March is the perfect time to start planting cool-season crops, flowers, and herbs! As winter fades and the days grow longer, the crisp spring air provides ideal conditions for a variety of plants to thrive.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this guide will help you make the most of your garden this month. From vibrant flowers to fresh herbs and nutrient-packed vegetables, here’s everything you need to know about what to plant in March.
Personally, I cannot wait to get started planting for this gardening season. Some years I start the first crops in December. I use seed trays indoors as well as artificial growing lights and heat mats. In other years I start in either January or February indoors.
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Why March is Ideal for Planting
March marks the transition from winter to spring, offering a unique window of opportunity for gardeners. The soil begins to warm up, and the risk of frost diminishes in many regions, creating the perfect environment for cool-season plants. These plants prefer milder temperatures and can even tolerate a light frost, making them ideal for early spring gardening.
By planting in March, you’ll give your garden a head start, ensuring a bountiful harvest and a colorful display of blooms as the season progresses. Plus, starting seeds indoors can extend your growing season and give you a jump on summer crops.
Cool-Season Flowers: Pansies & Snapdragons
If you’re looking to add a splash of color to your garden, March is the perfect time to plant cool-season flowers like pansies and snapdragons. These hardy blooms thrive in cooler temperatures and can even withstand a light frost, making them a great choice for early spring.
Pansies
Pansies are a gardener’s favorite for their vibrant colors and cheerful appearance. Available in shades of purple, yellow, orange, and blue, these flowers can brighten up any garden bed or container.
They prefer well-drained soil and partial to full sun. Pansies are also low-maintenance, requiring only regular watering and occasional deadheading to encourage continuous blooms.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are another excellent choice for March planting. Known for their tall, spiky blooms and a wide range of colors, they add height and texture to your garden. Snapdragons thrive in cooler weather and prefer full sun to partial shade. They’re also great for cutting gardens, as their flowers last a long time in vases.
Pro Tip: To extend the blooming season, remove spent flowers regularly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Leafy Greens: Lettuce & Spinach
March is the ideal time to plant leafy greens like lettuce and spinach. These fast-growing crops love the cool, crisp air of early spring and can be harvested in just a few weeks.
Lettuce
Lettuce is one of the easiest crops to grow, making it perfect for beginners. With varieties ranging from butterhead to romaine and leaf lettuce, you can enjoy a mix of textures and flavors in your salads. Lettuce prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, especially as the weather warms up. Sow seeds directly into the ground or start them indoors for an early harvest.
Spinach
Spinach is a nutrient-packed green that thrives in cooler temperatures. It’s rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to your diet. Spinach grows quickly and can be harvested as baby leaves or allowed to mature for larger leaves. Plant spinach in well-drained soil and keep it consistently moist for the best results.
Pro Tip: To prevent bolting (when plants go to seed prematurely), choose bolt-resistant varieties and provide shade during warmer afternoons.
Herbs: Parsley, Cilantro & Chives
Fresh herbs can elevate your cooking, and March is the perfect time to plant parsley, cilantro, and chives. These herbs are easy to grow and add fresh flavors to your meals.
Parsley
Parsley is a versatile herb that can be used as a garnish or ingredient in a variety of dishes. It’s rich in vitamins K and C and adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor to your meals. Parsley prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun. It’s a biennial plant, meaning it will grow for two years before going to seed.
Cilantro
Cilantro is a must-have herb for fans of Mexican, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Both the leaves and seeds (coriander) are edible, making it a dual-purpose plant. Cilantro grows best in cooler weather and tends to bolt quickly in heat. Plant it in well-drained soil and provide partial shade to extend its growing season.
Chives
Chives are a member of the onion family and add a mild, onion-like flavor to dishes. They’re easy to grow and can be harvested throughout the season. Chives prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Their purple flowers are also edible and make a beautiful addition to salads.
Pro Tip: Plant herbs in containers or raised beds for easy access and to control their spread.
Root Vegetables: Carrots & Beets
Root vegetables like carrots and beets are excellent choices for March planting. These crops can handle chilly nights and produce a sweet, flavorful harvest.
Carrots
Carrots are a garden staple, known for their sweet, crunchy roots. They come in a variety of colors, including orange, purple, and yellow. Carrots prefer loose, well-drained soil free of rocks or clumps, which can cause them to grow misshapen. Sow seeds directly into the ground and thin seedlings to ensure proper spacing.
Beets
Beets are a dual-purpose crop, as both the roots and greens are edible. They’re rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. Beets prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Plant seeds directly in the ground and keep the soil consistently moist for the best results.
Pro Tip: To improve germination, soak beet seeds in water for a few hours before planting.
Spring Bulbs: Tulips & Daffodils
If you planted tulips and daffodils in the fall, March is when you’ll start to see them bloom. These spring bulbs bring vibrant colors and cheerful blooms to your garden, signaling the arrival of spring.
Tulips
Tulips are known for their bold, cup-shaped flowers and come in a wide range of colors and varieties. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Once planted, tulips require minimal care and will return year after year with proper maintenance.
Daffodils
Daffodils are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, with their bright yellow or white petals and trumpet-shaped centers. They’re easy to grow and thrive in well-drained soil and full sun. Daffodils are also deer-resistant, making them a great choice for gardens in areas with wildlife.
Pro Tip: After blooming, allow the foliage to die back naturally to ensure the bulbs store enough energy for next year’s growth.
Pro Tip: Start Seeds Indoors
For an early jump on the growing season, consider starting seeds indoors in March. This is especially useful for warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, which can’t be planted outside until after the last frost. Use seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix, and place them in a sunny window or under grow lights. Keep the soil moist and transplant seedlings outdoors once the weather warms up.
Final Thoughts
March is a month of renewal and growth, making it the perfect time to get your hands dirty and start planting. Whether you’re growing cool-season flowers, leafy greens, fresh herbs, or root vegetables, your garden will reward you with vibrant colors and delicious harvests. Don’t forget to start seeds indoors for an extended growing season and enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of your labor all year long.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.