My Planting Calendar

What to plant in March in Connecticut

In Connecticut (CT), March sits about 6 weeks before the average last frost (April 25). The state averages 173 frost-free days a year (last frost April 25, first frost October 15; USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a).

65 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion, arugula, beet - and 16 of those windows close during March.

Dates here come from Connecticut frost dates (last frost Apr 25, first frost Oct 15). For one crop in detail, see when to plant pea, spinach or arugula in Connecticut.

Seed-starting seasonSow or plant: 65Start indoors: 47Harvesting: 0

Connecticut: planting activity through the year

1
24
65
78
66
11
24
34
8
2
2
0
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Frost riskFrost-free: Apr 25 – Oct 15
Bars count the vegetables, herbs and fruit with a sowing or planting window in each month, from the state’s average frost dates. 65 have one in March; the busiest month is April (78).

Last chance in March

Bell Pepper (start seeds indoors, by Mar 7) · Chili Pepper (start seeds indoors, by Mar 7) · Ginger (start seeds indoors, by Mar 7) · Green Onion / Scallion (start seeds indoors, by Mar 7) · Mint (start seeds indoors, by Mar 7) · Oregano (start seeds indoors, by Mar 7) · Sage (start seeds indoors, by Mar 7) · Tarragon (start seeds indoors, by Mar 7) · Thyme (start seeds indoors, by Mar 7) · Turmeric (start seeds indoors, by Mar 7) · Ground Cherry (start seeds indoors, by Mar 14) · Lemon Balm (start seeds indoors, by Mar 14) · Shiso (Perilla) (start seeds indoors, by Mar 14) · Sweet Marjoram (start seeds indoors, by Mar 14) · Tomatillo (start seeds indoors, by Mar 14) · Tomato (start seeds indoors, by Mar 14)

Sow or plant outdoors in March (30)

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

CropWhat to doWindowThis month
Mache (Corn Salad)Direct sow (spring)Mar 16 – Apr 4Opens Mar 16
PeaDirect sow (spring)Mar 16 – Apr 4Opens Mar 16
SpinachDirect sow (spring)Mar 16 – Apr 4Opens Mar 16
Green Onion / ScallionTransplant outdoorsMar 21 – Apr 7Opens Mar 21
ArugulaDirect sow (spring)Mar 23 – Apr 11Opens Mar 23
BeetDirect sow (spring)Mar 23 – Apr 11Opens Mar 23
Fava Bean (Broad Bean)Direct sow (spring)Mar 23 – Apr 11Opens Mar 23
Green Onion / ScallionDirect sow (spring)Mar 23 – Apr 11Opens Mar 23
MizunaDirect sow (spring)Mar 23 – Apr 11Opens Mar 23
OnionDirect sow (spring)Mar 23 – Apr 11Opens Mar 23
RadishDirect sow (spring)Mar 23 – Apr 11Opens Mar 23
ShallotDirect sow (spring)Mar 23 – Apr 11Opens Mar 23
TatsoiDirect sow (spring)Mar 23 – Apr 11Opens Mar 23
CabbageTransplant outdoorsMar 28 – Apr 14Opens Mar 28
Collard GreensTransplant outdoorsMar 28 – Apr 14Opens Mar 28
HorseradishPlant crowns / divisionsMar 28 – Apr 14Opens Mar 28
KaleTransplant outdoorsMar 28 – Apr 14Opens Mar 28
KohlrabiTransplant outdoorsMar 28 – Apr 14Opens Mar 28
OnionTransplant outdoorsMar 28 – Apr 14Opens Mar 28
RhubarbPlant crowns / divisionsMar 28 – Apr 14Opens Mar 28
ShallotTransplant outdoorsMar 28 – Apr 14Opens Mar 28
CarrotDirect sow (spring)Mar 30 – Apr 18Opens Mar 30
ChervilDirect sow (spring)Mar 30 – Apr 18Opens Mar 30
Endive & EscaroleDirect sow (spring)Mar 30 – Apr 18Opens Mar 30
KohlrabiDirect sow (spring)Mar 30 – Apr 18Opens Mar 30
LettuceDirect sow (spring)Mar 30 – Apr 18Opens Mar 30
Mustard GreensDirect sow (spring)Mar 30 – Apr 18Opens Mar 30
Rapini (Broccoli Raab)Direct sow (spring)Mar 30 – Apr 18Opens Mar 30
TurnipDirect sow (spring)Mar 30 – Apr 18Opens Mar 30
WatercressDirect sow (spring)Mar 30 – Apr 18Opens Mar 30

Start seeds indoors in March (47)

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

CropWhat to doWindowThis month
Bell PepperStart seeds indoorsFeb 21 – Mar 7Last chance - ends Mar 7
Chili PepperStart seeds indoorsFeb 21 – Mar 7Last chance - ends Mar 7
GingerStart seeds indoorsFeb 21 – Mar 7Last chance - ends Mar 7
Green Onion / ScallionStart seeds indoorsFeb 21 – Mar 7Last chance - ends Mar 7
MintStart seeds indoorsFeb 21 – Mar 7Last chance - ends Mar 7
OreganoStart seeds indoorsFeb 21 – Mar 7Last chance - ends Mar 7
SageStart seeds indoorsFeb 21 – Mar 7Last chance - ends Mar 7
TarragonStart seeds indoorsFeb 21 – Mar 7Last chance - ends Mar 7
ThymeStart seeds indoorsFeb 21 – Mar 7Last chance - ends Mar 7
TurmericStart seeds indoorsFeb 21 – Mar 7Last chance - ends Mar 7
Ground CherryStart seeds indoorsFeb 28 – Mar 14Last chance - ends Mar 14
Lemon BalmStart seeds indoorsFeb 28 – Mar 14Last chance - ends Mar 14
Shiso (Perilla)Start seeds indoorsFeb 28 – Mar 14Last chance - ends Mar 14
Sweet MarjoramStart seeds indoorsFeb 28 – Mar 14Last chance - ends Mar 14
TomatilloStart seeds indoorsFeb 28 – Mar 14Last chance - ends Mar 14
TomatoStart seeds indoorsFeb 28 – Mar 14Last chance - ends Mar 14
BroccoliStart seeds indoorsMar 7 – Mar 21Mar 7 – Mar 21
Brussels SproutsStart seeds indoorsMar 7 – Mar 21Mar 7 – Mar 21
CabbageStart seeds indoorsMar 7 – Mar 21Mar 7 – Mar 21
CauliflowerStart seeds indoorsMar 7 – Mar 21Mar 7 – Mar 21
KaleStart seeds indoorsMar 7 – Mar 21Mar 7 – Mar 21
BasilStart seeds indoorsMar 14 – Mar 28Mar 14 – Mar 28
Collard GreensStart seeds indoorsMar 14 – Mar 28Mar 14 – Mar 28
Endive & EscaroleStart seeds indoorsMar 14 – Mar 28Mar 14 – Mar 28
KohlrabiStart seeds indoorsMar 14 – Mar 28Mar 14 – Mar 28
Malabar SpinachStart seeds indoorsMar 14 – Mar 28Mar 14 – Mar 28
OkraStart seeds indoorsMar 14 – Mar 28Mar 14 – Mar 28
RadicchioStart seeds indoorsMar 14 – Mar 28Mar 14 – Mar 28
Summer SavoryStart seeds indoorsMar 14 – Mar 28Mar 14 – Mar 28
Bitter MelonStart seeds indoorsMar 21 – Apr 4Opens Mar 21
Bok Choy / Pak ChoiStart seeds indoorsMar 21 – Apr 4Opens Mar 21
CucamelonStart seeds indoorsMar 21 – Apr 4Opens Mar 21
Fennel (Bulb)Start seeds indoorsMar 21 – Apr 4Opens Mar 21
LettuceStart seeds indoorsMar 21 – Apr 4Opens Mar 21
Luffa (Loofah Gourd)Start seeds indoorsMar 21 – Apr 4Opens Mar 21
Napa CabbageStart seeds indoorsMar 21 – Apr 4Opens Mar 21
New Zealand SpinachStart seeds indoorsMar 21 – Apr 4Opens Mar 21
PeanutStart seeds indoorsMar 21 – Apr 4Opens Mar 21
Swiss ChardStart seeds indoorsMar 21 – Apr 4Opens Mar 21
WatercressStart seeds indoorsMar 21 – Apr 4Opens Mar 21
Cantaloupe / MuskmelonStart seeds indoorsMar 28 – Apr 11Opens Mar 28
CucumberStart seeds indoorsMar 28 – Apr 11Opens Mar 28
PumpkinStart seeds indoorsMar 28 – Apr 11Opens Mar 28
SunflowerStart seeds indoorsMar 28 – Apr 11Opens Mar 28
WatermelonStart seeds indoorsMar 28 – Apr 11Opens Mar 28
Winter SquashStart seeds indoorsMar 28 – Apr 11Opens Mar 28
Zucchini / Summer SquashStart seeds indoorsMar 28 – Apr 11Opens Mar 28

Planting dates for popular crops in Connecticut

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

When to plant pea in Connecticut →When to plant spinach in Connecticut →When to plant arugula in Connecticut →When to plant beet in Connecticut →When to plant onion in Connecticut →When to plant radish in Connecticut →When to plant cabbage in Connecticut →When to plant kale in Connecticut →Connecticut frost dates by zone →

Seed-starting season: March garden jobs in Connecticut

  1. Start 47 crops indoors this month, including bell pepper, chili pepper, ginger, green onion / scallion. Use a sterile mix and good light - see starting seeds indoors.
  2. 6 weeks until the average last frost (April 25). The seed-starting calculator works out each crop's exact sowing date from it.
  3. Keep seedlings from stretching: lights 2-3 inches above the leaves for 14-16 hours a day, and a fan or a daily brush of the hand across the tops.
  4. Prepare beds as soon as the soil crumbles instead of smearing when squeezed - working wet soil ruins its structure for the season.

USDA zone chart for Connecticut

Connecticut spans USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.

ZoneLast frostFirst frostSeason
Zone 5Apr 30Oct 5160 days
Zone 6Apr 15Oct 15185 days
Zone 7Apr 5Oct 25200 days

Questions gardeners ask

What vegetables can I plant in Connecticut in March?

65 crops have a window in March: mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion, arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), mizuna, onion, radish and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.

Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Connecticut in March?

No - start seeds indoors runs Feb 28 – Mar 14 in Connecticut, so do it before March 14.

Is it too late to plant lettuce in Connecticut in March?

No - start seeds indoors runs Mar 21 – Apr 4 in Connecticut.

When is the first frost in Connecticut?

The statewide average first fall frost is around October 15 and the last spring frost around April 25. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.

What should I start indoors in March in Connecticut?

Bell Pepper (Feb 21 – Mar 7), Chili Pepper (Feb 21 – Mar 7), Ginger (Feb 21 – Mar 7), Green Onion / Scallion (Feb 21 – Mar 7), Mint (Feb 21 – Mar 7), Oregano (Feb 21 – Mar 7), Sage (Feb 21 – Mar 7), Tarragon (Feb 21 – Mar 7), Thyme (Feb 21 – Mar 7), Turmeric (Feb 21 – Mar 7), Ground Cherry (Feb 28 – Mar 14), Lemon Balm (Feb 28 – Mar 14), Shiso (Perilla) (Feb 28 – Mar 14), Sweet Marjoram (Feb 28 – Mar 14), Tomatillo (Feb 28 – Mar 14), Tomato (Feb 28 – Mar 14), Broccoli (Mar 7 – Mar 21), Brussels Sprouts (Mar 7 – Mar 21), Cabbage (Mar 7 – Mar 21), Cauliflower (Mar 7 – Mar 21), Kale (Mar 7 – Mar 21), Basil (Mar 14 – Mar 28), Collard Greens (Mar 14 – Mar 28), Endive & Escarole (Mar 14 – Mar 28), Kohlrabi (Mar 14 – Mar 28), Malabar Spinach (Mar 14 – Mar 28), Okra (Mar 14 – Mar 28), Radicchio (Mar 14 – Mar 28), Summer Savory (Mar 14 – Mar 28), Bitter Melon (Mar 21 – Apr 4), Bok Choy / Pak Choi (Mar 21 – Apr 4), Cucamelon (Mar 21 – Apr 4), Fennel (Bulb) (Mar 21 – Apr 4), Lettuce (Mar 21 – Apr 4), Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (Mar 21 – Apr 4), Napa Cabbage (Mar 21 – Apr 4), New Zealand Spinach (Mar 21 – Apr 4), Peanut (Mar 21 – Apr 4), Swiss Chard (Mar 21 – Apr 4), Watercress (Mar 21 – Apr 4), Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (Mar 28 – Apr 11), Cucumber (Mar 28 – Apr 11), Pumpkin (Mar 28 – Apr 11), Sunflower (Mar 28 – Apr 11), Watermelon (Mar 28 – Apr 11), Winter Squash (Mar 28 – Apr 11), Zucchini / Summer Squash (Mar 28 – Apr 11).

← February in ConnecticutApril in Connecticut →Full-year Connecticut planting calendar →Connecticut frost dates →

What to plant in March in other states

MaineMassachusettsNew HampshireNew YorkRhode IslandVermontAlabamaAlaskaAll states →

Dates are computed from Connecticut’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.