the ground. Keep the bed damp until your carrots pop through, which should take about 2–3 weeks. Once the seedlings are 5 cm high, thin them out to about 6–8 cm between each carrot plant. This will give them the space they need to grow. Carrots can be grown in pots, which is ideal for small "golf ball" or baby carrots.
Beetroot
Beetroots are not fussy about their position and will tolerate full sun to part shade. They do well in dappled light under a deep-rooted tree and in containers, especially polystyrene fruit boxes. Like most root vegetables, beetroots need rich, well-drained soil full of organic matter like compost and manure. Beetroots are best planted from seed, and these seeds benefit from a soak in water overnight. Make a 2 cm deep trench and place the seeds about 2 cm apart. Cover them lightly with a seed-raising mix or fluffy compost. Keep the area damp, and in about two weeks your baby beets will appear. Thin them out so that there are around 6–8 cm between each beet plant. Water them deeply and keep the soil around emerging seedlings damp to prevent the beets from going woody. Harvest when the beetroot crown is visible above the soil surface, which usually takes about ten weeks.
Parsnips
Parsnips are best grown from seeds planted directly into your garden. They grow in most climates in Australia, and cold weather at the time of harvest will give you a sweeter crop. They will grow in poor soil and do not need fertiliser; excess nutrients can cause their roots to fork and deform. Parsnips will happily follow hungry crops like brassicas or tomatoes. Sow the seeds 3 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart. Keep the soil moist but not soggy while the seeds germinate, which will take 2–4 weeks. Seedlings can be thinned to allow 5–10 cm between parsnips about four weeks after germination. Parsnips can be interplanted with quick-growing crops like radishes.
Radishes
Radishes can be grown all year in all regions of Australia. Different types of radishes are best suited to being planted at particular times. French radishes are most common and ideal for spring and autumn, while European radishes are larger and better suited to late summer, autumn, and winter. Plant your radishes using seeds, as they don't transplant well. You can harvest your radishes in as little as 20 to 70 days, depending on the variety. It's important to harvest them as soon as they are ready because if left too long, they can become woody and tough.
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Flowering plants: cornflower, calendula, marigolds, sunflowers, etc
March is a great time to grow flowering plants in Australia. Here are some tips for growing cornflowers, calendula, marigolds, and sunflowers during this month:
Cornflowers
Cornflowers are easy to grow and are perfect for beginner gardeners. They can be grown all year round, but it is best to avoid sowing seeds and transplanting during hot or cold weather. March to April and August to September are ideal for sowing cornflower seeds. Cornflowers thrive with 4-6 hours of sunlight daily and can grow up to 90 cm tall. They are usually planted at the rear of a garden bed to avoid blocking other plants, but they also look great when crowded together, creating a mass of colour. Cornflowers are best grown from seeds, propagated easily in seedling trays or small pots. It takes 7-14 days for germination, which is optimal when soil temperatures are between 15-18 degrees Celsius. You can also purchase cornflower seedlings from a nursery if you prefer. Once they have their first true leaves and are 5-10 cm tall, they are ready to be transplanted. Add compost, manure, and an organic slow-release fertiliser to the transplanting area, and be sure to water them thoroughly. Cornflowers should flower within 70-80 days, depending on the weather. To extend their flowering season, cut old flowers just above the sets of leaves. If you live in a windy area, staking your cornflowers may be necessary to prevent them from falling over.
Calendula
Calendula, also known as 'pot marigolds,' add a splash of warm colour to your winter garden with their apricot, yellow, and orange blooms. They typically grow to around 40-45 cm in height. Choose a sunny spot in your garden and prepare the planting area by digging in some soil improver and plant fertiliser. Use starter pots or trays with seed-raising mix, sow the seeds, cover them, and water well. Keep the soil moist during the germination period. Alternatively, you can sow the seeds directly into the ground where they will grow. Calendula seedlings will be ready for transplanting once they reach approximately 5-7 cm in height. Feed your calendula plants every 1-2 weeks with liquid plant food to promote healthy growth and abundant flowers. Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms. The flowers and petals can be used as edible garnishes or to add colour to salads, but do not consume the leaves as they are poisonous. To protect young seedlings from snails and slugs, use snail and slug pellets.
Marigolds
Marigolds are not native to Australia but have become a popular garden addition due to their vibrant colours and ability to deter pests. They are known for their tolerance of poor soils and dry conditions, making them ideal for tropical climates. Marigolds thrive in well-drained soil that is high in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with sand or compost. You can improve drainage by growing them on raised beds or mounds. The best time to plant marigolds in Australia is spring or early summer, allowing them to establish themselves before the hot summer sun. Avoid planting outdoors until the danger of frost has passed, as marigolds are not frost-tolerant. Marigolds thrive in full sun and can be grown directly in the ground or started in pots for later transplantation. You can grow them from seeds or transplants. If starting with seeds, plant them indoors about 6-8 weeks before the expected last frost date. Harden off your marigolds by slowly acclimating them to the outdoors. Place them in a sheltered outdoor spot for a few hours each day.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are easy to grow from seed, which can be sown directly into the ground or into a pot. In tropical and subtropical areas of Australia, sow the seeds during spring, summer, and autumn. In temperate regions, sow from late winter to early summer, and in cool areas, sow from spring to early summer. Sunflowers require full sun (at least six hours of sunshine daily) and good drainage. Enrich the soil with a soil improver and plant fertiliser before sowing the seeds 10-12 mm deep. For tall varieties, space the seeds 50-60 cm apart, and for smaller varieties, allow 30 cm. Keep the soil moist, and protect the seedlings from snails and slugs. Compact sunflowers are ideal for pots, especially those with a diameter of at least 30 cm. Choose a well-drained pot and fill it with a quality potting mix. Space the seeds evenly, firm them down, and water gently. For tall-growing varieties, select a position protected from strong winds.
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Fruits: melons, tomatoes, pumpkins, etc
In Australia, March is a great time to start growing fruits like melons, tomatoes, and pumpkins.
For melons, rock melons, and watermelons, the hot days of March in Victoria and Adelaide are ideal. You can also try planting them in late summer to take advantage of the dry heat. Be sure to give them a deep watering in the morning and maintain this on very hot days.
Tomatoes are a good crop to start in March, particularly in the subtropics. Truss and field tomatoes are a good buy at $5 to $6 a kilo. Romas, the sauce tomato of choice, are grown outside and suffer in the heat, so you may want to avoid these. If you are growing tomatoes, be sure to stake them.
Pumpkins are coming to the end of their picking season in March, but butternut, jap, and Queensland blue varieties are still cheap at $2 to $3 a kilo.
Other fruits and vegetables that can be grown in March in Australia include zucchinis, cucumbers, eggplants, and capsicums.
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Frequently asked questions
Vegetables that can be grown in March include cabbage, Asian greens, lettuce, rocket, silverbeet, cauliflower, beans, peas, spring onions, leeks, radish, cucumber, spinach, carrots, beetroot, turnip, parsnips, and onion.
Herbs that can be grown in March include parsley, basil, coriander, rosemary, marjoram, thyme, mint, and lemon balm.
Flowers that can be grown in March include cornflower, calendula, dianthus, pansies, viola, snapdragons, stock, nasturtium, verbena, marigolds, sunflowers, and lavender.
March is a great time to weed and mulch your garden. It is also a good time to prepare your potato beds.
