What to Plant in March: A Nationwide Guide to Kickstart Your Garden
March is the month when gardening truly starts to come alive! Whether you're in a frost-prone northern state or a mild southern climate, there are plenty of hardy vegetables, fruits, and herbs that can be planted now. No matter where you live, this guide will help you get your hands in the dirt and your garden growing!
Cold Climates (Zones 3–6): Cool-Weather Champs
If your ground is starting to thaw but frost is still possible, focus on frost-tolerant crops that thrive in cooler temperatures.
Vegetables:
Peas – One of the best early spring crops, peas can handle frost and thrive in cooler temperatures.
Carrots – Sow seeds directly into the soil for a sweet early summer harvest.
Radishes – Fast-growing and frost-hardy, radishes are a perfect first crop of the season.
Spinach & Lettuce – These greens thrive in cool weather and can handle light frosts.
Onions & Garlic – If you didn’t plant in the fall, early spring is your last chance for a good harvest.
Fruits & Herbs:
Strawberries – Get bare-root plants in the ground for summer berries.
Chives & Parsley – These cold-hardy herbs can withstand frosty nights and come back year after year.
Mild Climates (Zones 7–9): Transitioning to Warm Weather
Gardeners in these zones can start transitioning to warm-weather crops while still enjoying cool-season staples.
Vegetables:
Beets – Great for early spring planting, beets grow well in moderate temperatures.
Cabbage & Broccoli – These brassicas love the mild March temperatures.
Potatoes – Start your potatoes now for a late spring/early summer harvest.
Lettuce, Kale & Swiss Chard – Greens do well before summer heat sets in.
Tomatoes & Peppers (Start Indoors) – While it’s too early to plant outdoors, starting seeds inside now ensures strong plants later.
Fruits & Herbs:
Raspberries & Blackberries – Get your berry bushes in the ground now.
Thyme, Oregano & Cilantro – These herbs enjoy the mild spring temperatures.
Lemon Balm & Mint – Hardy and perfect for spring planting.
Warm & Tropical Climates (Zones 10–12): Time for Heat-Lovers
Gardeners in warm climates can take full advantage of early heat-loving crops.
Vegetables:
Tomatoes & Peppers – March is the perfect time to plant these warm-weather favorites.
Cucumbers – Get them in the ground now for a fast-growing, early summer crop.
Corn – If you have the space, plant corn now to harvest in early summer.
Eggplant & Okra – These crops thrive in the heat and do well when planted now.
Fruits & Herbs:
Melons – Cantaloupe and watermelon love warm soil and longer days.
Basil & Dill – These herbs thrive in warm temperatures and can be harvested throughout the season.
Avocado Trees – If you’ve been thinking about planting an avocado tree, now is a great time!
Container & Indoor Gardening: Anyone Can Grow!
If you're short on space or dealing with unpredictable weather, you can still grow fresh produce!
Lettuce, Spinach & Microgreens – Easy to grow in containers or indoors under grow lights.
Tomatoes & Peppers – Start these in pots to move outside when temperatures warm up.
Herbs (Basil, Cilantro, Thyme, & Mint) – Perfect for windowsills or patio pots.
Final Tips for March Gardening Success:
Check Your Frost Dates – Know when your area’s last frost date is before planting tender crops.
Start Seeds Indoors – Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants need a head start in most climates.
Mulch & Protect Young Plants – Use row covers or mulch to shield plants from unexpected cold snaps.
Water Consistently – As temperatures warm, your plants will need more hydration.
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March is an exciting month for gardeners, no matter where you live! Whether you’re sowing cold-hardy greens up north or starting tomatoes down south, there’s something for everyone to plant right now. What are you growing this March? Let me know in the comments!
