Spring Planting Begins in Earnest
March is the busiest transition month in the garden. Cool crops go in the ground, warm-season seeds start indoors, and perennials wake up demanding attention.
What March means
March is the bridge between winter dormancy and full spring activity. In most temperate zones, soil temperatures climb enough for direct-sowing cool-season crops like carrots, beets, and Swiss chard. Indoor seed starting shifts to tomatoes — the timing is critical, since leggy transplants perform poorly. Perennials begin pushing new growth, making March the ideal month for dividing hostas, daylilies, and ornamental grasses. Established lawns benefit from a light spring raking to remove thatch and improve air circulation at the crown. Frost is still a threat, so hardening off transplants gradually over 7–10 days is essential before they go into the ground permanently.
March tasks
08- 01 Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost — use bottom heat mats for consistent germination
- 02 Direct-sow carrots, beets, Swiss chard, and lettuce into prepared beds as soil reaches 45°F
- 03 Divide and replant summer-blooming perennials like hostas, daylilies, astilbe, and Shasta daisies
- 04 Apply a pre-emergent herbicide or thick corn gluten meal to prevent crabgrass in lawns
- 05 Begin hardening off any indoor seedlings by placing them outside for increasing hours over 7–10 days
- 06 Remove winter mulch from perennial beds gradually to prevent frost-heaving tender crowns
- 07 Plant bare-root roses, blueberries, and asparagus crowns while they are still dormant
- 08 Edge beds and refresh mulch to 2–3 inches for a clean start to the growing season
Plants to start in March
08- Tomatoes (from seed indoors)
- Carrots (direct sow)
- Beets (direct sow)
- Swiss chard (direct sow)
- Lettuce (direct sow or transplant)
- Asparagus (bare-root crowns)
- Blueberries (bare-root planting)
- Hostas (divide and replant)
Design tips for March
04- 01 Mark where spring bulbs emerge so you do not accidentally dig into them when adding new plants later
- 02 Use the early spring color from crocuses, daffodils, and forsythia to evaluate whether your garden has enough warm-toned focal points
- 03 Lay out new bed edges with a garden hose before cutting — curves are easier to test at full scale than on paper
- 04 Plant evergreen groundcovers now to establish them before summer heat, filling gaps between stepping stones and along path edges
Render this month's plan on your real yard
Upload a photo and Arden previews how the march additions land before you dig.
Frequently Asked Questions
01 What should I plant in March?
Direct-sow cool-season crops (carrots, beets, lettuce, Swiss chard, peas) and start tomato, basil, and annual flower seeds indoors. Plant bare-root roses, blueberries, and asparagus. Divide summer-blooming perennials like hostas and daylilies.
02 Is March too early to plant tomatoes outside?
In most temperate zones (USDA 5–7), yes. Tomatoes need soil above 60°F and no frost risk. Start them indoors in March and transplant after your last frost date, typically mid-May. In zones 8–10, March outdoor planting may be possible with protection.
03 How do I divide perennials in March?
Dig up the entire clump when new shoots are 2–3 inches tall. Use a sharp spade or garden fork to split the root mass into sections, each with 3–5 healthy shoots. Replant divisions at the same depth, water deeply, and mulch.