My Planting Calendar

What to plant in March in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts (MA), March sits about 6 weeks before the average last frost (April 24). The state averages 173 frost-free days a year (last frost April 24, first frost October 14; USDA zones 5a, 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 Massachusetts frost dates (last frost Apr 24, first frost Oct 14). For one crop in detail, see when to plant pea, spinach or arugula in Massachusetts.

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

Massachusetts: planting activity through the year

1
24
65
78
66
11
24
32
8
2
2
0
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Frost riskFrost-free: Apr 24 – Oct 14
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 6) · Chili Pepper (start seeds indoors, by Mar 6) · Ginger (start seeds indoors, by Mar 6) · Green Onion / Scallion (start seeds indoors, by Mar 6) · Mint (start seeds indoors, by Mar 6) · Oregano (start seeds indoors, by Mar 6) · Sage (start seeds indoors, by Mar 6) · Tarragon (start seeds indoors, by Mar 6) · Thyme (start seeds indoors, by Mar 6) · Turmeric (start seeds indoors, by Mar 6) · Ground Cherry (start seeds indoors, by Mar 13) · Lemon Balm (start seeds indoors, by Mar 13) · Shiso (Perilla) (start seeds indoors, by Mar 13) · Sweet Marjoram (start seeds indoors, by Mar 13) · Tomatillo (start seeds indoors, by Mar 13) · Tomato (start seeds indoors, by Mar 13)

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 15 – Apr 3Opens Mar 15
PeaDirect sow (spring)Mar 15 – Apr 3Opens Mar 15
SpinachDirect sow (spring)Mar 15 – Apr 3Opens Mar 15
Green Onion / ScallionTransplant outdoorsMar 20 – Apr 6Opens Mar 20
ArugulaDirect sow (spring)Mar 22 – Apr 10Opens Mar 22
BeetDirect sow (spring)Mar 22 – Apr 10Opens Mar 22
Fava Bean (Broad Bean)Direct sow (spring)Mar 22 – Apr 10Opens Mar 22
Green Onion / ScallionDirect sow (spring)Mar 22 – Apr 10Opens Mar 22
MizunaDirect sow (spring)Mar 22 – Apr 10Opens Mar 22
OnionDirect sow (spring)Mar 22 – Apr 10Opens Mar 22
RadishDirect sow (spring)Mar 22 – Apr 10Opens Mar 22
ShallotDirect sow (spring)Mar 22 – Apr 10Opens Mar 22
TatsoiDirect sow (spring)Mar 22 – Apr 10Opens Mar 22
CabbageTransplant outdoorsMar 27 – Apr 13Opens Mar 27
Collard GreensTransplant outdoorsMar 27 – Apr 13Opens Mar 27
HorseradishPlant crowns / divisionsMar 27 – Apr 13Opens Mar 27
KaleTransplant outdoorsMar 27 – Apr 13Opens Mar 27
KohlrabiTransplant outdoorsMar 27 – Apr 13Opens Mar 27
OnionTransplant outdoorsMar 27 – Apr 13Opens Mar 27
RhubarbPlant crowns / divisionsMar 27 – Apr 13Opens Mar 27
ShallotTransplant outdoorsMar 27 – Apr 13Opens Mar 27
CarrotDirect sow (spring)Mar 29 – Apr 17Opens Mar 29
ChervilDirect sow (spring)Mar 29 – Apr 17Opens Mar 29
Endive & EscaroleDirect sow (spring)Mar 29 – Apr 17Opens Mar 29
KohlrabiDirect sow (spring)Mar 29 – Apr 17Opens Mar 29
LettuceDirect sow (spring)Mar 29 – Apr 17Opens Mar 29
Mustard GreensDirect sow (spring)Mar 29 – Apr 17Opens Mar 29
Rapini (Broccoli Raab)Direct sow (spring)Mar 29 – Apr 17Opens Mar 29
TurnipDirect sow (spring)Mar 29 – Apr 17Opens Mar 29
WatercressDirect sow (spring)Mar 29 – Apr 17Opens Mar 29

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 20 – Mar 6Last chance - ends Mar 6
Chili PepperStart seeds indoorsFeb 20 – Mar 6Last chance - ends Mar 6
GingerStart seeds indoorsFeb 20 – Mar 6Last chance - ends Mar 6
Green Onion / ScallionStart seeds indoorsFeb 20 – Mar 6Last chance - ends Mar 6
MintStart seeds indoorsFeb 20 – Mar 6Last chance - ends Mar 6
OreganoStart seeds indoorsFeb 20 – Mar 6Last chance - ends Mar 6
SageStart seeds indoorsFeb 20 – Mar 6Last chance - ends Mar 6
TarragonStart seeds indoorsFeb 20 – Mar 6Last chance - ends Mar 6
ThymeStart seeds indoorsFeb 20 – Mar 6Last chance - ends Mar 6
TurmericStart seeds indoorsFeb 20 – Mar 6Last chance - ends Mar 6
Ground CherryStart seeds indoorsFeb 27 – Mar 13Last chance - ends Mar 13
Lemon BalmStart seeds indoorsFeb 27 – Mar 13Last chance - ends Mar 13
Shiso (Perilla)Start seeds indoorsFeb 27 – Mar 13Last chance - ends Mar 13
Sweet MarjoramStart seeds indoorsFeb 27 – Mar 13Last chance - ends Mar 13
TomatilloStart seeds indoorsFeb 27 – Mar 13Last chance - ends Mar 13
TomatoStart seeds indoorsFeb 27 – Mar 13Last chance - ends Mar 13
BroccoliStart seeds indoorsMar 6 – Mar 20Mar 6 – Mar 20
Brussels SproutsStart seeds indoorsMar 6 – Mar 20Mar 6 – Mar 20
CabbageStart seeds indoorsMar 6 – Mar 20Mar 6 – Mar 20
CauliflowerStart seeds indoorsMar 6 – Mar 20Mar 6 – Mar 20
KaleStart seeds indoorsMar 6 – Mar 20Mar 6 – Mar 20
BasilStart seeds indoorsMar 13 – Mar 27Mar 13 – Mar 27
Collard GreensStart seeds indoorsMar 13 – Mar 27Mar 13 – Mar 27
Endive & EscaroleStart seeds indoorsMar 13 – Mar 27Mar 13 – Mar 27
KohlrabiStart seeds indoorsMar 13 – Mar 27Mar 13 – Mar 27
Malabar SpinachStart seeds indoorsMar 13 – Mar 27Mar 13 – Mar 27
OkraStart seeds indoorsMar 13 – Mar 27Mar 13 – Mar 27
RadicchioStart seeds indoorsMar 13 – Mar 27Mar 13 – Mar 27
Summer SavoryStart seeds indoorsMar 13 – Mar 27Mar 13 – Mar 27
Bitter MelonStart seeds indoorsMar 20 – Apr 3Opens Mar 20
Bok Choy / Pak ChoiStart seeds indoorsMar 20 – Apr 3Opens Mar 20
CucamelonStart seeds indoorsMar 20 – Apr 3Opens Mar 20
Fennel (Bulb)Start seeds indoorsMar 20 – Apr 3Opens Mar 20
LettuceStart seeds indoorsMar 20 – Apr 3Opens Mar 20
Luffa (Loofah Gourd)Start seeds indoorsMar 20 – Apr 3Opens Mar 20
Napa CabbageStart seeds indoorsMar 20 – Apr 3Opens Mar 20
New Zealand SpinachStart seeds indoorsMar 20 – Apr 3Opens Mar 20
PeanutStart seeds indoorsMar 20 – Apr 3Opens Mar 20
Swiss ChardStart seeds indoorsMar 20 – Apr 3Opens Mar 20
WatercressStart seeds indoorsMar 20 – Apr 3Opens Mar 20
Cantaloupe / MuskmelonStart seeds indoorsMar 27 – Apr 10Opens Mar 27
CucumberStart seeds indoorsMar 27 – Apr 10Opens Mar 27
PumpkinStart seeds indoorsMar 27 – Apr 10Opens Mar 27
SunflowerStart seeds indoorsMar 27 – Apr 10Opens Mar 27
WatermelonStart seeds indoorsMar 27 – Apr 10Opens Mar 27
Winter SquashStart seeds indoorsMar 27 – Apr 10Opens Mar 27
Zucchini / Summer SquashStart seeds indoorsMar 27 – Apr 10Opens Mar 27

Planting dates for popular crops in Massachusetts

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

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

Seed-starting season: March garden jobs in Massachusetts

  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 24). 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 Massachusetts

Massachusetts spans USDA zones 5a, 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts in March?

No - start seeds indoors runs Feb 27 – Mar 13 in Massachusetts, so do it before March 13.

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

No - start seeds indoors runs Mar 20 – Apr 3 in Massachusetts.

When is the first frost in Massachusetts?

The statewide average first fall frost is around October 14 and the last spring frost around April 24. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.

What should I start indoors in March in Massachusetts?

Bell Pepper (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Chili Pepper (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Ginger (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Green Onion / Scallion (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Mint (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Oregano (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Sage (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Tarragon (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Thyme (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Turmeric (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Ground Cherry (Feb 27 – Mar 13), Lemon Balm (Feb 27 – Mar 13), Shiso (Perilla) (Feb 27 – Mar 13), Sweet Marjoram (Feb 27 – Mar 13), Tomatillo (Feb 27 – Mar 13), Tomato (Feb 27 – Mar 13), Broccoli (Mar 6 – Mar 20), Brussels Sprouts (Mar 6 – Mar 20), Cabbage (Mar 6 – Mar 20), Cauliflower (Mar 6 – Mar 20), Kale (Mar 6 – Mar 20), Basil (Mar 13 – Mar 27), Collard Greens (Mar 13 – Mar 27), Endive & Escarole (Mar 13 – Mar 27), Kohlrabi (Mar 13 – Mar 27), Malabar Spinach (Mar 13 – Mar 27), Okra (Mar 13 – Mar 27), Radicchio (Mar 13 – Mar 27), Summer Savory (Mar 13 – Mar 27), Bitter Melon (Mar 20 – Apr 3), Bok Choy / Pak Choi (Mar 20 – Apr 3), Cucamelon (Mar 20 – Apr 3), Fennel (Bulb) (Mar 20 – Apr 3), Lettuce (Mar 20 – Apr 3), Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (Mar 20 – Apr 3), Napa Cabbage (Mar 20 – Apr 3), New Zealand Spinach (Mar 20 – Apr 3), Peanut (Mar 20 – Apr 3), Swiss Chard (Mar 20 – Apr 3), Watercress (Mar 20 – Apr 3), Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (Mar 27 – Apr 10), Cucumber (Mar 27 – Apr 10), Pumpkin (Mar 27 – Apr 10), Sunflower (Mar 27 – Apr 10), Watermelon (Mar 27 – Apr 10), Winter Squash (Mar 27 – Apr 10), Zucchini / Summer Squash (Mar 27 – Apr 10).

← February in MassachusettsApril in Massachusetts →Full-year Massachusetts planting calendar →Massachusetts frost dates →

What to plant in March in other states

ConnecticutMaineNew HampshireNew YorkRhode IslandVermontAlabamaAlaskaAll states →

Dates are computed from Massachusetts’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.