What to Plant in March (Zone 6 Garden Guide)

March is when your garden starts to wake up. In Zone 6, the soil begins to soften, daylight stretches longer, and gardeners everywhere feel the itch to plant something—anything. If you're itching too, here’s your guide to what you can plant in March, both indoors and out, and how to make the most of this transitional month.

What to Start Indoors

Use this time to get a jump on the growing season with indoor sowing under lights or in a sunny window:

Best Crops to Start Indoors in March:

• Tomatoes

• Peppers

• Eggplant

• Broccoli

• Cauliflower

• Cabbage

• Herbs (parsley, basil, oregano)

Pro Tip: Use a heat mat and grow lights to ensure strong, healthy seedlings. Don’t forget to label everything!

What to Direct Sow Outdoors

March weather is unpredictable, but some cool-season crops can be sown directly into the garden once the soil is workable (above 40°F).

Cool Crops to Direct Sow in March:

• Spinach

• Kale

• Arugula

• Lettuce

• Radishes

• Peas

• Carrots (late March)

• Beets (late March)

Pro Tip: Use row covers to help insulate your early plantings from cold snaps.

Garden Prep Tasks for March

• Clean up beds and remove debris

• Top off with compost or organic fertilizer

• Start a compost pile if you don’t have one yet

• Sharpen tools and clean containers

• Set up trellises or raised beds now so they’re ready to go

Countdown to Your Last Frost

In Zone 6, the average last frost date is between April 15–30. Use this to plan backwards for seed starting and transplanting:

• 6–8 weeks before last frost: Start tomatoes, peppers, and brassicas indoors

• 2–4 weeks before last frost: Harden off seedlings for transplant

Love and Vegetables: Helping you grow smarter, earlier, and with more joy every season.