What to plant in March in Alabama

Last chance in March

Bitter Melon (start seeds indoors, by Mar 4) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (start seeds indoors, by Mar 4) · Cucamelon (start seeds indoors, by Mar 4) · Fennel (Bulb) (start seeds indoors, by Mar 4) · Lettuce (start seeds indoors, by Mar 4) · Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (start seeds indoors, by Mar 4) · Napa Cabbage (start seeds indoors, by Mar 4) · New Zealand Spinach (start seeds indoors, by Mar 4) · Peanut (start seeds indoors, by Mar 4) · Swiss Chard (start seeds indoors, by Mar 4) · Watercress (start seeds indoors, by Mar 4) · Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (start seeds indoors, by Mar 11) · Cucumber (start seeds indoors, by Mar 11) · Pumpkin (start seeds indoors, by Mar 11) · Sunflower (start seeds indoors, by Mar 11) · Watermelon (start seeds indoors, by Mar 11) · Winter Squash (start seeds indoors, by Mar 11) · Zucchini / Summer Squash (start seeds indoors, by Mar 11) · Mache (Corn Salad) (direct sow (spring), by Mar 4) · Pea (direct sow (spring), by Mar 4) · Spinach (direct sow (spring), by Mar 4) · Green Onion / Scallion (transplant outdoors, by Mar 7) · Arugula (direct sow (spring), by Mar 11) · Beet (direct sow (spring), by Mar 11) · Fava Bean (Broad Bean) (direct sow (spring), by Mar 11) · Green Onion / Scallion (direct sow (spring), by Mar 11) · Mizuna (direct sow (spring), by Mar 11) · Onion (direct sow (spring), by Mar 11) · Radish (direct sow (spring), by Mar 11) · Shallot (direct sow (spring), by Mar 11) · Tatsoi (direct sow (spring), by Mar 11) · Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by Mar 14) · Collard Greens (transplant outdoors, by Mar 14) · Horseradish (plant crowns / divisions, by Mar 14) · Kale (transplant outdoors, by Mar 14) · Kohlrabi (transplant outdoors, by Mar 14) · Onion (transplant outdoors, by Mar 14) · Rhubarb (plant crowns / divisions, by Mar 14) · Shallot (transplant outdoors, by Mar 14) · Carrot (direct sow (spring), by Mar 18) · Chervil (direct sow (spring), by Mar 18) · Endive & Escarole (direct sow (spring), by Mar 18) · Kohlrabi (direct sow (spring), by Mar 18) · Lettuce (direct sow (spring), by Mar 18) · Mustard Greens (direct sow (spring), by Mar 18) · Rapini (Broccoli Raab) (direct sow (spring), by Mar 18) · Turnip (direct sow (spring), by Mar 18) · Watercress (direct sow (spring), by Mar 18)

Sow or plant outdoors in March (97)

Direct sowing and transplanting windows that fall in March, most urgent first. Windows are one-to-two-week bands around the ideal date.

Start seeds indoors in March (18)

Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.

Harvesting in March

First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.

Planting dates for popular crops in Alabama

Every crop has its own full-year dates for Alabama: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.

Last-frost month: March garden jobs in Alabama

1. The average last frost is March 25. Hardy crops can go out now - mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion - but hold tender ones like tomatoes, peppers and squash until after that date.
2. Start hardening off indoor seedlings 7-10 days before they go out: a few hours of outdoor shade first, building up to full sun and nights outside.
3. Keep row cover or old sheets handy and watch the 10-day forecast - a clear, still night after a warm spell is the classic late-frost setup.
4. Soil temperature matters as much as the calendar: most warm-season seed rots below about 60°F. Check the frost dates guide for how the Alabama average is worked out.

USDA zone chart for Alabama

Alabama spans USDA zones 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.

Questions gardeners ask