March planting in the northwest United States comes with its own set of rules for a couple of reasons but nonetheless, there are some general guidelines for Pacific Northwest gardens. Want to know what to plant in March? The following northwest planting guide contains general information on what to plant in March.
Pacific Northwest Gardens
The Pacific Northwest covers a lot of ground from mountains to coasts and arid landscapes to rainforests. Each area of the region may be quite dissimilar regarding planting times so it’s a good idea to consult with your local Master Gardeners or nursery prior to planting.
About the Northwest Planting Guide
Along with other garden related chores, March is planting time in the northwest. The following northwest planting guide is just that, a guide. Factors that can vary include your exact location and microclimate, the weather of course; whether you plant in black plastic, have a greenhouse, use cloches, low tunnels, etc.
What to Plant in March?
By March in milder regions, some nurseries are open and selling bare-root and potted perennials, seeds, summer bulbs, rhubarb and asparagus crowns, and other plants potted or in burlap. Now is the time to make your selection on these items as well as early spring perennials to plant, like creeping phlox.
Otherwise, it’s definitely time to focus on the vegetable garden. Depending upon where you are located, March planting in the northwest may mean direct sowing of seeds or starting seeds indoors.
Veggie plants to start indoors, or outdoors depending upon outdoor weather conditions, include:
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Celery
- Chard
- Collards
- Eggplant
- Endive
- Kale
- Kohlrabi
- Leeks
- Lettuces
- Onions
- Pak Choy
- Peppers
- Radicchio
- Scallions
- Tomatoes
- Herbs (all)
Plants that can be direct sown outside in Pacific Northwest gardens include arugula, lettuces, mustard, and spinach.
March planting in the northwest should include planting your asparagus and rhubarb crowns, horseradish, onions, leeks, and shallots as well as potatoes. In many regions root veggies such as beets, carrots, and radishes can be direct sown.
While these are planting guidelines for the Pacific Northwest, a better barometer of what to plant and when to plant outside is if soil temperatures are 40 degrees F. (4 C.) or warmer. Crops like lettuce, kale, peas, and spinach can be direct sown. If soil temps are 50 degrees F. (10 C.) or higher, onion varieties, root crops, and Swiss chard can be direct sown. Once soil temps are over 60 degrees F. (16 C.) all the brassicas, carrots, beans, and beets can be direct sown.
Start warm season veggies like basil, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes for Pacific Northwest gardens indoors in March for later transplant.