March is a time of transition—when frosty mornings give way to softer sunlight, signaling the perfect moment to kickstart your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a first-timer, starting seeds indoors (or sowing outdoors) this month ensures a vibrant, productive growing season.
Below, we’ve curated a list of top seeds to plant in March, tailored to Interior BC’s unique climate, along with tips to help your garden thrive.
Top Seeds to Start Indoors in March
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Echinacea
This hardy perennial is a pollinator favorite, boasting striking purple blooms. Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost (typically mid-May in Interior BC). Use a seed tray with well-draining soil, and keep it under grow lights or in a sunny window. Echinacea can take 2–3 weeks to germinate, so patience is key! -
Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are versatile—they’re edible, pest-repellent, and thrive in poor soil. While they can be direct-sown later, starting seeds indoors in March gives them a head start. Sow in peat pots to avoid disturbing roots during transplanting. Their vibrant flowers will brighten containers or garden beds by early summer. -
Rhubarb
Though often grown from crowns, rhubarb can be started from seed indoors. Soak seeds overnight to improve germination, then plant in deep pots (they develop long taproots). Note: Rhubarb grown from seed takes longer to mature, so this is a project for patient gardeners!
Seeds to Sow Outdoors (When Soil is Workable)
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Broad Bean
A cool-season crop, broad beans tolerate chilly spring soils. In milder parts of Interior BC, sow seeds directly in March, 2 inches deep and 8 inches apart. For colder zones, start them indoors and transplant after hardening off. They’ll reward you with hearty harvests by early summer. -
Calendula
These cheerful, medicinal flowers are frost-tolerant and easy to grow. Scatter seeds directly in well-draining soil or start indoors for earlier blooms. Calendula attracts beneficial insects, making it a great companion plant for veggies. -
Cilantro
As soon as the soil can be worked (late March to early April in Interior BC), scatter seeds ¼ inch deep in full sun or partial shade. Keep the soil moist, and thin seedlings to 6 inches apart. For continuous harvests, sow new batches every 2–3 weeks until summer heat arrives. Bonus: Let some plants bolt to collect coriander seeds later!
Pro Tips for March Gardening Success
- Know Your Frost Dates: Interior BC’s average last frost falls around mid-May. Count backward to schedule seed starting. Check Regional Planting Charts for your area.
- Light Matters: Seedlings need 12–16 hours of light daily. Use grow lights if natural sunlight is limited.
- Hardening Off: Gradually acclimate indoor-started plants to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days before transplanting.
- Soil Prep: Outdoors, wait until soil crumbles (not clumps) when squeezed before sowing. Mix in compost for nutrients.
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Water Wisely: Keep soil moist but not soggy. Overwatering is a common cause of seedling failure.
Why Start Now?
March planting helps give plants time to mature before fall frosts. Starting early also extends your harvest window for crops like broad beans and ensures perennials like echinacea establish strong roots.
Final Thoughts
Gardening in March is an act of optimism—a promise of warmer days ahead. By focusing on these resilient, beginner-friendly seeds, you’ll set the stage for a garden that’s as productive as it is beautiful.
Don’t forget to visit us in-store for help and specific advice, remember embrace the learning process. Happy planting!