Let’s march into March with confidence unshaken by the chills of the winter. This month is excellent for planting because the soil begins to warm up, promoting seed germination.
Plants benefit from the increasing daylight and mild temperatures, supporting healthy growth. We’ve made your gardening easier by helping you figure out which plants to grow in March.
Peas
Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
Scientific Name | Pisum sativum |
USDA Zone | 3-11 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | Optional |
Size | Height: 18-30 inches |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 55-70°F (13-21°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent watering |
March is considered the optimal time to sow or plant peas due to the plant’s specific requirements and growth patterns. By sowing or planting in March, you take advantage of the last chilly days before the warmer spring weather sets in.
Sowing indoors or in a greenhouse during March allows you to provide a controlled environment, protecting the seeds from any lingering frost. Transplanting outdoors is also feasible in March, especially in regions with milder climates.
Beets
Ease of Growing | Moderate ●●○○○ |
Scientific Name | Beta vulgaris |
USDA Zone | 2-10 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | No |
Size | Height: 8-12 inches |
Light | Full sun to partial shade |
Soil | Well-drained, loose soil |
Ideal Temperature | 50-75°F (10-24°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent watering |
March is ideal for beets because the soil is starting to warm up, which helps seeds germinate. Beets prefer cool weather, and March provides the right balance for their growth.
Planting in March allows beets to establish roots before the warmer months, ensuring a better harvest. The moderate temperatures in March create favorable conditions for beets to thrive without the stress of extreme heat.
Carrots
Ease of Growing | Moderate ●●○○○ |
Scientific Name | Daucus carota |
USDA Zone | 3-10 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | No |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | No |
Size | Height: 12-24 inches |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Loose, well-drained soil |
Ideal Temperature | 60-75°F (15-24°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent watering |
Unlike some vegetables, carrots are typically not started indoors or in a greenhouse. Directly planting them outdoors in March is suitable, as carrots prefer to grow in the location where they will mature.
The full sun exposure during March benefits carrot growth, and the increasing daylight hours support their development. March’s ideal temperature range promotes growth, balancing the cooler conditions preferred by carrots and the warming trend of spring.
Peppers
Ease of Growing | Moderate to Difficult ●●●●○ |
Scientific Name | Capsicum annuum |
USDA Zone | 9-11 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | No |
Size | Height: 18-36 inches |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 70-80°F (21-27°C) |
Watering | Moderate, avoid waterlogged |
March is perfect for peppers because it offers warm temperatures for germination and early growth. Peppers need a longer growing season, and starting in March ensures they have ample time before harvest.
Planting in March allows peppers to establish sturdy roots before the hotter months. The mild weather of March creates an optimal environment for pepper plants without the risk of extreme heat.
Potatoes
Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
Scientific Name | Solanum tuberosum |
USDA Zone | 3-10 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes, for seed potatoes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | No |
Size | Height: 18-24 inches |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-drained, loose soil |
Ideal Temperature | 60-70°F (15-21°C) |
Watering | Moderate, avoid waterlogged |
March is a great time to sow or plant potatoes, plus their ease of growing makes them popular garden residents for homeowners. While potatoes are typically grown from seed potatoes, starting them indoors or in a greenhouse is optional.
March provides favorable conditions for direct planting outdoors. Potatoes thrive in full sun, and the increasing daylight hours during March support their growth.
Tomatoes
Ease of Growing | Moderate ●●○○○ |
Scientific Name | Solanum lycopersicum |
USDA Zone | 2-11 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | No |
Size | Height: 24-48 inches |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 70-85°F (21-29°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent watering |
Tomatoes are typically sown and grown as annuals in warm regions, and March is a great time for starting them indoors or in a greenhouse. This allows for controlled conditions, optimizing germination and early growth.
Transplanting outdoors is also ideal in March, especially in regions with milder climates. Full sun exposure is crucial for tomatoes, making March an ideal time as the days lengthen and sunlight becomes more prolonged and abundant.
Onions
Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
Scientific Name | Allium cepa |
USDA Zone | 3-10 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | No |
Size | Height: 12-24 inches |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 55-75°F (13-24°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent watering |
March is an ideal time for onions as the cool temperatures support their early growth. Onions prefer cooler weather for bulb formation, and planting in March allows them to establish before warmer months.
Planting onion sets or seeds in March provides a longer growing season for a better harvest. The cool yet not freezing temperatures of March create favorable conditions for the initial stages of onion development.
Leeks
Ease of Growing | Moderate ●●○○○ |
Scientific Name | Allium ampeloprasum |
USDA Zone | 5-10 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | No |
Size | Height: 12-30 inches |
Light | Full sun to partial shade |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 55-75°F (13-24°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent watering |
March is perfect for leeks as they thrive in cooler weather. Planting leeks in March allows them to establish roots before warmer temperatures set in.
Leeks benefit from a longer growing season, and March provides ample time for their development. The cool temperatures of March create an optimal environment for healthy leek growth without the stress of extreme heat.
Cucumbers
Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
Scientific Name | Cucumis sativus |
USDA Zone | 4-12 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | Yes, for early outdoor planting |
Size | Height: 12-18 inches |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 70-85°F (21-29°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent watering |
Cucumbers are often grown from seeds, starting indoors or in a greenhouse in March. This ensures controlled conditions for better germination and early growth.
Outdoor transplantation is possible in March, especially in milder climates. This time period is perfect, offering a balance between cooler temperatures and the warmth cucumbers need for optimal growth.
Kale
Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
Scientific Name | Brassica oleracea |
USDA Zone | 7-10 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | Yes |
Size | Height: 18-36 inches |
Light | Full sun to partial shade |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 60-75°F (15-24°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent watering |
Seed sowing is the usual way to grow kale, and starting them indoors or in a greenhouse in March is ideal. This ensures controlled conditions for germination and early growth.
Outdoor transplanting is also a good idea in March, especially for homes in milder climates. Kale does well in full sun to partial shade, making March perfect as days get longer and sunlight increases.
Spinach
Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
Scientific Name | Spinacia oleracea |
USDA Zone | 4-9 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | Optional |
Size | Height: 6-12 inches |
Light | Full sun to partial shade |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 50-75°F (10-24°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent watering |
Homeowners opt for starting spinach seeds indoors or in a greenhouse during March, ensuring controlled conditions for optimal germination and early growth. Transplanting outdoors is also feasible at this time, especially in milder climates.
Spinach flourishes in full sun to partial shade, making March ideal as days lengthen. Spinach’s optimal growing temperature range aligns well with March’s balance of cooler and warmer conditions.
Asparagus
Ease of Growing | Moderate to Difficult ●●●●○ |
Scientific Name | Asparagus officinalis |
USDA Zone | 4-9 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes, for crowns |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | No |
Size | Height: Up to 5 feet |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-drained, sandy-loam soil |
Ideal Temperature | 70-85°F (21-29°C) |
Watering | Regular, well-drained soil |
Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that’s moderately to somewhat tricky to grow. Grow asparagus from crowns, and it’s advisable to start them indoors or in a greenhouse during March.
This provides controlled conditions for optimal germination and early growth. Transplanting outdoors is doable in March, especially in milder climates with this month being ideal as days lengthen and sunlight increases.
Broccoli
Ease of Growing | Moderate ●●○○○ |
Scientific Name | Brassica oleracea italica |
USDA Zone | 3-10 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | Optional |
Size | Height: 18-36 inches |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 60-75°F (15-24°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent watering |
Broccoli is typically grown from seeds, and starting them indoors or in a greenhouse is recommended during March. This allows for controlled conditions, optimizing germination and early growth.
Transplanting outdoors is possible in March, especially if you live in milder climates. Starting in March ensures a longer growing season and a bountiful harvest.
Brussels Sprouts
Ease of Growing | Moderate to Difficult ●●●●○ |
Scientific Name | Brassica oleracea gemmifera |
USDA Zone | 3-9 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | Optional |
Size | Height: 24-36 inches |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 45-75°F (7-24°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent watering |
March is excellent for Brussels sprouts because it offers cool temperatures ideal for their growth. Planting Brussels sprouts in March allows them to establish before the warmer months, contributing to a successful harvest.
Brussels sprouts need a longer growing season, and starting in March provides sufficient time for maturation. The cool, early spring weather in March provides favorable conditions for Brussels sprouts without the risk of extreme heat.
Cabbage
Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
Scientific Name | Brassica oleracea capitata |
USDA Zone | 2-10 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | Optional |
Size | Height: 12-24 inches |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 45-75°F (7-24°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent watering |
Typically grown from seeds, starting cabbage indoors or in a greenhouse in March ensures controlled conditions for optimal germination and early growth. Outdoor transplanting is also viable in March, especially in milder climates.
Thriving in full sun, March is also an ideal time as days lengthen, providing ample sunlight. This month strikes a balance between cooler and warmer temperatures, facilitating optimal growth.
Lettuce
Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
Scientific Name | Lactuca sativa |
USDA Zone | 4-9 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | Optional |
Size | Height: 6-12 inches |
Light | Partial shade to full sun |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 45-75°F (7-24°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent watering |
March is a great time for lettuce because it prefers cooler temperatures for germination and growth. Planting lettuce in March allows it to establish before the hotter months, ensuring a more productive harvest.
Lettuce is a quick-growing crop, and starting in March provides an early start for fresh leaves. The cool and mild weather of March creates optimal conditions for lettuce without the stress of extreme heat.
Artichoke
Ease of Growing | Moderate to Difficult ●●●●○ |
Scientific Name | Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus |
USDA Zone | 7-11 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes, for seeds |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | No |
Size | Height: 3-6 feet |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil |
Ideal Temperature | 60-70°F (15-21°C) |
Watering | Regular, deep watering |
Typically cultivated from seeds, it’s advisable to start artichokes indoors or in a greenhouse during March. This approach ensures controlled conditions, optimizing germination and early growth.
Artichokes thrive in full sun, making March an opportune time as days lengthen and sunlight becomes more abundant. Outdoor transplanting is also viable in March, particularly in regions with milder climates.
Calendula
Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
Scientific Name | Calendula officinalis |
USDA Zone | 3-9 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | No |
Size | Height: 18-24 inches |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-drained, average soil |
Ideal Temperature | 60-70°F (15-21°C) |
Watering | Moderate, well-drained soil |
March is an ideal time for Calendula because it allows for early sowing or planting. Calendula seeds germinate well in the cool temperatures of March.
Starting Calendula in March provides an extended growing season, leading to abundant and vibrant flowers. The moderate temperatures of March create favorable conditions for Calendula to thrive without the extremes of heat.
Chard
Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
Scientific Name | Beta vulgaris var. cicla |
USDA Zone | 3-10 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | Optional |
Size | Height: 18-24 inches |
Light | Full sun to partial shade |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 50-85°F (10-29°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent watering |
Usually grown from seeds, chard is best when started indoors or in a greenhouse during March for controlled conditions, as it optimizes seed germination and early growth. After this, outdoor transplanting works, especially in milder climates.
March is ideal for growing this leafy green as the days lengthen and sunlight becomes more abundant. The third month of the year strikes a suitable balance between cooler temperatures and the warmth that chard prefers for growth.
Corn
Ease of Growing | Moderate ●●○○○ |
Scientific Name | Zea mays |
USDA Zone | 4-10 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | No |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | No |
Size | Height: 6-10 feet |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 60-95°F (15-35°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent watering |
When planting corn in March, ensure that there’s an ideal temperature range. Typically sown directly outdoors, starting corn indoors or in a greenhouse is uncommon.
March allows for an easier outdoor corn planting period, especially in milder climates.
Corn thrives in full sun, making March ideal as days lengthen and sunlight exposure increases as the year heads for warmer seasons.
Raspberries
Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
Scientific Name | Rubus idaeus |
USDA Zone | 4-8 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | No |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | No |
Size | Height: 4-6 feet |
Light | Full sun to partial shade |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 70-75°F (21-24°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent watering |
Planting delicious and easy-to-grow raspberries in March involves specific considerations as they’re typically propagated by planting dormant canes directly outdoors. Starting them indoors or in a greenhouse is not common.
Planting outdoors is feasible in March, especially in regions with milder climates. The ease of growing raspberries is due to March providing the right balance between cooler temperatures and the warmth raspberries prefer for optimal growth.
Strawberries
Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
Scientific Name | Fragaria × ananassa |
USDA Zone | 3-10 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | Optional |
Size | Height: 6-12 inches |
Light | Full sun to partial shade |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 60-75°F (15-24°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent watering |
Planting strawberries in March is a great idea as they’re typically grown from crowns, runners, or plants. Starting them indoors or in a greenhouse is recommended during March.
This method allows for controlled conditions, optimizing germination and early growth. Transplanting outdoors is also a good gardening approach in March, especially in regions with milder climates.
Petunia
Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
Scientific Name | Petunia spp. |
USDA Zone | 10-11 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | No |
Size | Height: 6-18 inches |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 60-75°F (15-24°C) |
Watering | Moderate, well-drained soil |
Petunias are commonly cultivated from seeds or seedlings, and it’s advisable to begin their growth indoors or in a greenhouse in March. Outdoor transplanting is also viable during March, particularly in areas with milder climates.
These flowers flourish in full sun, making March an opportune time as daylight increases and the sunlight becomes more plentiful. March offers a great balance between cooler temperatures and the warmth that petunias need for growth.
Marigold
Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
Scientific Name | Tagetes spp. |
USDA Zone | 2-11 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | No |
Size | Height: 6-36 inches |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 70-75°F (21-24°C) |
Watering | Moderate, well-drained soil |
March marigolds are easy-to-grow wonders that bring some sunshine to your outdoor space. They’re commonly grown indoors or in greenhouses, where the seeds can have a headstart for the warmer months ahead.
Doing this allows for controlled conditions where home gardeners can enjoy optimizing seed germination and promoting early growth. Transplanting outdoors is also a good idea in March, especially for homes with milder climates.
Alyssum
Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
Scientific Name | Lobularia maritima |
USDA Zone | 3-9 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | No |
Size | Height: 6-12 inches |
Light | Full sun to partial shade |
Soil | Well-drained, average soil |
Ideal Temperature | 50-70°F (10-21°C) |
Watering | Moderate, well-drained soil |
Alyssum thrives in cooler temperatures, and March provides an optimal balance. The temperatures during this month are generally mild, which is ideal for the germination and early growth of Alyssum.
Alyssum is sensitive to frost, and planting it in March allows for establishment before the risk of late spring frosts. Starting indoors and transplanting outdoors after the last frost date ensures that Alyssum gets a head start in a protected environment.
Sunflower
Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
Scientific Name | Helianthus annuus |
USDA Zone | 4-10 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | No |
Size | Height: 2-15 feet |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 70-78°F (21-26°C) |
Watering | Regular, well-drained soil |
Sunflowers thrive in warm soil, and sowing or planting them in March allows for optimal soil temperatures. This allows sunflowers to establish strong root systems, sturdy stems, and a healthy overall structure before reaching their peak.
March, with increasing daylight hours and a higher sun angle, ensures that sunflowers receive the necessary sunlight for the growth and development of their iconic blooms. Plus, sowing or planting sunflowers this time reduces the risk of late spring frosts.
Hyacinth
Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
Scientific Name | Hyacinthus spp. |
USDA Zone | 4-8 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | No |
Size | Height: 6-12 inches |
Light | Full sun to partial shade |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 60-70°F (15-21°C) |
Watering | Moderate, well-drained soil |
Hyacinths benefit from a chilling period to stimulate flowering. Planting them in March allows for exposure to cooler temperatures, satisfying their chilling requirement and promoting the development of robust flower buds.
Hyacinths are known for their early spring blooms, and planting them in March ensures that they will flower as the weather warms. Also, planting in March takes advantage of the gradually warming soil, perfect for hyacinth bulbs to establish roots and grow.
Impatiens
Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
Scientific Name | Impatiens spp. |
USDA Zone | 10-11 (as perennials) |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | No |
Size | Height: 6-24 inches |
Light | Partial to full shade |
Soil | Well-drained, rich soil |
Ideal Temperature | 60-75°F (15-24°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistently moist |
Starting impatiens indoors or in a greenhouse in March allows for early germination and seedling development. This indoor start ensures that mature plants are ready to bloom when they are transplanted outdoors after the last frost.
As the days gradually lengthen, providing more sunlight, impatiens benefit from the increasing but still mild light conditions. Plus, starting impatiens early in March contributes to an extended blooming season.
Peony
Ease of Growing | Moderate to Difficult ●●●●○ |
Scientific Name | Paeonia spp. |
USDA Zone | 3-8 |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | No |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | No |
Size | Height: 1-3 feet |
Light | Full sun to partial shade |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 60-70°F (15-21°C) |
Watering | Regular, well-drained soil |
Peony seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy and promote germination. Planting peony roots in March allows them to experience the remaining cool temperatures before the growing season, aiding in the natural dormancy cycle.
Planting or transplanting peonies in March gives them ample time to establish their root systems before the warmer summer months. Plus, it allows for strategic placement in the garden, considering the changing light conditions.
Snapdragon
Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
Scientific Name | Antirrhinum majus |
USDA Zone | 7-10 (typically grown as annuals) |
Sow Indoors or in Greenhouse | Yes |
Plant Outdoors | Yes |
Cold Frame or Cloches | No |
Size | Height: 6 inches to 3 feet |
Light | Full sun to partial shade |
Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Ideal Temperature | 60-75°F (15-24°C) |
Watering | Regular, well-drained soil |
Starting snapdragon seeds indoors or in a greenhouse in March allows for early germination and seedling development. This indoor start ensures that mature plants are ready to bloom when they are transplanted outdoors after the last frost.
In March, with increasing daylight hours, snapdragons benefit from the gradual transition to brighter conditions. Planting them at this time allows the soil to warm up gradually, creating a favorable environment for the development of strong root systems.