For those living in USDA Zone 7, March is a crucial month for getting your garden off to a flourishing start. The winter chill begins to break, making it an opportune time to sow various seeds that thrive in this temperate climate.
In this extensive guide, we’ll explore diverse vegetables, flowers, and herbs that can be eagerly planted in March, complete with their temperature requirements, planting details, and unique growing characteristics.
Vegetables to Plant
Planting seasonal vegetables not only bolsters your diet but also enriches your gardening experience. Let’s delve into the ten vegetables ideal for planting in Zone 7 come March.
Spinach
Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green that is a true herald of spring. This hardy plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C) and thrives when sown directly into the soil as soon as it can be worked. In Zone 7, spinach seeds can be planted as early as mid-March, taking advantage of the cooler weather for optimal germination.
Growing Tips: Spinach prefers well-draining, fertile soil enriched with compost. Ensure that the site receives partial to full sun but avoid overly hot spots as they can cause bolting. Spinach is a versatile plant; its leaves can be harvested as baby greens or allowed to mature for larger leaves, ideal for salads, smoothies, or extensive cooking. Consider planting different varieties such as Savoy for its crinkled leaves or Flat-leaf for easier cleaning—each adds a unique flair to your dishes.
Peas
Another cool-weather crop, peas thrive in mildly cold temperatures, with a tolerance down to 28°F (-2°C). Planting them in late March gives the peas a jump start as they grow quickly and love to climb, requiring some support like trellises or stakes.
Growing Tips: Select from myriad pea types, including snap peas for munching raw, snow peas for stir-fries, or shelling peas for soups and stews. Peas grow best in rich, loamy soil and love consistent moisture, so consider mulching around their base to conserve water and keep roots cool. As they grow, you’ll enjoy the delightful sight of pods forming, reminding you of the delicious meals they will provide.
Radishes
Radishes are one of the quickest-growing root vegetables, capable of germinating within just a few days. They prefer temperatures around 45°F to 85°F (7°C to 29°C). In Zone 7, mid-March is perfect for direct sowing these vibrant little vegetables.
Growing Tips: Radishes prefer loose, well-drained soil for optimal bulb development and need consistent moisture to grow crisp and flavorful. They thrive in a variety of conditions and can be interplanted with slower-growing crops like carrots or lettuce to maximize your garden space. With varieties ranging from the classic red globe to the exotic black radish, each type adds color and crunch to your salads and plates.
Carrots
Carrots are versatile root vegetables that thrive in cooler temperatures. In March, particularly in late March in Zone 7, it’s ideal to sow carrots as they prefer soil temperatures around 65°F (18°C).
Growing Tips: Ensure you sow carrot seeds in deep, loose soil to facilitate their growth into long, straight roots. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging; carrots will thrive when kept evenly moist. Carrots also have a fantastic range of varieties—consider planting Nantes for sweet, short, blunt-ended roots or Danvers for a more traditional, tapered carrot. Harvest little by little as the season progresses, allowing for a continuous crop throughout late spring and summer.
Kale
Kale is a cold-hardy leafy green, suitable for planting in early March when temperatures can still be quite cool. It can endure frost and can be direct-seeded in early spring as soon as the ground can be worked.
Growing Tips: Delight in the rich nutritional profile of kale, which can be harvested throughout the growing season. Plant different varieties like Curly Kale for its frilly, textured leaves or Lacinato for its dark, flat leaves and sweet taste. Kale prefers fertile soil, so enrich with compost and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Regular harvesting promotes new leaf growth, giving you a continuous supply of this superfood to incorporate in salads, smoothies, or sautéed dishes.
Swiss Chard
Another cold-tolerant vegetable, Swiss chard, can be planted in mid-March in Zone 7. This leafy green can endure temperatures down to 20°F (-6°C).
Growing Tips: Swiss chard thrives in nutrient-rich soil and does best with consistent moisture. The plant is not only nutritious but adds a burst of color to your garden with its vibrant stems that come in red, yellow, and white. Consider intercropping it with other fast-growing crops, as Swiss chard can be harvested continuously, allowing for salad mixes throughout the season. Use the leaves in stir-fries or fresh salads and save the stems for a hearty addition to soups.
Lettuce
Lettuce can be seeded indoors in February, but direct sowing can also commence in late March in Zone 7. These cool-weather crops germinate best in temperatures ranging from 45°F to 70°F (7°C to 21°C).
Growing Tips: Select a variety of types, such as crisphead, butterhead, or leaf lettuce, to add variety to your meals. Lettuce prefers full sun to partial shade, particularly as temperatures begin to rise. Stagger your sowing every couple of weeks to enjoy a continuous harvest throughout the spring. When harvesting, pick outer leaves from the base of the head to allow inner leaves to grow, sustaining your crop longer. Fresh lettuce picked just before serving offers a crispness and flavor unattainable from grocery store varieties.
Broccoli
Broccoli benefits from cooler temperatures and can be planted in mid-March in Zone 7. It thrives when soil temperatures reach around 60°F (16°C) and can handle light frosts.
Growing Tips: This vegetable flourishes in rich soil with ample organic compost. Space plants properly to promote air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Broccoli can take quite some time to mature, but its nutrient richness and versatility in the kitchen make it well worth the wait. Interplanting with herbs like basil can help deter pests. Harvest the main head when it’s tightly clustered, ensuring plenty of side shoots develop for a prolonged harvest throughout the summer.
Onions
Starting onions from sets or seeds is ideal in March as this cool-weather crop can tolerate cold temperatures. Onion seeds can be sown directly in the garden later in the month as soil temperatures warm up.
Growing Tips: Onions thrive in full sun with well-draining soil, and they can be quite forgiving to cultivate with a mulched layer that keeps weeds at bay. Consider planting sweet onions like Vidalia for salads or storage onions like Yellow Granex, which provide versatile uses. Regular watering is crucial, particularly as the bulbs develop. Once harvested, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of having a fundamental ingredient in many recipes grown right in your backyard.
Beets
Beets are another great option for Zone 7 gardeners to start sowing in late March. These root vegetables can withstand frosts and prefer cooler temps (around 50°F to 75°F / 10°C to 24°C).
Growing Tips: Beets prefer loose, organic-rich soil to develop properly-shaped roots. They widely vary in colors—red, golden, and even striped varieties can add a significant visual appeal to your garden. Regularly thin seedlings to ensure enough space for each beet to develop. When harvested, enjoy the earthy-beet flavor fresh or pickled, and don’t forget to use the nutritious greens for salads, making beets a dual-purpose crop.
Flowers to Plant
The arrival of spring heralds the blooming of many beautiful flowers. March is an excellent time to bring color to your garden in Zone 7. Below are ten stunning flowers you can plant this month.
Pansies
Pansies are vibrant, hardy flowers that thrive in cool weather and can be planted in March. These cheerful blooms can handle cold temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C) and come in a myriad of colors.
Growing Tips: Pansies prefer well-draining soil and benefit from regular deadheading to prolong blooming. Full sun is ideal, but they can tolerate partial shade. When planting, consider grouping them for a more dramatic effect or intermixing with other spring-blooming flowers like daffodils. Their edible blooms make them a delightful addition to salads and desserts, providing both color and flavor to your culinary creations.
Snapdragons
These whimsical flowers can be sown directly in the garden in mid-March. Snapdragons are tolerant of colder temperatures and do well when started in cooler soil.
Growing Tips: Choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil. Regular watering, particularly during dry spells, will support their tall growth to create a stunning display. You can choose from a variety of heights and colors, creating a vibrant, layered look in your garden. Their unique flower structure is not only visually arresting but also offers easy access for pollinators—consider keeping some flowers for cut arrangements, where their longevity in a vase is a joyful bonus.
Sweet Peas
Sweet peas fill gardens with delightful fragrance and color. Plant seeds in late March, as they prefer cooler temperatures, ideally germinating around 55°F to 65°F (13°C to 18°C).
Growing Tips: Provide a trellis or support system for climbing sweet peas and enjoy their intoxicating fragrance. Sweet peas thrive in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. As they grow, be vigilant about pests; they can attract aphids, which may require regular inspection and action. Sweet peas are excellent for cut flowers to bring indoors, where their fragrance can enhance any space, creating a lovely atmosphere.
Dianthus
Dianthus, also known as carnation or pinks, are fantastic flowers that bloom abundantly in spring. These perennials can be seeded directly into the garden in March in Zone 7.
Growing Tips: They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Regular deadheading encourages more blooms throughout the season. With countless varieties available, mix different colors and forms for an impactful display. Many dianthus varieties are also fragrant, adding sensory interest to your garden and bouquets. Utilize them in borders, rock gardens, or as cut flowers for loved ones—each bloom a testament to your spring gardening efforts.
Calendula
Calendula, or pot marigold, is a brilliant flower known for its vibrant orange and yellow hues. They can be sown directly in March and can tolerate light frosts.
Growing Tips: These flowers prefer sunny spots and thrive in well-drained soil. They’re also excellent companions in vegetable gardens, helping to repel pests like aphids and whiteflies. With their edible flowers, fresh petals can enhance salads or even make soothing herbal teas. They’re low-maintenance and resilient, rewarding you with blooms from spring until the first frost.
Coreopsis
Coreopsis provides a burst of sunny color and can be directly seeded in March. They are drought-resistant and thrive in full sun, making them perfect for low-maintenance gardens.
Growing Tips: Ensure they are planted in well-draining soil, and they will bloom profusely throughout the summer. Their bright yellow flowers are a magnet for pollinators, making coreopsis a significant addition to any butterfly or bee garden. Consider deadheading to extend the blooming period and enjoy their cheerful colors as border plants or in wildflower gardens.
Foxglove
Foxglove is an elegant perennial that can be sown in early March. They are relatively hardy and can survive in cooler temperatures, adding height and texture to gardens.
Growing Tips: These tall spires of flowers prefer partial shade and rich, moist soil. Ensure you follow planting guidelines regarding spacing—their majestic stature deserves attention. Foxgloves attract hummingbirds and bees, enhancing garden biodiversity. Observe that all parts of the plant can be toxic if ingested, so consider positioning them thoughtfully away from frequent foot traffic or children.
Lobelia
Lobelia produces brilliant blue flowers that cascade beautifully. They can be started indoors in late winter or directly sown in March in a shaded location.
Growing Tips: These flowers thrive in moist, well-draining soil and do best in partial to full shade. Lobelia plants can be combined with other shade-loving flowers to create breathtaking contrasting colors and textures. Their flowers often attract a plethora of pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, offering a lively contribution to your garden’s ecosystem. Enjoy cutting them for indoor arrangements; their delicate flowers add elegance to any bouquet.
Columbine
Columbine is a perennial flower that thrives in cool weather and can be planted directly in March. It is known for its unique flowers and attractiveness to pollinators.
Growing Tips: Plant them in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter; they enjoy partial shade but can tolerate full sun. Columbine comes in various shapes and colors, making it a focal point in your garden. Enjoy their long-lasting blooms and the thrill of watching hummingbirds drawn to their nectar-rich flowers, making for a delightful garden experience.
Zinnias
While traditionally grown from seed after the last frost, consider starting zinnias indoors in March. This easy-to-care-for flower produces vibrant blooms, perfect for adding splashes of color to your landscape, and can be planted outside in early April.
Growing Tips: Zinnias thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are also resistant to pests, making them an ideal option for beginners. Explore various heights and color combinations; zinnias are fantastic cut flowers, lasting a long time in vases. They’re a great addition to pollinator gardens, inviting bees and butterflies thanks to their bright, open blooms. Additionally, zinnias are drought-tolerant and will bloom continuously throughout the summer, providing an ongoing source of beauty.
Herbs to Plant
Herbs are a wonderful addition to any garden, providing culinary benefits and aromatic qualities. Here’s a list of ten herbs that can be successfully planted in March in Zone 7.
Basil
Basil is a favorite herb for many gardeners, known for its vibrant flavor in culinary dishes, particularly in Italian cuisines. In Zone 7, it’s often best to start basil indoors in early March, as it thrives in warmer temperatures that are typically found after the last frost.
Growing Tips: Basil loves full sun and well-drained soil. Once seedlings are established, consider transplanting them outside in late April when temperatures consistently warm up. Not only is basil delicious in dishes like pesto and salads, but it also can deter pests such as mosquitoes. Experiment with different varieties, such as Genovese for traditional recipes, or Thai basil with its unique flavor to explore diverse culinary avenues.
Parsley
Parsley can tolerate cooler temperatures, making it suitable for planting in mid-March. Its seeds can germinate in chilly soils, making it a resilient addition to your herb garden.
Growing Tips: Parsley requires well-draining soil and should be kept moist. Whether you choose flat-leaf or curly varieties, parsley opens up possibilities for garnishing dishes or enhancing flavor profiles in various recipes. Furthermore, as a biennial plant, parsley can be grown for its leaves in the first year and allows the flowers to develop in the second year, attracting beneficial insects while broadening your gardening experience.
Cilantro
Cilantro, known for its distinct flavor, prefers cooler temperatures for the best growth. Late March is an ideal time to sow cilantro seeds directly into your garden.
Growing Tips: Prepare a well-drained soil bed and avoid over-watering to prevent root rot. Cilantro is fast-growing, typically reaching maturity in just a few weeks. Enjoy its vibrant leaves in salsa or as a topping on many dishes, and don’t forget to let some plants bolt to enjoy the coriander seeds! The dual-purpose nature of cilantro/coriander means you can indulge in both culinary and gardening ventures.
Chives
Chives can endure cool weather and are often among the first herbs to emerge in spring. Plant chive seeds in mid-March directly outdoors.
Growing Tips: Chives enjoy sunny spots with well-draining soil, which ensures their delicate onion flavor shines through in your kitchen. Once established, chives not only lend flavor to countless dishes but produce beautiful purple flowers that attract pollinators. Regular harvesting promotes growth—consider trimming them back for a continual supply throughout the season.
Thyme
Thyme is a hardy perennial herb that can be sown in March once the soil is workable. This fragrant herb can withstand cooler temperatures, with some varieties thriving even in harsh conditions.
Growing Tips: Choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil. Thyme is very drought-resistant once established, making it a low-maintenance addition to your garden. Consider planting different varieties like creeping thyme for ground cover or lemon thyme for a citrusy twist in your culinary creations. Thyme’s culinary versatility adds depth to a range of dishes while also producing stunning pink or purple flowers that bring beauty to your herb garden.
Dill
Dill can be planted in late March, thriving in cool conditions. Its feathery leaves are great for culinary uses and attracting pollinators to your garden.
Growing Tips: Dill prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it easy to grow alongside your favorite vegetables. As it grows, this plant will attract butterflies, enhancing your garden’s visual appeal. Besides seasoning fish and sauces, its seeds can enhance pickles and other preserved delights. Consider staggering your planting to ensure fresh dill is available throughout the growing season!
Oregano
Oregano is a staple culinary herb that enjoys warmer temperatures but can still be started indoors in March to prepare for transplanting later in the season.
Growing Tips: Oregano thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. This flavorful herb grows beautifully in containers, allowing for easy access while cooking. With varieties ranging from common Greek oregano to more fragrant varieties, you can enjoy a unique flavor profile throughout the season. Once established, oregano is quite drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for a low-maintenance herb garden. Its attractive flowers also entice pollinators, enhancing your garden’s ecosystem.
Mint
Mint can be tricky due to its aggressive growth habit, but starting it in pots can keep it contained. Plant mint seeds in late March for a fragrant addition to your garden.
Growing Tips: Mint prefers moist, well-drained soils and does well in partial to full sun. To harness its flavor in drinks and dishes, snip the leaves regularly, encouraging bushier growth. Because mint can take over garden space, using containers is an excellent option for managing growth, making it easy to enjoy fresh mint tea or mojitos without your garden being overtaken.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a fragrant herb that can be planted in March. It’s easy to grow and thrives in a variety of conditions, making it accessible for gardeners of all skill levels.
Growing Tips: Lemon balm enjoys well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Its leaves can be harvested for calming teas or infused oils, and like other members of the mint family, it can spread quickly, so keep an eye on its growth. Positioning it near pathways means releasing its adorable citrusy fragrance can enhance your garden experience, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Conclusion
March is an exciting time for gardeners in Zone 7, as both the soil and air begin to warm, signaling the beginning of a new planting season. By carefully selecting a mix of vegetables, flowers, and herbs suitable for this temperate zone, you can create a thriving garden that will provide beauty, flavor, and enjoyment throughout the growing season.
