March is an exciting time for herb gardeners as it marks the beginning of the growing season. With the spring equinox on the horizon, the days grow longer, and the earth begins to warm, making it the perfect time to sow seeds and plant your first herbs outdoors. Whether you’re working with the cooler, shaded areas in the front yard or the sunny back yard, there’s plenty to do to get your herb garden ready for a fruitful year.

Front Yard (Shaded): Sowing Herbs for Cooler Conditions

The shaded, cooler environment of your front yard is ideal for herbs that prefer these conditions. Herbs like chives, parsley, and mint thrive in pots in these shaded areas, particularly in early spring when temperatures are still cool.

Front Yard (North East, Mostly Shaded)

• Peppermint – Best Time to Plant: Early spring (March-April).
• Parsley – Best Time to Plant: Early spring (March).
• Mint – Best Time to Plant: Early spring (March-April).

Shaded Herb Care Tips:

• Watering: Herbs in shaded areas may require less water than those in full sun. Be mindful of keeping the soil moist but not too wet.
• Spacing: Ensure your pots are not overcrowded. Proper spacing allows each herb enough room to thrive and helps avoid fungal issues caused by poor air circulation.

Back Yard (South West, Sheltered, Sunny)

Your back yard gets the benefit of full sunlight and warmer temperatures, making it the perfect spot for rosemary and thyme, two sun-loving herbs that thrive in these conditions. March is the ideal time to plant these herbs in larger pots to give them plenty of room to grow throughout the season.

Planting Sun-Loving Herbs in Pots:

• Lavender – Best Time to Plant: Early spring (March-April)
• Roses – Best Time to Plant: Late winter or early spring (February-March).
• Rosemary – Best Time to Plant: Early spring (March-April).
• Chives – Best Time to Plant: Early spring (March-April).

Sunny Herb Care Tips:

• Drainage: Make sure your pots have adequate drainage holes, as waterlogged soil can harm sun-loving herbs like rosemary and thyme.
• Pruning: Regularly prune back rosemary and thyme to encourage bushier growth and prevent them from becoming leggy as the season progresses.

Harvesting and Using Early Herbs

Even though March is mainly a planting month, you can still start to harvest small amounts of herbs like chives and parsley. These herbs are hardy enough to produce sprigs early on, especially with the warming weather.

Moon Phase Tips: Maximising Growth with Lunar Energy

March’s moon phases offer perfect opportunities for both planting new herbs and harvesting early growth. By aligning your gardening activities with the lunar cycle, you can take advantage of the moon’s natural energy to support the growth of your herbs.

New Moon (early March): Planting Hardy Varieties

The New Moon is a time of new beginnings and growth, making it the ideal time to plant your first hardy herbs of the season. The moon’s gravitational pull is said to encourage root development, so planting herbs like rosemary, thyme, parsley, and chives during this phase can help them establish strong roots. As you plant, consider setting intentions for your garden, focusing on the abundance and vitality you wish to cultivate throughout the year.

Full Moon (late March): Harvesting and Planning

The Full Moon is a time of manifestation and abundance. In late March, this is the perfect opportunity to harvest early sprigs of chives or parsley. The energy of the Full Moon promotes growth and can be a good time to trim your herbs for stronger, more vigorous development. The Full Moon also offers a chance to reflect on your garden plan, making any final adjustments before the busy spring months ahead.

Conclusion: March is the Beginning of a New Growing Season

March is the month when the excitement of the growing season truly begins. By sowing hardy herbs in shaded areas, planting sun-loving herbs in larger pots, and using the moon phases to guide your gardening activities, you’re setting the stage for a bountiful herb garden. Whether you’re working with shaded spots in the front yard or sunny areas in the back yard, the key to a successful growing season is careful planning and early action.

Blessed be!

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