When I don’t know what to do in my garden, then I feel like I am wasting time. In this months article on gardening through the year you will find 11 Easy to dos for your garden in March.
With this list and information in hand, you can build your gardening confidence and start with just 10 minutes of tasks each day in early spring. And if you missed what to do in February, check out this blog post.
10 Minute Gardening Tasks in March
What are 10-minute gardening tasks and why will they help you?
Here are three reasons why doing something for 10 minutes a day can be beneficial for you and your garden:
Consistency: By committing to doing something for just 10 minutes a day, you’re more likely to stick with it and create a consistent habit. This can lead to long-term benefits and improvements in whatever activity you choose.
Mental Health: Taking just 10 minutes a day to do something for yourself can have a positive impact on your mental health. It gives you time to focus on yourself and your well-being, reducing stress and increasing happiness. Being in the garden is a part of that stress reduction.
Progression: Even if you only spend 10 minutes a day on something, over time you will make progress towards your goals. Every little bit counts and adds up over time.
Small actions can lead to big results especially in the garden.
March To Do List:
Use this checklist of 11 gardening jobs to do in your garden or to plant in March:
When you are 6-8 weeks from the last spring frost date, it’s time check out your soil and location for your early spring garden.
Add 2-3 inches of organic compost, a light layer of natural nitrogen like blood meal, & a dusting of Azomite to garden beds. Lightly mix the three together with a rack or your fingers.
Decide what cool crops you are going to plant from seed like carrots, lettuce, spinach, beets, or radishes. Plant these directly into the soil and water.
Keep the newly planted seeds watered so that those seeds will sprout.
Buy transplants at a local nursery or if you have started your cool weather crops indoors 12-14 weeks before last frost plant those crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage out in the garden at the same time you directly plant the seeds.
Water the new transplants thoroughly in March.
Cover your new crops with hoops and a plant cloth or cold frame from small animals or flying insects that like to lay eggs in your new garden that will destroy it later.
Go out to your garden every few days to make sure that all is growing and getting watered consistently.
Check for insects that may be waiting to eat your newly planted sprouts and transplants as growth appears.
Pluck off bad insects and if the soil seems to have lots of bad bugs eating your young plants, try adding nematodes to the soil.Nemotodes are microscopic creatures that live in and around soil. They play a critical role in helping to nourish and maintain the health of soil. They provide a natural form of biopesticide, killing pests like grubs and root-feeding insects that can damage soils.
Start seeds for summer crops like tomato and pepper seeds started indoors. Tomatoes need up to 2-2 1/2 months of growing time indoors before getting tomatoes transplanted outdoors.
Check Last Frost Date for March
The last frost date is crucial in knowing what to plant and when in your outdoor garden.
One way to check for your last frost date use historical data on when the last frost typically occurs in your area, as well as information on other weather patterns that could affect your planting timeline.
You can also keep an eye on the weather forecast in the weeks leading up to spring and look for signs of warming trends or extended periods of cold weather.
Make sure to start planting seeds or plants out 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. You can plant in small gardens, little space, or large raised beds. Cool crops can be planted close as in the square foot gardening method for protection and to utilize each foot of the garden.
You may need to cover your cool season crops of transplants and seeds with a plant cloth if the temperature goes down to 45 degrees.
Preparing the Soil to Plant in March
Getting garden soil ready involves a few important steps:
Clear the area: Remove any debris, weeds, or dead plants from the garden bed.
Test your soil: Use a soil test kit to determine the pH level and nutrient content of your soil. This will help you determine what amendments you need to add.
I use this ONE on Amazon. It comes with its own packaging to send by mail with no extra expense. Then you get notified when your sample is complete. It takes about a week. Take a look to see what nutrients you need to add back into the soil before planting.
Add 2-3 inches of compost: Spread a thick layer of compost over the top of your garden bed. This will improve soil structure, prevent moisture loss, and provide nutrients.
Add organic fertilizer after testing: If necessary, add fertilizer to provide essential nutrients that may be lacking in your garden.
Following these steps will help ensure that your garden is ready for new growth.
What is Direct Sowing?
Some seeds do better with directly being sown into the garden.
Direct sowing is the process of growing seeds directly into your vegetable garden, rather than starting them indoors and transplanting seedlings later.
This method can be more efficient and cost-effective, as it eliminates the need for indoor space and supplies as the weather warms.
Direct sowing also allows crops to establish stronger root systems, leading to healthier growth and better yields for certain crops like root crops such as carrots, beets, and radishes.
With direct sowing, you need to make sure to keep the soil moist so that the seeds can germinate.
When to Directly Sow Seeds and Transplants in March?
Directly sow seeds into your outside garden 6-8 weeks before the last frost. By doing this at this specific time, you will give these crops enough time to grow before the summer heat sets in.
Perfect time for Annual or Perennial Herbs to Plant in March
Growing herbs can be a great way to kickstart your garden for the year.
Spring is the perfect time to plant many popular herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, and thyme, as the weather is starting to warm up and there is plenty of sunshine.
Growing herbs in this time ensures that these herbs will have enough time to establish their roots before the hot summer months arrive.
By growing your own herbs, you can enjoy fresh flavors in your cooking while also saving money at the grocery store.
What herbs should you NOT plant in March?
If you’re planning on starting an herb garden, there are a few that you should avoid putting in garden at this time.
One of the most common mistakes that gardeners make is growing herbs that are not suited for the season. Some herbs prefer cooler temperatures like cilantro and dill while others thrive in warmer weather.
There is only one herb that will not do well in this season The rest of the many herbs available like the cooler weather to establish roots before the heat of summer.
Basil is a warm-weather herb that needs plenty of sunlight and warmth to grow properly. If planted too early in the season, it may not survive.
You can start basil seeds indoors in the spring so that they will be ready to plant outdoors when the temperature is between 65-85 degrees. As the temperature gets warmer for summer, basil can handle the heat, but not the cold.
FAQ’s
What happens if you plant seeds or transplants too early in March?
If you plant seeds or transplants too early even if the growing season is here, they may be exposed to frost, cold temperatures, and other harsh weather conditions that can damage or kill the young plants.
This can set back growth and delay maturity, resulting in a smaller yield.
Planting too early can make the plants more susceptible to pests and diseases that thrive in cooler temperatures.
Use plant cloth to cover newly planted coool crops when the temperatures get unexpectedly too cold even in mid-March.
What can you do to protect when it’s too cold after planting?
Here are some tips to protect your plants when it’s still too cold or there is a spring frost after planting:
Cover your plants with plant cloth or plastic over hoops or cold frame: This will help to protect them from frost and keep them warm during the colder nights to produce new growth.
Water your plants during the day: Watering your plants during the day will help to keep their roots warm and prevent them from freezing.
Use compost as mulch: Adding a layer of compost around your plants can help to insulate their roots and keep them warm.
Choose hardy plants that are cool seasoned plants: When planting in the spring, choose hardy plants that can withstand colder temperatures.
Remember, taking these precautions can go a long way in protecting your plants from the cold and ensuring they thrive throughout the season.
Can I plant fruit trees in spring?
Yes, you can plant fruit trees in the spring.
In fact, spring is a great time to plant trees because the soil is starting to warm up and the weather is generally mild. Keep in mind that different types of fruit trees have different planting requirements, and some may be better suited for planting in the fall.
It’s always a good idea to do some research on the specific type of fruit tree you want to plant and consult with a local nursery or gardening expert for advice on when and how to plant it.
What seeds can I start indoors in spring for summer harvest?
Pepper seeds should be started indoors are warm seasoned vegetables during the spring which helps give them a solid base when ready to plant in the summer.
Growing tomatoes and eggplants indoors will mean that these warm season vegetables plants are ready a head start in the summer garden to be ready to grow for your summer harvest.
Seeds like summer squash you can directly plant in mid to late summer when the soil temperature is above 65 degrees.
What to plant in March as Cool Weather Vegetable:
Keep track of what you want to plant each season with a garden planner. Learn about what a garden planner has HERE.
Lettuce
Spinach
Kale
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Carrot Seeds
Green Peas
Radishes
Brussels sprouts
Spring onions