March is when sowing really gets going.

With longer days and rising temperatures, a wide range of seeds can be started indoors, in a greenhouse, or directly into modules. Hardy annuals such as calendula, cornflower, nigella and marigold thrive when sown now, giving you strong plants ready for planting out in late spring.

Vegetables such as beetroot, carrots, peas, spinach, lettuce and early brassicas all benefit from a March start. Indoors, you can continue sowing tomatoes, chillies, aubergines and tender herbs for planting out once the weather warms. March is the perfect month to fill trays, modules and windowsills with new growth and set your garden up for a productive season.