Your Guide to Successful March Gardening
Do you have spring fever? I know I sure do. March is when I get super stoked about gardening and begin planning for the season.
Winter’s grip is finally loosening, and while it’s too early to plant most things outside, there’s plenty to do to get ready for the growing season. Living in Zone 5, I have to be mindful of the lingering cold, but that doesn’t mean I can’t start my spring garden prepping and planting.
Early Spring Gardening Prep
The first thing I do in March is check my garden beds. The ground is usually still cold and sometimes even frozen early in the month, but as the days warm up, I remove any leftover debris from last season. I also test my soil to see if it needs any amendments—compost, aged manure, or other organic matter—to make sure my plants will have the nutrients they need.
I also start planning my layout. I like to rotate my crops each year to prevent soil depletion and reduce the risk of pests. If I didn’t already order my seeds in winter, now is the time to make sure I have everything I need for the growing season.
Understanding Ohio’s Growing Zones
Ohio is primarily divided into USDA Hardiness Zones 5 and 6, with the northern part of the state, including cities like Cleveland and Toledo, falling into Zone 5, while southern areas like Cincinnati and Dayton are in Zone 6. Knowing your specific zone helps determine when to start seeds indoors and when it’s safe to transplant tender plants outside. Zone 6 gardeners may be able to start planting outdoors slightly earlier than those in Zone 5, but both zones benefit from early spring preparation. To know when to plant where you live visit USDA.gov.
What I Start Indoors
By mid-March, my seed trays are filling up inside. Since our last frost date isn’t until late April or early May, I use this time to start seeds that need a head start.
Here’s what I plant indoors:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers (both sweet and hot)
- Eggplant
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Herbs like basil and parsley
I use seed-starting trays with a good-quality seed mix and keep them under grow lights for at least 12-16 hours a day. A heat mat helps my peppers and tomatoes germinate faster, since they love warmth.
What I Can Sow Directly in the Soil for Spring Gardening
If the soil is workable—meaning it’s not too wet or frozen—I can start planting cool-season crops directly in the garden. I watch the forecast carefully because too much cold or soggy soil can delay germination.
Here’s what I plant outside in March:
- Spinach
- Peas (snap, snow, and shelling varieties)
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Beets
- Lettuce (romaine and leaf varieties)
- Kale
- Swiss chard
- Onion sets
- Leeks
- Turnips
- Arugula
For an extra boost, I cover my outdoor plantings with row covers or cold frames to trap heat and protect them from unexpected frosts.
Watching the Weather
March weather is unpredictable, and I’ve learned to be patient. Some years, an early warm spell makes me want to plant everything, but I know better. I keep an eye on nighttime temperatures and wait to transplant my tender crops (like tomatoes and peppers) until I’m sure we won’t get another hard freeze.
By the end of the month, I can see my early greens sprouting, and my indoor seedlings are strong and ready for their next growth phase. Spring is just getting started, but the work I do in March sets the foundation for a great gardening season ahead.
What are you planting this month?
Spring has sprung here at Compass Ohio. Check out our latest edition to cure your spring fever.
