Whether you’re nurturing a backyard plot or a sunny windowsill, this month is all about setting up a strong foundation for the growing season. In this guide, DH Garden Centre presents 14 must-grow plants for March, alongside expert tips on sowing, caring, and harvesting. Let’s dive in and start planning your bountiful spring garden!
1. Basil (The King of Herbs)
Why Plant Basil in March
Basil is a warm-weather herb that thrives best when temperatures range between 65–85°F (18–29°C). By starting basil seeds indoors in March, gardeners can give seedlings a solid head start. When the risk of frost has passed and outdoor temperatures remain above 50°F (10°C) at night, these young plants can transition to the garden. Early sowing ensures basil has ample time to develop sturdy roots and foliage, leading to larger plants and more abundant harvests throughout spring and summer.
Recommended Varieties
- Italian Genovese: Classic for pesto and Italian cuisine, with a robust flavor.
- Lettuce Leaf Basil: Huge leaves, perfect for wraps or salads, with a mild, sweet taste.
How to Grow
- Seed Starting: Sow seeds ¼ inch (0.5 cm) deep in seed trays or small pots.
- Warmth & Light: Keep soil around 70°F (21°C). Basil seeds usually germinate in 5–10 days.
- Transplanting: When seedlings reach 2–3 inches tall, move them outdoors after the last frost date.
Care & Harvest
- Pinch off flower buds to prolong leaf production.
- Water consistently, but avoid waterlogging.
2. Calendula (Bright and Beneficial)
Why Calendula is Great for Spring
Calendula, commonly known as pot marigold, is cherished by gardeners for its vibrant blooms, which range from sunny yellow to deep orange. More than just a pretty face, the petals of calendula contain powerful medicinal resins that have been used for centuries to soothe irritated skin, promote healing, and even reduce inflammation. This makes calendula a fantastic addition not only to ornamental flower beds but also to herbal gardens and natural skincare routines.
Tips for Planting
- Direct Sowing: Rake the soil, broadcast seeds, and lightly cover.
- Germination: Maintain moderate moisture; seedlings typically emerge within 7–14 days.
- Sunlight: Calendula can handle partial shade but blooms best with 6+ hours of sun.
Care & Uses
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooms.
- Harvest petals for homemade salves or teas.
3. Cucumbers (Crisp & Refreshing)
Early Start Advantages
Cucumbers are notorious for their quick, rampant growth, especially when temperatures begin to climb but haven’t yet reached the scorching heights of summer. By sowing cucumber seeds in March—either directly outdoors in milder regions or indoors for an early start—you allow young plants to establish strong root systems during this gentle weather window.
leading to faster leaf development, healthier vines, and earlier fruit production.
Best Varieties
- Parthenocarpic Cucumbers: Self-pollinating, perfect for greenhouses or container setups.
- Double Yield: Ideal for pickling; produces rapidly for ongoing harvests.
Growing Instructions
- Indoor Start: Plant seeds ½ inch (1 cm) deep in biodegradable pots.
- Trellising: Provide vertical support to save space and enhance airflow.
- Successive Sowings: Sow fresh seeds every 2–3 weeks for continuous production.
Care & Harvest
- Regular Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.
- Harvest Cucumbers Young: Improves texture and flavor.
4. Celery (Slow and Steady)
Why Grow Celery
Unlike the often bland, watery celery found in grocery stores, homegrown celery boasts a noticeably crisp texture and a stronger, more intense flavor that can truly elevate your cooking. Better yet, you don’t have to harvest the whole head at once. By simply snapping off individual stalks as you need them, you’ll avoid the common problem of unused, wilting celery in the fridge.
Whether you want a few stalks for a stir-fry, a soup base, or a refreshing green juice, you can pick exactly the amount required without any waste. Meanwhile, the remainder of the plant continues growing in your garden, ensuring a steady supply of fresh celery. This staggered harvest approach not only maximizes flavor and reduces waste, but also cuts down on grocery expenses—making homegrown celery a highly rewarding addition to any kitchen garden.
Varieties to Try
- Morango: Faster maturing, suitable for regions with shorter seasons.
- Utah: Classic type, thrives in cooler climates.
Sowing & Germination
- Seeds are Tiny: Often pelleted for easy sowing. Gently press into soil, as they need some light to germinate.
- Temperature Range: 70°F (21°C) for germination over 10–30 days.
Maintenance
- Even Moisture: Celery is sensitive to drought.
- Nutrient-Rich Soil: Mix in compost or well-rotted manure. For soil amendments, watch this “Shocking Truth About Soil – Boost Plant Growth by at Least 50%”
5. Broccoli (Cool-Weather Superstar)
Perfect for Early Spring
Broccoli loves the cool weather of spring. If you start seeds in March, you can transplant them outdoors once the risk of frost recedes.
Suggested Variety
- Bellstar F1: Forms large, firm heads in 65–70 days; excellent for freezing and storing.
Planting Tips
- Indoor Germination: Begin 4–6 weeks before your last frost date.
- Transplant Spacing: Give each plant 18–24 inches (45–60 cm).
- Full Sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Ongoing Care
- Watch for Pests: Use row covers or natural predators to combat cabbage worms.
- Cut Main Head: Side shoots continue growing after the main head is harvested.
Discover expert strategies for growing perfect Broccoli (Brassicas) at DH Garden Centre. Learn timing, watering, fertilizing, and pest control tips to harvest exceptional cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, and more for your Canadian garden.
6. Peppers (Fiery & Flavorful)
Slow Starters
Peppers are part of the Solanaceae family—along with tomatoes and eggplants—and share a characteristic need for steady warmth to germinate successfully. Ideally, pepper seeds require soil temperatures of 70–85°F (21–29°C), and in cooler environments, they may take up to 25 days (sometimes even longer) to sprout. By sowing seeds in March, you’re giving these heat-loving plants the head start they need to develop strong roots and sturdy stems before the height of summer. Once the weather warms consistently, your pepper seedlings will be well established and ready to thrive in the garden, ultimately yielding more abundant harvests during the hottest months.
Varieties You’ll Love
- Orange Sun: Sweet, bright-colored bell pepper with citrus notes.
- Megatron Jalapeño: Large, robust jalapeños with minimal pest issues.
- Biquinho (Red & Yellow): Tiny, teardrop peppers, great for pickling or fresh snacking.
How to Grow
- Seed Depth: ¼–½ inch (0.5–1 cm).
- Heating Mat: Maintain soil warmth for optimal germination.
- Careful Transplant: Wait until nighttime temps stay above 55°F (13°C).
7. Mint (Thrives Almost Anywhere)
Why Mint is Beginner-Friendly
Few herbs are as forgiving and vigorous as mint. Thanks to its robust root system, mint produces runners—underground stems that allow it to spread quickly. In a well-managed garden, this trait can be both a blessing and a mild challenge. On one hand, mint’s tendency to self-propagate ensures you’ll have an abundant supply of fresh leaves for teas, desserts, or garnishing cocktails. On the other hand, if left uncontained, mint can overtake neighboring plants, competing for nutrients and space. The key to harnessing mint’s benefits is to keep it in check: grow it in containers, raised beds, or designated plots separated by barriers.
Container Growing
- Prevent Overgrowth: Plant in pots or raised beds to contain roots.
- Sunlight: Grows in partial shade but also tolerates full sun.
Culinary & Medicinal Uses
- Fresh Leaves: Perfect for teas, desserts, and fruit salads.
- Digestive Aid: Traditionally consumed for mild stomach upsets.
8. Melons (Sweet & Juicy)
Early Planting Benefits
Many fast-maturing melon varieties—from crisp Asian types to petite French cantaloupes—respond exceptionally well to early sowing in March, particularly if you live in a warmer climate or have access to a greenhouse. Getting melons started sooner means they can take advantage of moderate spring temperatures, establishing robust root systems and vigorous vine growth before the peak of summer. This head start also helps them bypass common late-season diseases such as powdery mildew or downy mildew, which often flourish under hotter, more humid conditions. By the time these diseases become widespread, your melon plants will already be well on their way to blooming and setting fruit.
Recommended Types
- Apple Melon: Crisp Asian melon, matures faster than classic cantaloupes.
- Charentais: French cantaloupe with a sweet muskiness and earlier harvest window.
Growing Process
- Warm Soil: Aim for at least 60–65°F (15–18°C).
- Spacing: 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) between plants.
- Consistent Moisture: Mulch to retain water and suppress weeds.
9. Eggplant (Versatile in the Kitchen)
Why Start in March
Eggplants are the slowest-growing members of the Solanaceae family. By sowing them in March, you’ll have healthy seedlings to transplant once temperatures stay above 60°F (16°C).
Recommended Varieties
- Jewel Eggplant: Compact, ideal for container gardening.
- Long Purple: Asian style, wonderful in stir-fries and steaming.
- Black Beauty: Classic, large variety—perfect for roasting or eggplant Parmesan.
Sowing & Care
- Seed Depth: About ¼ inch (0.5 cm).
- Heating Support: Keep seeds around 75–85°F (24–29°C) for faster germination.
- Full Sun: 6+ hours daily.
10. Cabbage (Cool & Dependable)
Ideal for Early Spring
Cabbage thrives in milder temperatures and can withstand light frosts. Planting in March helps you harvest firm, crunchy heads before extreme summer heat sets in.
Variety to Grow
- Pakt F1: Known for forming large, dense heads with relatively short growing periods.
Planting Instructions
- Indoor Start: Sow seeds 4–6 weeks before your last frost.
- Spacing: 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart for full-sized heads.
- Rich Soil: Mix in compost or well-rotted manure.
Maintenance
- Pest Watch: Cabbage worms and loopers can damage leaves.
- Water Regularly: Keep soil moderately moist for a tight head formation.
11. Strawberries (Sweet & Simple)
Perfect for Small Spaces
Strawberries adapt to various settings—raised beds, containers, or hanging baskets. Plant now to enjoy sweet homegrown berries by late spring or early summer.
Types of Strawberries
- June-bearing: One large crop in early summer; bigger berries.
- Everbearing: 2–3 harvests from spring to fall.
- Day-neutral: Continuous fruiting in suitable temperatures (45–85°F / 7–29°C).
- Alpine: Grown from seed, tiny but intensely flavorful.
Growing Tips
- Crown Placement: Keep the crown at soil level.
- Full Sun: At least 6 hours daily for maximum sweetness.
- Mulch: Prevents fruit from touching the soil.
12. Native Wildflowers (Local Heroes)
Why Native Flowers
Native wildflowers are genetically adapted to your region’s climate and soil. They offer robust growth with minimal care while attracting beneficial pollinators.
How to Sow
- Site Prep: Rake or lightly till the area.
- Broadcast Seeds: Gently press into the soil.
- Minimal Water Needs: Rainfall often suffices, depending on your climate.
Species Example
- California Poppy: Perfect for Mediterranean or dry-summer climates.
- Regional Mixes: Check local seed packs labeled “native” at DH Garden Centre.
13. Okra (Heat-Loving & Easy)
Why Grow Okra
Okra thrives in hot, humid conditions with minimal issues from pests or diseases. If you’re in a cooler region, start seeds indoors in March.
Quick Planting Guide
- Soak Seeds: Soften the seed coat by soaking in warm water for 4–6 hours.
- Spacing: Plant seeds 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep, 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart.
- Harvest Early: Pick pods around 3–4 inches long for optimal tenderness.
14. Tomatoes (The Springtime Favorite)
Why Plant in March
Tomatoes require warm soil (70–85°F / 21–29°C) and up to 2 weeks to germinate. Starting indoors in March ensures seedlings are ready for transplant by late spring.
Essential Varieties
- San Marzano (Sauce Tomato): Thick flesh, perfect for sauces and pastes.
- Brandywine (Heirloom Slicer): Large, juicy, ideal for sandwiches and salads.
- Artisan Bumblebee (Cherry): Striped and sweet, great for snacking or salads.
Best Practices
- Seed Depth: ¼ inch (0.5 cm); keep soil moist and warm.
- Transplant: Wait until nighttime temps exceed 50°F (10°C).
- Support: Use cages or stakes to keep vines off the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What Are the Easiest Vegetables to Plant in March?
Leafy greens like spinach or lettuce and herbs like basil or mint are very beginner-friendly. They germinate quickly, tolerate cooler temperatures, and adapt well to containers or garden beds.
2. When Can I Move Seedlings Outdoors?
Transplant seedlings once the risk of frost is minimal and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions (known as “hardening off”) over about a week to avoid shock.
3. How Do I Prepare My Soil for Spring Planting?
Remove debris, loosen the topsoil, and mix in organic matter like compost or aged manure. This boosts nutrient availability, improves drainage, and enhances soil structure.
Note: For a more in-depth explanation of your local climate and recommended planting dates, you can refer to official sources like the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
From basil to tomatoes, these 14 must-grow plants offer a delicious and rewarding start to your March planting journey. By focusing on quality seeds, rich soil, and thoughtful care, you’ll set the stage for a productive spring and summer.
- Review Your Space: Determine how many containers or garden beds you can fill.
- Select a Few Favorites: Start with 2–3 plants if you’re new to gardening.
- Gather Supplies: Ensure you have seed trays, potting mix, fertilizer, and any supports.
- Monitor Growth: Regularly check seedlings for proper moisture and lighting.
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By implementing these tips and best practices, you’re on your way to a vibrant, thriving garden. Here’s wishing you a bountiful spring season—and plenty of homegrown goodness in the months ahead!
