March Planting Guide for Two Small Vegetable Beds

This sheet provides a clear, practical plan for planting two vegetable beds, each measuring 3 ft by 2 ft. It includes what to plant in March, how to prepare the soil, and simple layout suggestions.

1. Preparing the Soil

Steps for Both Beds

• Clear the surface: Remove weeds, old roots, stones, and debris.
• Loosen the soil: Use a hand fork or trowel to gently break up the top 6–8 inches.
• Add organic matter: Mix in 1–2 inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and fertility.
• Level and firm: Lightly pat the soil so it’s even but not compacted.
• Water lightly: Moisten the soil a day before planting so it’s damp but not soggy.

2. What to Plant in March

March is ideal for hardy, cool-season vegetables. These crops tolerate chilly nights and short days.

Suitable Vegetables

• Leafy greens: Lettuce, spinach, rocket
• Roots: Carrots, beetroot, radishes
• Alliums: Spring onions
• Herbs: Parsley, coriander
• Others: Peas, broad beans (if not already started)

3. Bed Layout Plans

Each bed is 3 ft × 2 ft. The layouts below maximise variety and productivity.

Bed 1: Quick Growers & Cut-and-Come-Again Greens

• Front row (1 ft): Radishes (quick harvest) + Spring onions
• Middle row (1 ft): Mixed lettuces (cut-and-come-again)
• Back row (1 ft): Spinach or rocket

Notes:

• Sow radishes every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvest.
• Lettuce and rocket can be harvested leaf-by-leaf.

Bed 2: Roots & Longer Growers

• Front row (1 ft): Beetroot (spaced 4–6 inches apart)
• Middle row (1 ft): Carrots (thin seedlings as they grow)
• Back row (1 ft): Peas (dwarf variety) with a small support frame

Notes:

• Peas benefit from a simple twiggy support.
• Carrots prefer fine, stone-free soil.

4. Planting Tips

• Spacing: Follow seed packet guidance; overcrowding reduces yield.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially for germinating seeds.
• Protection: Use fleece on cold nights to protect young seedlings.
• Succession sowing: Re-sow fast crops like radishes and lettuce for steady harvests.

5. At-a-Glance Planting Chart

Crop	Sow in March	Spacing	Notes
Lettuce	Yes	6–8 in	Harvest outer leaves regularly
Spinach	Yes	6 in	Prefers cool weather
Rocket	Yes	4–6 in	Fast-growing
Radish	Yes	2–3 in	Ready in 4–6 weeks
Spring onions	Yes	1 in	Slow but reliable
Carrots	Yes	Thin to 2–3 in	Needs fine soil
Beetroot	Yes	4–6 in	Harvest young or mature
Peas	Yes	2 in	Provide support

6. Summary

These two compact beds will give you a steady supply of greens, roots, and peas from spring into early summer. With simple soil preparation and regular sowing, you can keep both beds productive and tidy throughout the season.