What to plant in March in New Mexico
In New Mexico (NM), March sits about 5 weeks before the average last frost (April 20). The state averages 183 frost-free days a year (last frost April 20, first frost October 20; USDA zones 4b, 5b, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 9a).
70 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 New Mexico frost dates (last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 20). For one crop in detail, see when to plant pea, spinach or arugula in New Mexico.
New Mexico covers a very wide range of climates, so dates near you can be two weeks or more either side of these. Enter your ZIP code in the planting calendar for dates tuned to your town.
New Mexico: planting activity through the year
Last chance in March
Bell Pepper (start seeds indoors, by Mar 2) · Chili Pepper (start seeds indoors, by Mar 2) · Ginger (start seeds indoors, by Mar 2) · Green Onion / Scallion (start seeds indoors, by Mar 2) · Mint (start seeds indoors, by Mar 2) · Oregano (start seeds indoors, by Mar 2) · Sage (start seeds indoors, by Mar 2) · Tarragon (start seeds indoors, by Mar 2) · Thyme (start seeds indoors, by Mar 2) · Turmeric (start seeds indoors, by Mar 2) · Ground Cherry (start seeds indoors, by Mar 9) · Lemon Balm (start seeds indoors, by Mar 9) · Shiso (Perilla) (start seeds indoors, by Mar 9) · Sweet Marjoram (start seeds indoors, by Mar 9) · Tomatillo (start seeds indoors, by Mar 9) · Tomato (start seeds indoors, by Mar 9)
Sow or plant outdoors in March (45)
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 11 – Mar 30 | Mar 11 – Mar 30 |
| Pea | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 11 – Mar 30 | Mar 11 – Mar 30 |
| Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 11 – Mar 30 | Mar 11 – Mar 30 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Transplant outdoors | Mar 16 – Apr 2 | Opens Mar 16 |
| Arugula | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 18 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 18 |
| Beet | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 18 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 18 |
| Fava Bean (Broad Bean) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 18 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 18 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 18 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 18 |
| Mizuna | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 18 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 18 |
| Onion | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 18 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 18 |
| Radish | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 18 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 18 |
| Shallot | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 18 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 18 |
| Tatsoi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 18 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 18 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Mar 23 – Apr 9 | Opens Mar 23 |
| Collard Greens | Transplant outdoors | Mar 23 – Apr 9 | Opens Mar 23 |
| Horseradish | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 23 – Apr 9 | Opens Mar 23 |
| Kale | Transplant outdoors | Mar 23 – Apr 9 | Opens Mar 23 |
| Kohlrabi | Transplant outdoors | Mar 23 – Apr 9 | Opens Mar 23 |
| Onion | Transplant outdoors | Mar 23 – Apr 9 | Opens Mar 23 |
| Rhubarb | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 23 – Apr 9 | Opens Mar 23 |
| Shallot | Transplant outdoors | Mar 23 – Apr 9 | Opens Mar 23 |
| Carrot | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 25 – Apr 13 | Opens Mar 25 |
| Chervil | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 25 – Apr 13 | Opens Mar 25 |
| Endive & Escarole | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 25 – Apr 13 | Opens Mar 25 |
| Kohlrabi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 25 – Apr 13 | Opens Mar 25 |
| Lettuce | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 25 – Apr 13 | Opens Mar 25 |
| Mustard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 25 – Apr 13 | Opens Mar 25 |
| Rapini (Broccoli Raab) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 25 – Apr 13 | Opens Mar 25 |
| Turnip | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 25 – Apr 13 | Opens Mar 25 |
| Watercress | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 25 – Apr 13 | Opens Mar 25 |
| Asparagus | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 30 – Apr 16 | Opens Mar 30 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Mar 30 – Apr 16 | Opens Mar 30 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Mar 30 – Apr 16 | Opens Mar 30 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Mar 30 – Apr 16 | Opens Mar 30 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Mar 30 – Apr 16 | Opens Mar 30 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 30 – Apr 16 | Opens Mar 30 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Mar 30 – Apr 16 | Opens Mar 30 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Mar 30 – Apr 16 | Opens Mar 30 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Mar 30 – Apr 16 | Opens Mar 30 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Mar 30 – Apr 16 | Opens Mar 30 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Mar 30 – Apr 16 | Opens Mar 30 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Mar 30 – Apr 16 | Opens Mar 30 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 30 – Apr 16 | Opens Mar 30 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Mar 30 – Apr 16 | Opens Mar 30 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Mar 30 – Apr 16 | Opens 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.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Pepper | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Last chance - ends Mar 2 |
| Chili Pepper | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Last chance - ends Mar 2 |
| Ginger | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Last chance - ends Mar 2 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Last chance - ends Mar 2 |
| Mint | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Last chance - ends Mar 2 |
| Oregano | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Last chance - ends Mar 2 |
| Sage | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Last chance - ends Mar 2 |
| Tarragon | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Last chance - ends Mar 2 |
| Thyme | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Last chance - ends Mar 2 |
| Turmeric | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Last chance - ends Mar 2 |
| Ground Cherry | Start seeds indoors | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Last chance - ends Mar 9 |
| Lemon Balm | Start seeds indoors | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Last chance - ends Mar 9 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Start seeds indoors | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Last chance - ends Mar 9 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Start seeds indoors | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Last chance - ends Mar 9 |
| Tomatillo | Start seeds indoors | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Last chance - ends Mar 9 |
| Tomato | Start seeds indoors | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Last chance - ends Mar 9 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Start seeds indoors | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Cauliflower | Start seeds indoors | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Kale | Start seeds indoors | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Collard Greens | Start seeds indoors | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Endive & Escarole | Start seeds indoors | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Kohlrabi | Start seeds indoors | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Malabar Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Okra | Start seeds indoors | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Radicchio | Start seeds indoors | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Summer Savory | Start seeds indoors | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Bitter Melon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Start seeds indoors | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Cucamelon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Start seeds indoors | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Lettuce | Start seeds indoors | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Start seeds indoors | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Napa Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Peanut | Start seeds indoors | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Swiss Chard | Start seeds indoors | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Watercress | Start seeds indoors | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 23 |
| Cucumber | Start seeds indoors | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 23 |
| Pumpkin | Start seeds indoors | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 23 |
| Sunflower | Start seeds indoors | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 23 |
| Watermelon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 23 |
| Winter Squash | Start seeds indoors | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 23 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Start seeds indoors | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | Opens Mar 23 |
Planting dates for popular crops in New Mexico
Every crop has its own full-year dates for New Mexico: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Seed-starting season: March garden jobs in New Mexico
- 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.
- 5 weeks until the average last frost (April 20). The seed-starting calculator works out each crop's exact sowing date from it.
- 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.
- 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 New Mexico
New Mexico spans USDA zones 4b, 5b, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 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
What vegetables can I plant in New Mexico in March?
70 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 New Mexico in March?
No - start seeds indoors runs Feb 23 – Mar 9 in New Mexico, so do it before March 9.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in New Mexico in March?
No - start seeds indoors runs Mar 16 – Mar 30 in New Mexico, so do it before March 30.
When is the first frost in New Mexico?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 20 and the last spring frost around April 20. New Mexico covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in March in New Mexico?
Bell Pepper (Feb 16 – Mar 2), Chili Pepper (Feb 16 – Mar 2), Ginger (Feb 16 – Mar 2), Green Onion / Scallion (Feb 16 – Mar 2), Mint (Feb 16 – Mar 2), Oregano (Feb 16 – Mar 2), Sage (Feb 16 – Mar 2), Tarragon (Feb 16 – Mar 2), Thyme (Feb 16 – Mar 2), Turmeric (Feb 16 – Mar 2), Ground Cherry (Feb 23 – Mar 9), Lemon Balm (Feb 23 – Mar 9), Shiso (Perilla) (Feb 23 – Mar 9), Sweet Marjoram (Feb 23 – Mar 9), Tomatillo (Feb 23 – Mar 9), Tomato (Feb 23 – Mar 9), Broccoli (Mar 2 – Mar 16), Brussels Sprouts (Mar 2 – Mar 16), Cabbage (Mar 2 – Mar 16), Cauliflower (Mar 2 – Mar 16), Kale (Mar 2 – Mar 16), Basil (Mar 9 – Mar 23), Collard Greens (Mar 9 – Mar 23), Endive & Escarole (Mar 9 – Mar 23), Kohlrabi (Mar 9 – Mar 23), Malabar Spinach (Mar 9 – Mar 23), Okra (Mar 9 – Mar 23), Radicchio (Mar 9 – Mar 23), Summer Savory (Mar 9 – Mar 23), Bitter Melon (Mar 16 – Mar 30), Bok Choy / Pak Choi (Mar 16 – Mar 30), Cucamelon (Mar 16 – Mar 30), Fennel (Bulb) (Mar 16 – Mar 30), Lettuce (Mar 16 – Mar 30), Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (Mar 16 – Mar 30), Napa Cabbage (Mar 16 – Mar 30), New Zealand Spinach (Mar 16 – Mar 30), Peanut (Mar 16 – Mar 30), Swiss Chard (Mar 16 – Mar 30), Watercress (Mar 16 – Mar 30), Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (Mar 23 – Apr 6), Cucumber (Mar 23 – Apr 6), Pumpkin (Mar 23 – Apr 6), Sunflower (Mar 23 – Apr 6), Watermelon (Mar 23 – Apr 6), Winter Squash (Mar 23 – Apr 6), Zucchini / Summer Squash (Mar 23 – Apr 6).
What to plant in March in other states
Dates are computed from New Mexico’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.