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What Can I Plant in March?

What to Plant in March?

March marks the beginning of the growing season in many regions. It provides the right balance of warmth and moisture that many veggies and flowers need to thrive. As the days become longer and the soil begins to warm, gardeners start to think about what to grow in March.

This transitional month offers a unique window of opportunity for growing veggies and flowers, especially those that can tolerate the cooler temperatures and variable weather conditions in early spring. 

In this article, we’ll see what to grow in March. From veggies to flowers, there are many options you can choose from. Also, we’ll demonstrate how to prepare your garden for the upcoming season.

Table of Contents

Is March Too Early to Plant a Garden?

Is March too early to plant a garden? The answer depends on your location and the types of plants you want to grow. In many regions, it’s quite cold in March. You may take the risk of frost damaging tender seedlings. However, some hardy plants can tolerate cooler temperatures such as peas, spinach, and kale. You can plant these crops as early as March.

Besides, you can sow seeds to plant in March, as this will give you a head start on the growing season. Before doing so, it’s important to check the average last frost date in your area and consider using protective measures like cold frames or plant heaters. With careful planning and attention to the specific needs of your plants, it can be a good time to begin preparing for a successful garden in March.

What to Grow in March?

This month is ideal for sowing various hardy plants that can withstand cooler temperatures and the occasional frost. From vegetables to flowers, there are various seeds to plant in March. In the following parts, we’ll show you a list of what flowers and vegetables to plant in March.

Veggies to Plant in March

Tomato

Planting tomatoes early in March allows them to establish strong root systems before the heat of summer arrives. This is crucial for their health and productivity. Additionally, tomatoes are versatile and nutritious, which makes them a valuable addition to any garden. Finally, starting tomatoes in March gives you a head start on enjoying fresh, homegrown produce. You can use them to make various dishes, from salads and sauces to soups and stews.

Veggies to Plant in March - Tomato

Veggies to Plant in March - Tomato

Carrot

Carrots are a cool-weather crop that can be started in March. You can plant carrots in summer because they can tolerate the cooler temperatures and occasional frosts that are common during this time. They prefer loose, well-draining soil and full sun. They have a relatively short growing season, which means you can harvest carrots in just a few weeks and enjoy fresh, crunchy carrots by late spring or early summer. Finally, they are low-maintenance and perfect for gardeners of all levels.

Veggies to Plant in March - Carrot

Veggies to Plant in March - Carrot

Cucumber

Cucumbers are a refreshing addition to any garden. It’s smart to start cucumber seeds indoors in cooler climates, as you can transplant them outdoors once the weather warms up. Since cucumbers like climbing, you’re recommended to use trellis to establish vertical gardening. Cucumbers have a relatively short growing cycle of 50 to 70 days so this early start ensures a bountiful cucumber harvest by mid-summer. Additionally, you can take advantage of the warming soil and increasing daylight in March. March ensures the optimal conditions cucumbers need to thrive.

Veggies to Plant in March - Cucumber

Veggies to Plant in March - Cucumber

Basil

Basil is a versatile and aromatic herb that can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from classic Italian recipes like pesto and caprese salad to more exotic cuisines. You can grow basil in March, especially in regions where the weather is starting to warm up. It thrives in the mild temperatures and increased daylight hours that March typically offers. This is good for them to germinate and achieve early growth. Additionally, it’s relatively easy to grow and maintain basils. For these reasons, it’s ideal to start sowing basil seeds to plant in March.

Veggies to Plant in March - Basil

Veggies to Plant in March - Basil

Peas

Peas are among the first crops to be planted as the ground thaws. They are an excellent vegetable to plant in March due to their hardiness and preference for cooler temperatures. They thrive in the mild weather of early spring, making March an ideal time to start them outdoors. Peas are relatively easy to grow and can tolerate frost, which means they can be planted directly into the garden without the need for indoor starts. Also, they have a relatively short growing season, so you can achieve a harvest by late spring or early summer. Starting to grow peas in March ensures a bountiful and healthy harvest, while also adding beauty and productivity to your garden.

Veggies to Plant in March - Peas

Veggies to Plant in March - Peas

Lettuce

Lettuce is a fast-growing vegetable that loves cool weather. The cooler weather helps prevent lettuce bolting, which is when the plant goes to seed prematurely, making the leaves bitter. Planting lettuce in March allows them to grow steadily without the stress of extreme heat. Additionally, lettuce has a relatively short growing season, often maturing in just a few weeks, so starting early ensures a bountiful harvest by late spring or early summer. More importantly, March provides the right balance of sunlight and moisture, which are essential for healthy growth. You can grow them in small spaces, even on a windowsill, and offer quick results.

Veggies to Plant in March - Lettuce

Veggies to Plant in March - Lettuce

Chard

It’s a cool-season crop that thrives in mild temperatures, typically between 50-75°F (10-24°C). Planting chard in March allows it to establish strong roots and foliage before the heat of summer, which can cause the plant to bolt (prematurely flower) and become bitter. March planting takes advantage of the cool, moist soil conditions that chard prefers for germination and early growth. Additionally, chard is relatively frost-tolerant, making it well-suited for early spring planting in many regions. By starting in March, you can enjoy a prolonged harvest period, as chard continues to produce tender leaves throughout the spring and into early summer. With proper care, you can even harvest them in the fall.

Veggies to Plant in March - Chard

Veggies to Plant in March - Chard

Pumpkin

It’s suitable for you to grow pumpkins in March because they require a long growing season - typically 75 to 100 days to reach maturity. By starting seeds indoors in March, you can give your pumpkins a head start, especially in regions with shorter growing seasons. This early start ensures that the plants have enough time to develop and produce a bountiful harvest before the first fall frost. Additionally, March provides a good balance of cooler temperatures and increasing daylight, which are conducive to germination and early growth. However, it’s important to note that pumpkins should be started indoors in March to protect them from frost. Once the seedlings are strong and the weather warms up, they can be transplanted outdoors for continued growth.

Veggies to Plant in March - Pumpkin

Veggies to Plant in March - Pumpkin

Flowers to Grow in March

Pansies & Violas

Pansies and violas are hardy and adaptable to early spring conditions. These plants can tolerate cooler temperatures and even light frosts, so they are ideal for the fluctuating weather in March. They thrive in the cool, moist soil conditions prevalent during this time and can provide early spring color, brightening up gardens and borders. Additionally, they are relatively low maintenance, requiring only regular watering and occasional feeding. Their resilience and ability to bloom early make them a reliable choice for adding vibrant hues to the garden in March.

Flowers to Grow in March - Pansies

Flowers to Grow in March - Pansies

Cornflowers

Cornflower is another March plant worth your attention. They are hardy annuals that can tolerate the cooler temperatures and variable weather conditions in early spring. Sowing seeds to plant in March enables them to become established before summer bloom. Additionally, cornflowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, which are conditions that can often be found in March as the soil begins to warm and dry out. Like many other March plants, they require minimal care. Lastly, planting in March ensures a vibrant display of blooms from early summer through to the first frost, adding a splash of color to the garden.

Flowers to Grow in March - Cornflower

Flowers to Grow in March - Cornflower

Marigolds

You can grow marigolds indoors in March. Marigolds are warm-weather plants that thrive in temperatures above 40°F (≈ 4.44°C) and are not frost-tolerant. To get a head start on the growing season, especially in regions with late last frost dates, it’s recommended to start marigold seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost. This timing typically places seed sowing in March, allowing the seedlings to be ready for transplanting outdoors once the soil warms and the danger of frost has passed. By starting indoors, you ensure that your marigolds will be well-established and ready to bloom early in the summer.

Flowers to Grow in March - Marigold

Flowers to Grow in March - Marigold

Petunias

Petunias are sensitive to frost and cold temperatures. In colder regions, you can start seeds indoors in March. Then these plants are ready for transplanting outdoors once the threat of frost has passed. This early start ensures that the petunias have enough time to grow and bloom profusely during the warmer months. Additionally, starting petunias indoors gives you a wider variety of choices and can be more cost-effective.

Flowers to Grow in March - Petunia

Flowers to Grow in March - Petunia

Calendula

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a hardy plant that can tolerate light frost. In colder regions, you can start calendula seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. It’s exactly good to sow seeds in March.

Flowers to Grow in March - Calendula

Flowers to Grow in March - Calendula

This early start ensures that the plants can be well-established and ready to bloom by early summer. Additionally, calendula prefers full sun and well-drained soil, conditions that are often met as the weather warms up in March. By planting calendula in March, you can enjoy its bright, cheerful blooms throughout the growing season.

Cosmos

Growing Cosmos in March well aligns with the optimal conditions for their germination and growth. Cosmos are warm-season annuals that thrive in temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C). By sowing seeds in March, especially in regions with mild climates or after the last frost, the soil begins to warm up. This is likely to provide a suitable environment for germination. Besides, the early season also allows the plants to establish strong roots and develop robust foliage before the heat of summer. Additionally, your plants can take advantage of increasing daylight hours when growing in March.

Flowers to Grow in March - Cosmo

Flowers to Grow in March - Cosmo

Gardening Tips & Advice for March Plants

March marks the transition from winter to spring. It's a crucial month to launch your gardening project for this year. As you've learned what you can plant in March, you’ll learn some gardening tips and advice for growing March plants.

  • Optimal Lighting: In March, plants should receive more light as daylight increases. To start seedlings indoors, ensure they receive 12-16 hours of bright indirect light daily with grow lights or by placing them near south-facing windows. Rotate pots regularly to prevent uneven growth. Adjust light levels as needed to support robust growth and prevent legginess or sunburn.
  • Soil Preparation: Begin by testing your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. Amend the soil with compost or organic matter to improve its structure and fertility. Turn over the soil to aerate it and remove any weeds or debris.
  • Frost Protection: Keep an eye on the weather and be prepared for late frosts as frost can damage tender young plants. To protect sensitive March plants from frost, you can place a plant heater nearby or cover the plants with frost cloths or row covers.
  • Watering: It’s sort of arid in March. You should keep your plants moist, especially during dry spells. Water deeply and less frequently or equipt with a plant humidifier.
  • Pruning and Cleanup: Prune dormant trees, shrubs, weeds, and perennials to remove dead or damaged branches and encourage healthy growth. Clear away fallen leaves and debris to prevent pests and diseases. Start weeding early in March to prevent weeds from becoming established.
  • Mulching: Apply mulch to garden beds to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Be careful not to mulch too early, as it can slow soil warming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, March offers a fantastic opportunity for gardeners to kickstart their growing season. From vibrant flowers like Pansies and Violas to nutritious vegetables such as peas and lettuce, there are various vegetables and flowers to plant in March. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your gardening journey, the 10+ plants we selected can meet your needs. Embrace the season now and let your garden thrive!

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