As winter loosens its grip and the first signs of spring emerge, March is the perfect month to kick-start your garden. However knowing what to plant in March—and whether to start seeds indoors or outdoors—depends on your USDA growing zone. In this guide, we’ll break it all down so you can get your hands in the dirt and set your garden up for a thriving season ahead. A simple and direct breakdown for each zone.
Understanding Your Growing Zone
Before diving in, determine your USDA hardiness zone to ensure you’re planting at the right time. Zones range from 1 (the coldest) to 13 (the warmest), with each zone dictating when and what you can plant successfully. You can find your zone here.
What to Plant in March by Zone
Cold Climate Zones 3-5 ( Last Frost Late April-May)
–Start Indoors: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, herbs (basil, parsley, thyme), and annual flowers (marigolds, petunias, snapdragons).
–Direct Sow Outdoors: Spinach, peas, radishes, carrots, lettuce, onions, and hardy herbs like chives.
Moderate Climate Zones 6-7 ( Last Frost Late March-April)
- Start Indoors: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, melons, and herbs.
- Direct Sow Outdoors: Carrots, beets, lettuce, kale, chard, peas, radishes, and onions.
- Perennials to Plant: Strawberries, asparagus, and rhubarb can be planted this month.
Mild/Warm Climate Zones 8-10 ( Last Frost February-March or No Frost)
- Start Indoors: Heat-loving plants like okra, eggplant, and late-season tomatoes.
- Direct Sow Outdoors: Beans, corn, cucumbers, squash, melons, sweet potatoes, and most herbs.
- Flowering Plants: Sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, and nasturtiums can be sown directly for a spring and summer bloom.
Tropical Climate Zones 11-13 ( No Frost, Year-Round Growing)
- Direct Sow Outdoors: Almost everything! March is perfect for planting tropical fruits like bananas, papayas, and citrus trees.
- Vegetables to Plant: Peppers, eggplants, sweet potatoes, beans, and leafy greens.
- Herbs & Flowers: Basil, cilantro, and tropical flowers thrive this time of year, hibiscus being a great example.
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Garden Essentials for March Planting
To give your plants the best start, consider these gardening essentials:
- Seed Starting Trays : MIXC 10 Packs Seed Starter Tray Seed Starter Kit with Humidity Dome – Perfect for indoor germination.
- Grow Lights : Mosthink Grow Lights for Indoor Plants Full Spectrum – Essential for strong, healthy seedlings.
- Compost & Organic Fertilizer : Burpee Bone Meal Fertilizer – Boost soil nutrients for better growth.
- Protective Row Covers : Agfabric Plant Covers Freeze Protection Frost Blankets for Plants – Extend the growing season for early outdoor plantings.
March is an exciting month for gardeners as the growing season kicks into high gear. Whether you’re sowing hardy vegetables outside or starting tender crops indoors, this is the perfect time to prepare for a bountiful harvest. Know your zone, plan accordingly, and get ready to watch your garden flourish!
Happy planting! 🌱🌷
For more gardening tips in March and overall landscaping to-do lists click Here
