10 Vegetables to Plant in March for a Spring Harvest

Green lettuce crops in a vegetable garden — Credit:
alvarez / Getty Images

Depending on where you live, late winter and early spring typically merge in March. While it is still too early in some regions to sow certain seeds, there are some cold-hardy vegetables that thrive when planted in cool soil.

Cold-hardy vegetables can be planted outdoors as soon as the soil is workable. By starting these crops early, gardeners can enjoy a vibrant and low-maintenance harvest before the weather becomes too warm. Additionally, planting in early spring often leads to fewer pests and allows for an earlier harvest.

Ahead, gardening experts recommend a range of vegetables that can be planted in March, providing valuable insights to help you kickstart your gardening season. Before planting, be sure to check your USDA hardiness zone to find out which vegetables fare best in your region's climate.

Ankit K. Singh, assistant professor of sustainable agriculture at the University of Maine
Patricia Mey, owner of Loud Dog Farm in Maine

01 of 10

Peas

Close-up of green pea pods growing in the garden. — Credit:
emholk/Getty Images

Planting peas (Pisum sativum) in March takes advantage of the cool, early-season soil, helping them establish strong root systems before the summer heat arrives, says Ankit K. Singh, assistant professor of sustainable agriculture at the University of Maine. The seeds can sprout at temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit and withstand light frost or snow, making them one of the best vegetables to sow outdoors in March.

Zones: 3 to 9
Size: 18 to 36 inches tall x 6 to 12 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil; moderate watering; requires trellising for climbing varieties

Planting peas next to carrots cultivates many benefits. "Peas are a nitrogen-fixing plant, and they naturally enrich the soil—making them an excellent companion for carrots, which prefer loose, well-drained earth for optimal root growth," says Singh.

02 of 10

Spinach

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is cold-hardy and puts forth its most tender and sweet leaves before the summer heat. For March planting, choose a hardy variety like 'Kookaburra,' 'Giant Winter,' or 'Viroflay.' Hot weather can cause this green to taste bitter, so it is important to plant early in the spring for a savory, crisp taste. “By starting this crop early, gardeners can enjoy a vibrant, low-maintenance harvest before the season gets too warm,” says Singh.

Zones: 2 to 9
Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 6 to 12 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; nutrient-rich soil; consistent watering

03 of 10

Carrots

Carrots (Daucus carota) thrive in cool weather, which helps them establish strong roots before the summer heat arrives, leading to a more fruitful harvest. Similar to spinach, carrots can develop a bitter taste when subjected to high summer temperatures. Although they can be cultivated all year, the heat can cause increased bitterness and diminished sweetness in the carrots. For the best texture and flavor, it is advisable to plant carrots in March.

Zones: 3 to 10
Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 2 to 3 inches wide per root
Care requirements: Full sun; loose, well-draining soil; consistent watering to prevent cracking

Carrots are edible at any size. While it takes several months for them to mature fully, you can harvest them in just a few weeks.

04 of 10

Radishes

Radish garden — Credit:
Roger Sherman / GETTY IMAGES

Radishes (Raphanus sativus) have a crisp texture and peppery flavor, making them a great addition to sandwiches, salads, and light garnishes. They are cold-hardy and can tolerate a light frost, but it's important to protect them if a hard frost is expected. Radishes thrive when planted in the ground in early spring and fall. However, sowing should be avoided when temperatures reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, as this may cause the radishes to bolt.

Zones: 3 to 10
Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 2 to 4 inches wide per root
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil; consistent watering

05 of 10

Kale

Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) is a classic cold-weather vegetable that thrives in low temperatures, allowing for a long growing season and earlier harvests. While kale is often known for its bitter flavor, it's worth noting that green varieties usually have a sweeter taste. Keep this in mind when planning your spring crop.

Zones: 3 to 9
Size: 12 to 24 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; rich, well-draining soil; consistent watering

06 of 10

Lettuce

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a fast-growing vegetable that requires little nutrients and maintenance. “Each lettuce plant will need about 1/2 a square foot of garden space and is best planted in rows for easy harvesting," says Patricia Mey, owner of Loud Dog Farm. Once lettuce begins to mature, you can harvest the outer layers, leaving the inside layer to grow.

Zones: 3 to 9
Size: 8 to 12 inches tall x 6 to 8 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil; consistent watering

When starting seeds indoors, Mey recommends using long trays or boxes instead of individual pods. Thin the seedlings once a week to ensure the lettuce has enough space to grow. Transplant them outdoors after four weeks.

07 of 10

Herbs

close-up of fresh rosemary — Credit:
gaffera / Getty Images

Herbs such as rosemary, sage, mint, thyme, basil, and chives are excellent for planting in garden beds or outdoor containers in March. According to Mey, each herb requires about 2 square feet of space in the garden or a 1- to 2-gallon container. Purchasing individual plants allows for an immediate harvest and adds a splash of green as spring arrives.

Zones: 3 to 10
Size: Depends on the variety
Care requirements: Depends on the variety

08 of 10

Onions

Late March is an excellent time to plant onion seedlings (Allium cepa) in your garden. Before planting, ensure the soil is dry and workable, the snow has melted, the days are warmer, and nighttime temperatures are nearly freezing. Mey recommends that each onion plant has approximately 1 square foot of growing space, but check the seed packet as spacing can vary depending on the variety.

Zones: 4 to 7
Size 12 to 18 inches tall x 6 to 12 inches width
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil; consistent watering

09 of 10

Broccoli

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) does not thrive in the summer heat and is best planted when temperatures are cool. To plant, sow seedlings directly into the soil once it is workable. For the best chance of success, harden off your broccoli seedlings before planting them in the ground by placing them outside in a sheltered area for a few hours on the first day. Gradually increase their time outside by one hour each subsequent day until the plants can remain outdoors for a full day.

Zones: 3 to 9
Size: 1 to 3 feet tall x 1 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil; consistent watering

When it comes time to harvest broccoli, be sure the head is fully developed but hasn’t produced any small yellow flowers yet.

10 of 10

Beets

Beets (Beta vulgaris) are a delicious and nutritious root vegetable that thrives in cool weather. They can be planted outdoors in March once the soil is workable and temperatures reach 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Although beets can germinate in soil temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, germination will take longer at that temperature. Beet seedlings are resilient and can tolerate a light frost, but they should be covered if a hard frost is expected.