Damon Mcknight
March is the month to get your hands dirty in the garden and start planting vegetables. In Australia, the combination of warm soil and cooling temperatures in March means that frost-hardy species have a good chance of thriving. Vegetables to plant in March include brassicas such as broccoli, cabbage, Asian greens, and rocket. You can also start planting spinach, as well as quick growers like turnips and radishes, and it's the traditional month to plant garlic in temperate areas. Herbs such as parsley, basil, coriander, rosemary, and thyme will also do well.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegetables to grow | Cabbage, Asian greens, lettuce, rocket, tatsoi, silverbeet, spring onions, spinach, carrots, cauliflower, beans, peas, leeks, radish, cucumber, turnips, beetroot, garlic, broccoli |
| Herbs to grow | Parsley, basil, coriander, rosemary, marjoram, thyme, mint, lemon balm |
| Flowers to grow | Cornflower, calendula, dianthus, pansies, viola, snapdragons, stock, nasturtium, verbena, marigolds |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Herbs: Parsley, basil, coriander, rosemary, and thyme
March is a great time to grow herbs in Australia. Here are some tips for growing parsley, basil, coriander, rosemary, and thyme:
Parsley
Parsley is a versatile herb used in many different cooking styles and cuisines. It grows well both outdoors and indoors, making it a perfect addition to your kitchen. Parsley is an easy plant to start from seed, but germination can be slow and may take up to six weeks. You can speed up germination by soaking the seeds overnight before sowing them. Sow the seeds directly into the garden soil three to four weeks before the last frost, or start them indoors 2.5 to 3 months before the last frost for larger plants at the beginning of the growing season. Parsley grows best in moist, loamy, well-turned soil with good drainage. It thrives in full sun and partial-sun environments and is drought-tolerant.
Basil
Basil is a warm-weather herb that can be grown outdoors, in containers, or on a bright kitchen windowsill. It is typically grown from small starter plants purchased at a nursery or by transplanting seeds started indoors under grow lights. Basil grows best in moderately fertile, moist, and well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers a location that gets 6 to 8 hours of full sun daily but can also perform well in partial sun. To get a head start on the season, start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting outdoors when the soil has warmed to at least 50°F (10°C). Basil seeds should be sown no more than 1/4 inch deep and will germinate within 5 to 7 days. After about 6 weeks, pinch off the center shoot to prevent early flowering.
Coriander
Coriander is easy to grow from seed and can be sown outdoors in the ground or in containers from spring onwards. It grows well in cool, sunny, or lightly shaded spots with free-draining soil. Coriander is widely used in Mexican and Asian cuisine, and both its leaves and seeds can be harvested. If you're growing it primarily for the leaves, consider it a short-term crop and sow small batches every month to provide continual harvests. Coriander has few problems with pests or diseases, but young plants are vulnerable to slugs and snails, especially in damp weather.
Rosemary
Rosemary is an evergreen shrub with aromatic leaves and small flowers that can range in color from white to pale pink, mauve, purple, or blue. It is drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance, although it benefits from annual clipping to keep it compact and bushy. It grows well in warm, sunny locations with light, free-draining soil and is also suitable for containers. It copes well in poor soil and exposed or coastal sites. The most widely grown rosemary is Salvia rosmarinus, which has pale blue flowers and aromatic leaves ideal for culinary use.
Thyme
Thyme is a classic herb that adds flavor to dishes and creates beautiful ground cover in your garden. It grows well in full sun and prefers soil with good drainage and a pH of around 7.0. You can improve drainage by mulching with limestone gravel or builder's sand. Thyme can be grown in the ground or in containers, and it's perfect for planting along walkways to release its aroma when stepped on. It is easy to grow indoors as well, either in a sunny spot or in a hydroponic system. Thyme needs little care except for regular light pruning after the first year to prevent the plant from becoming woody and brittle.
Growing Fig Trees in Containers: An Australian Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Root vegetables: Carrots, beetroot, and turnips
Root vegetables are a great option to grow in March in Australia. Here are some options:
Carrots
Carrots can be planted in autumn, and March is a great time to get them started. Carrots prefer cooler temperatures, so the autumn weather in March is ideal for their growth. Look for carrot varieties that are suitable for your climate and soil type, and make sure to prepare your garden bed with well-drained soil and adequate sunlight.
Beetroot
Beetroot is another root vegetable that thrives in cooler temperatures. They can be planted in March and will grow well throughout the autumn months. Choose a sunny spot in your garden and ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to promote healthy growth. Beetroot is a quick-growing crop, so you can expect to harvest them within a few months.
Turnips
Turnips are often considered an old-fashioned vegetable, but fresh, home-grown turnips can be a delicious addition to your meals. Smaller turnips can be eaten raw, thinly sliced in salads. Turnips are a hardy vegetable that can be planted in March. They prefer cooler weather, so the autumn temperatures in March are ideal for their growth. Make sure they have enough space to grow, as they can be planted quite close together.
When growing root vegetables like carrots, beetroot, and turnips, it's important to ensure that your soil is well-prepared. These vegetables prefer loose, well-drained soil that is free of rocks and other obstructions that may hinder their growth. Mix in some organic matter or compost to improve soil fertility and water retention. Additionally, ensure that your garden bed receives adequate sunlight to promote healthy root development.
How Britain Colonized Australia: A Kid's Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Salad greens: Lettuce, rocket, and silverbeet
Salad greens, including lettuce, rocket, and silverbeet, are great vegetables to grow in March in Australia. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Lettuce
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a reliable summer favourite and can be grown year-round in Australia with minimal care. It is traditionally a cool-season plant, so it's best to plant it in partially shaded spots, especially in areas with hot summers. Prepare the soil about two weeks before planting by mixing in compost, a bit of pelletised manure-based fertiliser, and mulch to a depth of about 5-7cm. Keep the soil pH around 6.5. Lettuce needs frequent watering, especially in hot and windy weather, as it has shallow roots. You can also deliver a half-strength seaweed solution at planting time to encourage robust root growth.
Rocket
Rocket is another salad green that can be grown in March in Australia. Choose a pot at least 300mm wide and position it in full sun or partial shade. Fill the pot with a quality potting mix and sow the seeds. Cover them lightly, water well, and feed weekly with liquid plant food once seedlings appear. Rocket is best harvested when young, so be sure to pick the leaves regularly.
Silverbeet
Silverbeet, also known as Swiss Chard, is a leafy vegetable rich in vitamin K and antioxidants. It grows well in sunny to partially shaded spots with well-drained soil. Silverbeet prefers rich organic soils, so add some fertiliser to help boost nutrients. Sow the seeds directly or use seed trays with seed-raising mix. Water regularly, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to fungal diseases. Harvest silverbeet by taking leaves off at ground level to promote new foliage.
Goat Grazing in Australia: What Do They Eat?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Brassicas: Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower
Brassicas, including broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, can be grown in March in Australia. These vegetables are sisters with different-coloured heads, and their growing conditions and nutritional requirements are similar. They are cool-season vegetables, so they need a sunny position that is protected from strong winds.
When sowing seedlings, leave about 40 cm between each plant. Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower can be a bit picky about their soil, so it is important to prepare their bed about a month in advance. Ensure the soil is well-drained, rich in well-rotted compost and organic matter, and has a pH of 6.5-7. Preparing the bed with the correct soil pH can prevent nutrient-related issues, as will a light application of fertiliser pellets.
Broccoli and cauliflower are not the easiest vegetables to grow, but they are incredibly rewarding and look great. They can be grown from seeds sown 6mm deep in trays or punnets of potting mix. Keep the seedling tray in a sunny, warm spot and keep the soil moist. After 6-10 days, gently remove the seedlings, being careful not to disturb the roots. Dig small holes in the soil and plant the seedlings so that the roots are covered but not the stem, maintaining the same soil level as in the tray. Water well and keep the soil moist.
Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are prone to pests such as snails, slugs, and caterpillars, especially during damp weather. To protect your young plants, use snail and slug bait and consider applying mulch, such as sugarcane or pea straw, to retain moisture and prevent weeds. Feed your brassicas weekly with a seaweed or compost tea, and ensure they are watered deeply and consistently to prevent water stress.
SeaWorld USA: Parent or Sibling to SeaWorld Australia?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Peas, beans, and cucumbers
March is a great time to start growing vegetables in Australia, especially peas, beans, and cucumbers. These vegetables thrive in warmer weather and can be sown towards the end of the month. Here's a guide to help you get started:
Peas
Peas are a delightful addition to any garden and can be grown in various climate zones in Australia. In mild climate zones, encompassing parts of Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania, peas can be sown in late autumn to early winter, around April to June. For colder regions, such as southern Victoria and Tasmania, planting should also occur during this period. However, in most parts of Australia, peas can be sown in autumn and early spring for cooler regions.
To grow peas successfully, prepare the soil by ensuring good drainage and a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and moisture retention. Clear the area of weeds and loosen the soil to a depth of 15-20 cm.
The time it takes for peas to grow depends on the variety, with snow and snap peas typically ready for harvest in about 60 to 70 days, while shelling peas may take a bit longer, around 70 to 80 days. Regularly monitor the development of their pods to determine the best time to harvest for the sweetest and tenderest peas.
Beans
Beans are easy to grow and can produce an abundant harvest. They are climbers, so they are excellent if you have limited space. Provide them with full sun and a support structure like a wire trellis, fence lines, or frames to help them grow upwards. Beans can reach up to 2 meters in height.
When planting beans, place the seeds in damp, not soaking, soil. Avoid overwatering, as beans do not like too much water or fertiliser. Depending on the variety, you can expect to harvest beans between 12 and 14 weeks, or 10 weeks for dwarf varieties. Pick the bean pods when they are young and tender for the best flavour.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers thrive in sunny spots protected from strong winds and require good soil. You can start cucumbers by sowing the seeds in pots or directly into the soil once it's warm enough. If using pots, fill 9cm pots with a seed-raising mix and create a 2.5cm deep hole in the centre. Sow one seed per pot, placing it on edge rather than flat to reduce the risk of rot. Cover with the mix and water well. For direct sowing into the garden, follow the same depth guidelines.
The cucumber growing season varies depending on your location in Australia. In temperate climates, plant cucumbers between September and January, while in the subtropics, the season is between July and March. Harvesting times also differ by region, so adjust accordingly.
Returning to Australia: Application Process Simplified
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Vegetables that can be grown in March in Australia include cabbage, Asian greens, lettuce, rocket, silverbeet, cauliflower, beans, peas, spring onions, leeks, radishes, and cucumbers.
Yes, herbs such as parsley, basil, coriander, rosemary, marjoram, thyme, mint, and lemon balm can be grown in March.
Vegetables like garlic can be planted in March but will not be ready to harvest until 8-9 months later.
![[Upgraded] 4Pcs 15 Gallon Potato Grow Bags with Unique Harvest Window & Visible Window, Non-Woven Planter Pot with Sturdy Handle, Potato Growing Container, Plant Garden Bags to Grow Vegetables, Tomato](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91occYBdQ4L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
