What to plant in March in District of Columbia
In District of Columbia (DC), March sits about 4 weeks before the average last frost (April 10). The state averages 198 frost-free days a year (last frost April 10, first frost October 25; USDA zones 7a, 7b, 8a).
64 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion, arugula, beet - and 13 of those windows close during March.
Dates here come from District of Columbia frost dates (last frost Apr 10, first frost Oct 25). For one crop in detail, see when to plant pea, spinach or arugula in District of Columbia.
District of Columbia: planting activity through the year
Last chance in March
Broccoli (start seeds indoors, by Mar 6) · Brussels Sprouts (start seeds indoors, by Mar 6) · Cabbage (start seeds indoors, by Mar 6) · Cauliflower (start seeds indoors, by Mar 6) · Kale (start seeds indoors, by Mar 6) · Basil (start seeds indoors, by Mar 13) · Collard Greens (start seeds indoors, by Mar 13) · Endive & Escarole (start seeds indoors, by Mar 13) · Kohlrabi (start seeds indoors, by Mar 13) · Malabar Spinach (start seeds indoors, by Mar 13) · Okra (start seeds indoors, by Mar 13) · Radicchio (start seeds indoors, by Mar 13) · Summer Savory (start seeds indoors, by Mar 13)
Sow or plant outdoors in March (65)
Direct sowing and transplanting windows that fall in March, most urgent first. Windows are one-to-two-week bands around the ideal date.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mache (Corn Salad) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 1 – Mar 20 | Mar 1 – Mar 20 |
| Pea | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 1 – Mar 20 | Mar 1 – Mar 20 |
| Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 1 – Mar 20 | Mar 1 – Mar 20 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Transplant outdoors | Mar 6 – Mar 23 | Mar 6 – Mar 23 |
| Arugula | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 8 – Mar 27 | Mar 8 – Mar 27 |
| Beet | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 8 – Mar 27 | Mar 8 – Mar 27 |
| Fava Bean (Broad Bean) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 8 – Mar 27 | Mar 8 – Mar 27 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 8 – Mar 27 | Mar 8 – Mar 27 |
| Mizuna | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 8 – Mar 27 | Mar 8 – Mar 27 |
| Onion | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 8 – Mar 27 | Mar 8 – Mar 27 |
| Radish | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 8 – Mar 27 | Mar 8 – Mar 27 |
| Shallot | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 8 – Mar 27 | Mar 8 – Mar 27 |
| Tatsoi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 8 – Mar 27 | Mar 8 – Mar 27 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Mar 13 – Mar 30 | Mar 13 – Mar 30 |
| Collard Greens | Transplant outdoors | Mar 13 – Mar 30 | Mar 13 – Mar 30 |
| Horseradish | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 13 – Mar 30 | Mar 13 – Mar 30 |
| Kale | Transplant outdoors | Mar 13 – Mar 30 | Mar 13 – Mar 30 |
| Kohlrabi | Transplant outdoors | Mar 13 – Mar 30 | Mar 13 – Mar 30 |
| Onion | Transplant outdoors | Mar 13 – Mar 30 | Mar 13 – Mar 30 |
| Rhubarb | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 13 – Mar 30 | Mar 13 – Mar 30 |
| Shallot | Transplant outdoors | Mar 13 – Mar 30 | Mar 13 – Mar 30 |
| Carrot | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Chervil | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Endive & Escarole | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Kohlrabi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Lettuce | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Mustard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Rapini (Broccoli Raab) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Turnip | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Watercress | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Asparagus | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 20 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 20 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 20 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 20 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 20 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 20 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 20 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 20 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 20 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 20 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 20 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 20 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 20 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 20 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 20 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Opens Mar 22 |
| Borage | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Opens Mar 22 |
| Cilantro / Coriander | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Opens Mar 22 |
| Collard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Opens Mar 22 |
| Kale | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Opens Mar 22 |
| Leek | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Opens Mar 22 |
| Napa Cabbage | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Opens Mar 22 |
| Parsley | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Opens Mar 22 |
| Potato | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Opens Mar 22 |
| Radicchio | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Opens Mar 22 |
| Salsify | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Opens Mar 22 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Transplant outdoors | Mar 27 – Apr 13 | Opens Mar 27 |
| Globe Artichoke | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 27 – Apr 13 | Opens Mar 27 |
| Lemon Balm | Transplant outdoors | Mar 27 – Apr 13 | Opens Mar 27 |
| Mint | Transplant outdoors | Mar 27 – Apr 13 | Opens Mar 27 |
| Tarragon | Transplant outdoors | Mar 27 – Apr 13 | Opens Mar 27 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 29 – Apr 17 | Opens Mar 29 |
| Lemon Balm | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 29 – Apr 17 | Opens Mar 29 |
| Parsnip | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 29 – Apr 17 | Opens Mar 29 |
| Swiss Chard | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 29 – Apr 17 | Opens Mar 29 |
Start seeds indoors in March (31)
Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Last chance - ends Mar 6 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Start seeds indoors | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Last chance - ends Mar 6 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Last chance - ends Mar 6 |
| Cauliflower | Start seeds indoors | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Last chance - ends Mar 6 |
| Kale | Start seeds indoors | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Last chance - ends Mar 6 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Last chance - ends Mar 13 |
| Collard Greens | Start seeds indoors | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Last chance - ends Mar 13 |
| Endive & Escarole | Start seeds indoors | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Last chance - ends Mar 13 |
| Kohlrabi | Start seeds indoors | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Last chance - ends Mar 13 |
| Malabar Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Last chance - ends Mar 13 |
| Okra | Start seeds indoors | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Last chance - ends Mar 13 |
| Radicchio | Start seeds indoors | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Last chance - ends Mar 13 |
| Summer Savory | Start seeds indoors | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Last chance - ends Mar 13 |
| Bitter Melon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Start seeds indoors | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Cucamelon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Start seeds indoors | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Lettuce | Start seeds indoors | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Start seeds indoors | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Napa Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Peanut | Start seeds indoors | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Swiss Chard | Start seeds indoors | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Watercress | Start seeds indoors | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Cucumber | Start seeds indoors | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Pumpkin | Start seeds indoors | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Sunflower | Start seeds indoors | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Watermelon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Winter Squash | Start seeds indoors | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Start seeds indoors | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
Planting dates for popular crops in District of Columbia
Every crop has its own full-year dates for District of Columbia: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Last-frost month: March garden jobs in District of Columbia
- The average last frost is April 10. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 District of Columbia average is worked out.
USDA zone chart for District of Columbia
District of Columbia spans USDA zones 7a, 7b, 8a. 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
What vegetables can I plant in District of Columbia in March?
64 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 District of Columbia in March?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In District of Columbia the next tomato window opens around April 10: transplant outdoors.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in District of Columbia in March?
No - start seeds indoors runs Mar 6 – Mar 20 in District of Columbia, so do it before March 20.
When is the first frost in District of Columbia?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 25 and the last spring frost around April 10. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in March in District of Columbia?
Broccoli (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Brussels Sprouts (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Cabbage (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Cauliflower (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Kale (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Basil (Feb 27 – Mar 13), Collard Greens (Feb 27 – Mar 13), Endive & Escarole (Feb 27 – Mar 13), Kohlrabi (Feb 27 – Mar 13), Malabar Spinach (Feb 27 – Mar 13), Okra (Feb 27 – Mar 13), Radicchio (Feb 27 – Mar 13), Summer Savory (Feb 27 – Mar 13), Bitter Melon (Mar 6 – Mar 20), Bok Choy / Pak Choi (Mar 6 – Mar 20), Cucamelon (Mar 6 – Mar 20), Fennel (Bulb) (Mar 6 – Mar 20), Lettuce (Mar 6 – Mar 20), Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (Mar 6 – Mar 20), Napa Cabbage (Mar 6 – Mar 20), New Zealand Spinach (Mar 6 – Mar 20), Peanut (Mar 6 – Mar 20), Swiss Chard (Mar 6 – Mar 20), Watercress (Mar 6 – Mar 20), Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (Mar 13 – Mar 27), Cucumber (Mar 13 – Mar 27), Pumpkin (Mar 13 – Mar 27), Sunflower (Mar 13 – Mar 27), Watermelon (Mar 13 – Mar 27), Winter Squash (Mar 13 – Mar 27), Zucchini / Summer Squash (Mar 13 – Mar 27).
What to plant in March in other states
Dates are computed from District of Columbia’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.