March marks the beginning of the gardening season for many regions, making it an exciting time to get seeds in the ground. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs, this guide will help you decide what to plant in March based on your growing zone.

Vegetables to Plant in March

March is the perfect month for planting cool-season crops and starting warm-season plants indoors.

Cool-Season Vegetables (Direct Sow in Most Zones)

If your soil is workable, consider planting these vegetables directly in the garden:

• Lettuce – Quick-growing and perfect for early spring.
• Spinach – A hardy green that thrives in cooler temperatures.
• Kale – Great for early planting and can withstand light frosts.
• Swiss Chard – Produces continuously throughout the season.
• Carrots – Plant early for sweet, crisp roots.
• Radishes – Fast-growing and ready for harvest in as little as 3-4 weeks.
• Beets – Tolerates cool soil and grows quickly.
• Peas – One of the best crops to start in March for an early harvest.
• Onions – Plant from sets or seeds now for summer harvest.
• Potatoes – Ideal for planting in early to mid-March in most regions.

Warm-Season Vegetables (Start Indoors in Cooler Zones, Direct Sow in Warm Climates)

• Tomatoes – Start seeds indoors for transplanting in late spring.
• Peppers – Need a long growing season, so start seeds inside.
• Eggplant – Another heat-loving plant that benefits from early indoor starts.
• Basil – Can be started indoors and transplanted when the weather warms.

Flowers to Plant in March

Adding flowers to your garden in March can bring color and attract pollinators.

Hardy Annuals (Direct Sow or Transplant)

• Pansies – Thrive in cooler weather and add early-season color.
• Violas – Similar to pansies, they bloom in early spring.
• Sweet Peas – Perfect for early planting and produce fragrant blooms.
• Calendula – Cold-tolerant and blooms throughout the season.
• Snapdragons – Withstand cool weather and bloom early.
• Larkspur – A beautiful, early-blooming flower ideal for cottage gardens.

Perennials (Plant Now for Years of Blooms)

• Coneflowers – Hardy and great for attracting pollinators.
• Black-Eyed Susans – A classic garden favorite.
• Daylilies – Thrive in many climates and require little maintenance.
• Lavender – Start now for fragrant blooms in summer.

Herbs to Plant in March

Many herbs can be sown now for a flavorful summer harvest.

Cool-Weather Herbs (Direct Sow or Transplant)

• Parsley – Thrives in early spring and is a biennial herb.
• Cilantro – Prefers cooler temperatures before bolting.
• Chives – A hardy perennial herb that regrows year after year.

Warm-Weather Herbs (Start Indoors in Cooler Zones)

• Basil – Needs warmth, so start indoors for best results.
• Oregano – Prefers warmer temperatures but can be started inside.
• Thyme – A versatile herb that can be grown indoors or outdoors.

March Planting by Zone

Your planting schedule will vary based on your USDA growing zone:

Zones 3-5 (Colder Climates)

• Start cool-season crops indoors for transplanting later.
• Direct sow hardy greens like spinach, lettuce, and kale as soon as the soil is workable.

Zones 6-7 (Mild Climates)

• Direct sow root crops, leafy greens, and peas.
• Start warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers indoors.

Zones 8-10 (Warmer Climates, Including California and the South)

• You can direct sow most vegetables, including beans, squash, and cucumbers.
• Warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers can go directly into the garden in frost-free areas.

Final March Gardening Tips

• Check your frost dates – Even if March is warming up, a late frost can damage tender plants.
• Prepare your soil – Add compost and organic matter to enrich the ground.
• Mulch early plantings – This helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Use row covers – Protect early crops from unexpected cold snaps.

March is one of the most exciting times of the gardening season. With the right plant choices, you can set your garden up for success and enjoy fresh vegetables, beautiful blooms, and aromatic herbs all year long.

Ready to start planting? Browse our gardening tools and seeds at The Celtic Farm to get everything you need for a successful spring garden!