What Should You Plant in March for Zone 7 Gardens?

AvatarBySheryl Ackerman General Planting

As the chill of winter begins to fade and the first hints of spring emerge, gardeners in Zone 7 eagerly anticipate the perfect moment to get their hands in the soil. March marks a pivotal time in the gardening calendar—a season of renewal and opportunity where the groundwork is laid for a flourishing garden. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a curious beginner, knowing what to plant in March can set the stage for a vibrant and productive growing season.

Zone 7’s unique climate, characterized by moderate winters and warm summers, offers a versatile environment for a wide range of plants. This transitional month invites gardeners to balance patience with action, choosing crops and flowers that thrive in early spring conditions. Understanding the timing and types of plants suited for March in this zone helps ensure healthy growth and bountiful harvests.

Embarking on your March planting journey in Zone 7 means embracing the rhythms of nature and making informed choices tailored to your local climate. The following insights will guide you through the best options to sow, transplant, or nurture during this crucial month, setting your garden on a path to success.

Vegetables Suitable for March Planting in Zone 7

March is an ideal time for starting many cool-season vegetables in Zone 7, as the soil begins to warm but the risk of hard frost still lingers. Direct sowing and indoor seed starting are both effective methods depending on the vegetable and local microclimate.

Cool-season vegetables that thrive when planted in March include:

  • Peas: These can be sown directly into prepared soil early in March. They prefer cooler temperatures and will benefit from trellising as they grow.
  • Spinach: Another cold-tolerant green that can be direct-seeded. It prefers rich, well-drained soil and consistent moisture.
  • Radishes: Fast-growing and hardy, radishes are excellent for early planting and can be harvested in just a few weeks.
  • Carrots: Sow seeds directly in loose, sandy soil to avoid root deformities.
  • Lettuce and other salad greens: Start these indoors or sow directly, taking care to thin seedlings for optimal growth.
  • Broccoli and Cauliflower: These should be started indoors in March and transplanted after the last frost date.
  • Onions: Plant onion sets or seedlings directly outdoors for a summer harvest.

For best results, prepare the soil by incorporating compost and ensuring good drainage. Raised beds can help warm the soil faster and extend the growing season.

Herbs to Plant in March in Zone 7

March is a great month to start many herbs that prefer cooler soil and air temperatures. Starting herbs early ensures a longer growing season and robust plants.

Popular herbs to plant in March include:

  • Parsley: Can be seeded indoors or directly outdoors; it germinates slowly but is hardy.
  • Cilantro: Prefers cooler weather and should be sown directly in the garden.
  • Chives: Can be started from seed indoors or planted as established plants.
  • Thyme and Oregano: Best started indoors and transplanted after frost; they prefer well-drained soil.
  • Dill: Direct sow in March for a spring harvest, as it grows quickly in cool weather.

These herbs thrive in full sun to partial shade and benefit from fertile, well-drained soil. Mulching can help regulate soil temperature and moisture.

Flowering Plants to Start in March for Zone 7

March is a transitional month for flowering plants in Zone 7, allowing gardeners to start both annuals and perennials that will bloom in late spring and summer.

Some excellent choices for March planting include:

  • Pansies and Violas: Hardy annuals that tolerate cold and provide early color.
  • Snapdragons: Can be started indoors for transplanting or sown directly in mild areas.
  • Sweet Peas: Prefer direct sowing in early March for fragrant flowers.
  • Columbine and Bleeding Heart: Perennials that can be planted as dormant roots or seedlings.
  • Marigolds and Zinnias: Should be started indoors in March to transplant after frost.

Consider soil preparation by adding organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. Also, hardening off seedlings before transplanting is essential to reduce transplant shock.

Planting Calendar for Zone 7 in March

The following table summarizes key planting activities for vegetables, herbs, and flowers suited to March in Zone 7. It includes recommended sowing methods and approximate timing.

Plant Type Plant/Seed Sowing Method Timing Notes
Vegetable Peas Direct sow Early March Requires trellis support
Vegetable Broccoli Start indoors Mid March Transplant after last frost
Vegetable Radishes Direct sow Early March Harvest in 3-4 weeks
Herb Parsley Indoor or direct sow Early to mid March Slow germination
Herb Cilantro Direct sow Early March Prefers cool weather
Flower Pansies Direct sow or transplant Early March Cold-hardy annual
Flower Snapdragons Start indoors or direct sow Mid March Transplant after frost

Vegetables Suitable for Planting in March in Zone 7

March marks a critical period for early spring planting in Zone 7, where the last frost dates typically range from late March to mid-April. Gardeners should focus on hardy vegetables that thrive in cooler soil temperatures and can withstand potential late frosts.

Vegetables to plant directly outdoors or start indoors for transplanting include:

  • Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and lettuce varieties are cold-tolerant and fast-growing.
  • Root Crops: Carrots, radishes, beets, and turnips can be sown directly in well-prepared soil.
  • Alliums: Onions (from sets or transplants) and garlic (if not planted in fall) can be set out early.
  • Peas: Both shelling and snap peas perform well when planted early to avoid heat stress.
  • Brassicas: Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts can be started indoors for transplanting later in the month.

For gardeners preferring to start seeds indoors, consider tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. These warm-season crops require more time to mature and will benefit from a head start before transplanting outdoors after the last frost.

Vegetable Planting Method Notes
Spinach Direct sow Prefers cool weather; plant as soon as soil is workable
Carrots Direct sow Loose, well-drained soil recommended
Onion Sets Plant sets directly Plant early for larger bulbs
Peas Direct sow Support with trellises for climbing varieties
Broccoli Start indoors/Transplant Transplant seedlings 4-6 weeks after starting indoors

Flowers and Herbs to Plant in March in Zone 7

March provides an excellent window for planting a variety of annual and perennial flowers, as well as herbs that enjoy the mild temperatures of early spring.

Consider these flowers and herbs for planting in March:

  • Annual Flowers: Pansies, violas, snapdragons, and calendulas are ideal for early-season color and tolerate cooler temperatures.
  • Perennials: Early bloomers such as bleeding hearts, columbines, and hellebores can be planted or divided in March.
  • Herbs: Parsley, chives, cilantro, and thyme can be sown directly or started indoors for transplanting.

Herbs like basil and oregano should be started indoors this month to transplant after the danger of frost has passed. Starting these indoors ensures robust seedlings for a healthy herb garden throughout the growing season.

Plant Type Planting Method Notes
Pansies Annual flower Direct sow or transplant seedlings Cold tolerant, blooms early spring
Bleeding Heart Perennial flower Plant crowns or divisions Prefers partial shade and moist soil
Parsley Herb Direct sow or start indoors Slow to germinate; soak seeds overnight
Chives Herb Direct sow or transplant Perennial; tolerates cold well
Basil Herb Start indoors Transplant after last frost for best growth

Soil Preparation and Planting Tips for March in Zone 7

Proper soil preparation is essential to maximize germination rates and plant health during March planting. Zone 7’s moderate climate allows gardeners to begin

Expert Recommendations for Planting in March in Zone 7

Dr. Emily Hartman (Horticulturist and Regional Extension Specialist). March is an ideal time to start cool-season vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, and peas in Zone 7. The soil temperature begins to warm, allowing for successful germination. Additionally, early spring is perfect for transplanting hardy perennials and starting seeds indoors for warm-season crops.

James Whitfield (Master Gardener and Author of “Gardening in the Southeast”). In Zone 7, March offers a great window to plant root vegetables like carrots and beets directly outdoors. It is also advisable to prepare beds for tomatoes and peppers by starting seedlings indoors now, ensuring they are ready for transplant after the last frost. Mulching early can help protect emerging plants from unexpected cold snaps.

Linda Chen (Urban Agriculture Consultant and Soil Scientist). For gardeners in Zone 7, March is a critical month to focus on soil preparation and planting cool-season herbs such as parsley and cilantro. Incorporating organic matter and ensuring proper drainage will optimize growth. Early planting of brassicas, including broccoli and cabbage, also thrives during this period before the onset of warmer temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What vegetables are best to plant in March in Zone 7?
In March, Zone 7 gardeners should focus on cool-season crops such as lettuce, spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and peas. These vegetables thrive in the early spring temperatures typical of this zone.

Can I start warm-season crops in March in Zone 7?
Warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants should generally be started indoors in March. Transplanting outdoors is recommended after the last frost date, usually in mid to late April.

Is it safe to plant herbs outdoors in March in Zone 7?
Yes, hardy herbs such as parsley, chives, and cilantro can be planted outdoors in March. Tender herbs like basil should be started indoors and transplanted after the risk of frost has passed.

What flowers are suitable for planting in March in Zone 7?
Early spring flowers such as pansies, snapdragons, and primroses are ideal for planting in March. These flowers tolerate cooler temperatures and will add color to your garden early in the season.

Should I prepare the soil before planting in March in Zone 7?
Absolutely. March is an excellent time to amend soil with compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. Proper soil preparation ensures healthy plant growth throughout the season.

When is the last frost date for Zone 7, and how does it affect planting in March?
The last frost date in Zone 7 typically falls between mid-March and mid-April. Planting in March should focus on frost-tolerant crops or starting tender plants indoors to avoid damage from late frosts.
In Zone 7, March marks an ideal time to begin planting a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers as the soil starts to warm and the risk of hard frost diminishes. Cool-season crops such as lettuce, spinach, peas, and broccoli can be directly sown outdoors, while tender plants like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants benefit from indoor seed starting to ensure strong seedlings for later transplanting. Additionally, March is suitable for planting perennial herbs and certain flowers that thrive in early spring conditions.

Gardeners should focus on preparing the soil by incorporating organic matter and ensuring proper drainage to support healthy plant growth. Attention to local microclimates and weather patterns within Zone 7 can further optimize planting success. Utilizing season extenders such as row covers or cold frames can also protect young plants from unexpected cold snaps, extending the growing season.

Overall, strategic planting in March sets the foundation for a productive and vibrant garden in Zone 7. By selecting appropriate crops and employing best practices in soil preparation and seed starting, gardeners can maximize yields and enjoy a diverse harvest throughout the growing season. Staying informed about regional planting calendars and adjusting for specific site conditions will enhance the success of spring planting efforts.

Author Profile

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Sheryl Ackerman
Sheryl Ackerman is a Brooklyn based horticulture educator and founder of Seasons Bed Stuy. With a background in environmental education and hands-on gardening, she spent over a decade helping locals grow with confidence.

Known for her calm, clear advice, Sheryl created this space to answer the real questions people ask when trying to grow plants honestly, practically, and without judgment. Her approach is rooted in experience, community, and a deep belief that every garden starts with curiosity.