Ten vegetables suited for planting in March to yield a bountiful spring harvest:
Embracing the arrival of March, garden enthusiasts across the U.S. can take advantage of the transitional season and plant a variety of cold-hearty vegetables. While the warm weather is still a ways off in some regions, there are plenty of vegetables that thrive in the cool, workable soil of this season. By sowing these crops at the beginning of March, you can enjoy a delightful, low-maintenance harvest before the weather becomes too scorching.
One of the best ways to make the most of your garden in March is by planting cold-hardy vegetables. These resilient veggies can withstand both the cool weather and a little frost or snow, making them the perfect choice for early-season planting. To help you kickstart your gardening journey, we have compiled a list of top vegetables to plant in March, along with gardening tips from experts.
Peas
Spring is the ideal time to plant peas, and March is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the cool soil. Ankit K. Singh, assistant professor of sustainable agriculture at the University of Maine, recommends sowing peas at temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Their robust root systems can establish themselves before the summer heat arrives, ensuring a bountiful harvest. To encourage optimal growth, pair peas with nitrogen-fixing plants, such as carrots, which thrive in loose, well-drained soil.
Spinach
Spinach is a versatile, cold-hardy vegetable that excels in March's cool climate. By planting hardy varieties like 'Kookaburra,' 'Giant Winter,' or 'Viroflay,' gardeners can enjoy tender, sweet leaves before the season becomes too hot. This green vegetable not only offers a savory taste but also provides numerous health benefits.
Carrots
Carrots are another excellent choice for cool-weather planting. These root vegetables thrive in the early spring soil, ensuring a longer growing season and a more fruitful harvest. To preserve the snappy texture and delectable sweetness, plant carrots in March when the temperatures are still relatively low.
Radishes
Radishes are an easy-to-grow, cold-hardy vegetable that can withstand light frost. Their crisp texture and peppery flavor make them a delicious addition to salads, sandwiches, and light garnishes. To ensure the best possible harvest, plant radishes in March and protect them from hard frosts using row covers or other methods.
Kale
Kale is a classic cold-weather vegetable that thrives in low temperatures. This hearty green offers a long growing season and can be harvested throughout the spring and summer. To cultivate the sweetest, most tender kale, opt for green varieties.
Lettuce
Lettuce is a fast-growing vegetable that requires minimal nutrients and maintenance. It is an excellent choice for early spring planting, as it can grow in a wide range of temperatures. To save space and make harvesting easier, plant lettuce in rows with about 1/2 square foot of garden space for each lettuce plant.
Herbs
Various herbs, such as rosemary, sage, mint, thyme, basil, and chives, thrive in March's cool weather. While these herbs can survive in various climates, consider purchasing potted plants or seedlings to ensure an immediate harvest and add a splash of green to your garden.
Onions
March is the perfect time to plant onion seedlings in your garden. To cultivate healthy onions, wait until the soil is dry, workable, and the nights are nearly freezing. Once the seedlings are strong and the weather warms, transplant them into well-draining soil and provide them with consistent watering.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a delicious, cold-weather vegetable that does not thrive in the summer heat. To plant broccoli in March, prepare the soil, sow the seedlings, and harden them off by gradually exposing them to the outdoors for extended periods. When the broccoli heads are fully developed and have not produced any small flowers, it's time to harvest.
Beets
Beets are a popular, nutritious root vegetable that thrives in cold weather. You can plant beet seeds in March once the soil is workable and the temperatures have reached 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. While beet seeds can germinate in soil temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the germination process may be slower. Protect beet seedlings from late frosts with row covers or other garden protection methods.
By following these tips and planting the mentioned vegetables in March, you can establish a thriving, low-maintenance garden that will continue to yield delicious harvests throughout the spring and summer months. With the right preparation and care, your garden will be bursting with vibrant greens and luscious root vegetables in no time.
- In the vegetable garden, peas are ideal plants for March, as they can be sown at temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Ankit K. Singh, an assistant professor of sustainable agriculture at the University of Maine.
- Spinach, a versatile and cold-hardy vegetable, excels in March's cool climate, with hardy varieties like 'Kookaburra,' 'Giant Winter,' or 'Viroflay' allowing gardeners to enjoy tender, sweet leaves before the heat sets in.
- Radishes, known for their crisp texture and peppery flavor, are another excellent choice for March's cool soil. They can withstand light frost, making them a delightful addition to salads and other dishes during the transitional season.
- Martha Stewart, a renowned gardening expert, suggests protecting radishes from hard frosts using row covers or other methods to ensure the best possible harvest.
