March marks the beginning of spring, making it an ideal time to start planting for a lush and productive garden. As the soil warms and daylight hours increase, gardeners can take advantage of the season to grow a variety of vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Here’s a comprehensive list of what to plant this month to ensure a thriving garden.

Vegetables to Plant in March

March is perfect for sowing cool-season crops and starting warm-season vegetables indoors. Cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, kale, peas, and carrots can be sown directly into the soil, taking advantage of the lingering cool temperatures. 

Meanwhile, warm-season favorites such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants should be started indoors to give them a strong head start before transplanting later in spring. With the right balance of outdoor sowing and indoor seed-starting, you’ll set your garden up for a productive and bountiful season ahead!

Direct Sowing in the Garden:

• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, Swiss chard
• Root Vegetables: Carrots, radishes, beets, turnips
• Brassicas: Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
• Legumes: Peas, fava beans
• Other: Potatoes, onions, leeks

Starting Indoors for Later Transplant:

• Warm-Season Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants
• Cucurbits: Cucumbers, squash, melons (in warmer climates)
• Herbs: Basil, parsley, oregano, thyme

March is an ideal month to kick off your gardening season! With the right balance of outdoor sowing and indoor seed-starting, you’ll set your garden up for a productive and bountiful season ahead!

Flowers to Plant in March

Adding flowers to your garden not only enhances beauty but also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Bright blooms provide nectar and habitat, helping to support a thriving ecosystem. Pollinators play a crucial role in increasing fruit and vegetable yields, making flowers a functional and stunning addition to any garden. 

Annual Flowers:

• Pansies
• Petunias
• Marigolds
• Snapdragons
• Sweet peas

Perennial Flowers:

• Daisies
• Coneflowers
• Lavender
• Salvia
• Columbine

Bulbs and Tubers:

• Dahlias
• Lilies
• Gladiolus

Adding flowers to your garden does more than just enhance its beauty—it also invites essential pollinators like bees and butterflies. Plant a mix of native and seasonal flowers to create a vibrant, pollinator-friendly space all year long!

Herbs to Plant in March

Fresh herbs add flavor to meals and can be easily grown in garden beds or containers. Herbs like basil, rosemary, mint, and thyme thrive with minimal care. They not only enhance your cooking but also bring fragrance and greenery to your space.

• Hardy Herbs (Direct Sow): Chives, rosemary, oregano, thyme, sage
• Tender Herbs (Start Indoors or in Pots): Basil, cilantro, dill, mint, tarragon

Fresh herbs elevate any dish with vibrant flavor, and the best part is—they’re easy to grow! With a little sunlight and regular harvesting, you’ll have a steady supply of fresh, homegrown herbs right at your fingertips!

Gardening Tips for March

• Prepare the Soil: Work in compost and organic matter to enrich the soil before planting.
• Start Mulching: Mulch around early plantings to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Monitor Weather Conditions: Be prepared to protect tender plants from unexpected frosts with row covers or cloches.
• Water Consistently: Early spring rains may help, but supplement as needed to keep soil evenly moist.

March is an exciting month for gardeners, offering the perfect opportunity to plant a diverse array of vegetables, flowers, and herbs. By taking advantage of the warming temperatures and longer days, you can set your garden up for a productive and beautiful spring.