What to plant in March in North Carolina
In North Carolina (NC), March sits about 3 weeks before the average last frost (April 5). The state averages 203 frost-free days a year (last frost April 5, first frost October 25; USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b).
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 North Carolina frost dates (last frost Apr 5, first frost Oct 25). For one crop in detail, see when to plant pea, spinach or arugula in North Carolina.
North Carolina 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.
North Carolina: planting activity through the year
Last chance in March
Broccoli (start seeds indoors, by Mar 1) · Brussels Sprouts (start seeds indoors, by Mar 1) · Cabbage (start seeds indoors, by Mar 1) · Cauliflower (start seeds indoors, by Mar 1) · Kale (start seeds indoors, by Mar 1) · Basil (start seeds indoors, by Mar 8) · Collard Greens (start seeds indoors, by Mar 8) · Endive & Escarole (start seeds indoors, by Mar 8) · Kohlrabi (start seeds indoors, by Mar 8) · Malabar Spinach (start seeds indoors, by Mar 8) · Okra (start seeds indoors, by Mar 8) · Radicchio (start seeds indoors, by Mar 8) · Summer Savory (start seeds indoors, by Mar 8) · Mache (Corn Salad) (direct sow (spring), by Mar 15) · Pea (direct sow (spring), by Mar 15) · Spinach (direct sow (spring), by Mar 15)
Sow or plant outdoors in March (72)
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) | Feb 24 – Mar 15 | Last chance - ends Mar 15 |
| Pea | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 24 – Mar 15 | Last chance - ends Mar 15 |
| Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 24 – Mar 15 | Last chance - ends Mar 15 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Transplant outdoors | Mar 1 – Mar 18 | Mar 1 – Mar 18 |
| Arugula | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 3 – Mar 22 | Mar 3 – Mar 22 |
| Beet | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 3 – Mar 22 | Mar 3 – Mar 22 |
| Fava Bean (Broad Bean) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 3 – Mar 22 | Mar 3 – Mar 22 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 3 – Mar 22 | Mar 3 – Mar 22 |
| Mizuna | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 3 – Mar 22 | Mar 3 – Mar 22 |
| Onion | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 3 – Mar 22 | Mar 3 – Mar 22 |
| Radish | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 3 – Mar 22 | Mar 3 – Mar 22 |
| Shallot | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 3 – Mar 22 | Mar 3 – Mar 22 |
| Tatsoi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 3 – Mar 22 | Mar 3 – Mar 22 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Mar 8 – Mar 25 | Mar 8 – Mar 25 |
| Collard Greens | Transplant outdoors | Mar 8 – Mar 25 | Mar 8 – Mar 25 |
| Horseradish | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 8 – Mar 25 | Mar 8 – Mar 25 |
| Kale | Transplant outdoors | Mar 8 – Mar 25 | Mar 8 – Mar 25 |
| Kohlrabi | Transplant outdoors | Mar 8 – Mar 25 | Mar 8 – Mar 25 |
| Onion | Transplant outdoors | Mar 8 – Mar 25 | Mar 8 – Mar 25 |
| Rhubarb | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 8 – Mar 25 | Mar 8 – Mar 25 |
| Shallot | Transplant outdoors | Mar 8 – Mar 25 | Mar 8 – Mar 25 |
| Carrot | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 10 – Mar 29 | Mar 10 – Mar 29 |
| Chervil | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 10 – Mar 29 | Mar 10 – Mar 29 |
| Endive & Escarole | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 10 – Mar 29 | Mar 10 – Mar 29 |
| Kohlrabi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 10 – Mar 29 | Mar 10 – Mar 29 |
| Lettuce | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 10 – Mar 29 | Mar 10 – Mar 29 |
| Mustard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 10 – Mar 29 | Mar 10 – Mar 29 |
| Rapini (Broccoli Raab) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 10 – Mar 29 | Mar 10 – Mar 29 |
| Turnip | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 10 – Mar 29 | Mar 10 – Mar 29 |
| Watercress | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 10 – Mar 29 | Mar 10 – Mar 29 |
| Asparagus | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Opens Mar 15 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Opens Mar 17 |
| Borage | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Opens Mar 17 |
| Cilantro / Coriander | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Opens Mar 17 |
| Collard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Opens Mar 17 |
| Kale | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Opens Mar 17 |
| Leek | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Opens Mar 17 |
| Napa Cabbage | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Opens Mar 17 |
| Parsley | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Opens Mar 17 |
| Potato | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Opens Mar 17 |
| Radicchio | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Opens Mar 17 |
| Salsify | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Opens Mar 17 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Transplant outdoors | Mar 22 – Apr 8 | Opens Mar 22 |
| Globe Artichoke | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 22 – Apr 8 | Opens Mar 22 |
| Lemon Balm | Transplant outdoors | Mar 22 – Apr 8 | Opens Mar 22 |
| Mint | Transplant outdoors | Mar 22 – Apr 8 | Opens Mar 22 |
| Tarragon | Transplant outdoors | Mar 22 – Apr 8 | Opens Mar 22 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 24 – Apr 12 | Opens Mar 24 |
| Lemon Balm | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 24 – Apr 12 | Opens Mar 24 |
| Parsnip | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 24 – Apr 12 | Opens Mar 24 |
| Swiss Chard | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 24 – Apr 12 | Opens Mar 24 |
| Celeriac | Transplant outdoors | Mar 29 – Apr 15 | Opens Mar 29 |
| Celery | Transplant outdoors | Mar 29 – Apr 15 | Opens Mar 29 |
| Oregano | Transplant outdoors | Mar 29 – Apr 15 | Opens Mar 29 |
| Sage | Transplant outdoors | Mar 29 – Apr 15 | Opens Mar 29 |
| Thyme | Transplant outdoors | Mar 29 – Apr 15 | Opens Mar 29 |
| Dill | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 31 – Apr 19 | Opens Mar 31 |
| Sunflower | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 31 – Apr 19 | Opens Mar 31 |
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 15 – Mar 1 | Last chance - ends Mar 1 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Start seeds indoors | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Last chance - ends Mar 1 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Last chance - ends Mar 1 |
| Cauliflower | Start seeds indoors | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Last chance - ends Mar 1 |
| Kale | Start seeds indoors | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Last chance - ends Mar 1 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Last chance - ends Mar 8 |
| Collard Greens | Start seeds indoors | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Last chance - ends Mar 8 |
| Endive & Escarole | Start seeds indoors | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Last chance - ends Mar 8 |
| Kohlrabi | Start seeds indoors | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Last chance - ends Mar 8 |
| Malabar Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Last chance - ends Mar 8 |
| Okra | Start seeds indoors | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Last chance - ends Mar 8 |
| Radicchio | Start seeds indoors | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Last chance - ends Mar 8 |
| Summer Savory | Start seeds indoors | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Last chance - ends Mar 8 |
| Bitter Melon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Start seeds indoors | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Cucamelon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Start seeds indoors | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Lettuce | Start seeds indoors | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Start seeds indoors | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Napa Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Peanut | Start seeds indoors | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Swiss Chard | Start seeds indoors | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Watercress | Start seeds indoors | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Cucumber | Start seeds indoors | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Pumpkin | Start seeds indoors | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Sunflower | Start seeds indoors | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Watermelon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Winter Squash | Start seeds indoors | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Start seeds indoors | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
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 North Carolina
Every crop has its own full-year dates for North Carolina: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Last-frost month: March garden jobs in North Carolina
- The average last frost is April 5. 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 North Carolina average is worked out.
USDA zone chart for North Carolina
North Carolina spans USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina in March?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In North Carolina the next tomato window opens around April 5: transplant outdoors.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in North Carolina in March?
No - start seeds indoors runs Mar 1 – Mar 15 in North Carolina, so do it before March 15.
When is the first frost in North Carolina?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 25 and the last spring frost around April 5. North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
Broccoli (Feb 15 – Mar 1), Brussels Sprouts (Feb 15 – Mar 1), Cabbage (Feb 15 – Mar 1), Cauliflower (Feb 15 – Mar 1), Kale (Feb 15 – Mar 1), Basil (Feb 22 – Mar 8), Collard Greens (Feb 22 – Mar 8), Endive & Escarole (Feb 22 – Mar 8), Kohlrabi (Feb 22 – Mar 8), Malabar Spinach (Feb 22 – Mar 8), Okra (Feb 22 – Mar 8), Radicchio (Feb 22 – Mar 8), Summer Savory (Feb 22 – Mar 8), Bitter Melon (Mar 1 – Mar 15), Bok Choy / Pak Choi (Mar 1 – Mar 15), Cucamelon (Mar 1 – Mar 15), Fennel (Bulb) (Mar 1 – Mar 15), Lettuce (Mar 1 – Mar 15), Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (Mar 1 – Mar 15), Napa Cabbage (Mar 1 – Mar 15), New Zealand Spinach (Mar 1 – Mar 15), Peanut (Mar 1 – Mar 15), Swiss Chard (Mar 1 – Mar 15), Watercress (Mar 1 – Mar 15), Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (Mar 8 – Mar 22), Cucumber (Mar 8 – Mar 22), Pumpkin (Mar 8 – Mar 22), Sunflower (Mar 8 – Mar 22), Watermelon (Mar 8 – Mar 22), Winter Squash (Mar 8 – Mar 22), Zucchini / Summer Squash (Mar 8 – Mar 22).
What to plant in March in other states
Dates are computed from North Carolina’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.