What should I plant in March in Chicago, IL?

In March in Chicago, IL (zone 6a), you can plant Chives, Cilantro, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, and more. These dates are based on local climate data for your area.

When do I plant Chives in Chicago, IL?

In Chicago, IL (zone 6a), Chives: start seeds indoors Jan 24 – Apr 30, transplant outdoors Apr 1 – Jul 8.

When do I plant Cilantro in Chicago, IL?

In Chicago, IL (zone 6a), Cilantro: direct sow Mar 17 – Jun 23 and Sep 1 – Sep 30.

When do I plant Mint in Chicago, IL?

In Chicago, IL (zone 6a), Mint: start seeds indoors Feb 1 – May 8, transplant outdoors Apr 1 – Jul 8.

What to Plant in March

Chicago, IL · Zone 6a

Last frost: Apr 20 Frost-free days: 178

Full year calendar for Chicago

Spring is building momentum. Start tomatoes and peppers indoors if you haven't already. Cool-season crops like peas, spinach, and lettuce can go outdoors once the soil is workable.

March at a Glance

Indoor Transplant Direct Sow

1 5 10 15 20 25

Chives

Cilantro

Mint

Oregano

Parsley

Rosemary

Sage

Thyme

Artichoke

Beet

Broccoli

Brussels Sprouts

Cabbage

Cauliflower

Celery

Eggplant

Kale

Leek

Lettuce

Onion

Peas

Pepper

Radish

Spinach

Strawberry

Swiss Chard

Tomato

Turnip

Start Indoors 23

Start these seeds indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.

Plant now

Brussels Sprouts

Jan 1 – Mar 16

1 per sq ft 80–110 days

Leek

Jan 9 – Apr 8

4 per sq ft 90–150 days

Onion

Jan 9 – Apr 15

9 per sq ft 100–120 days

Celery

Jan 17 – Apr 15

4 per sq ft 80–120 days

Chives

Jan 24 – Apr 30

9 per sq ft 60–90 days

Parsley

Jan 24 – May 31

4 per sq ft 70–90 days

Rosemary

Jan 24 – Mar 16

1 per sq ft 80–120 days

Mint

Feb 1 – May 8

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Thyme

Feb 1 – Apr 15

4 per sq ft 70–90 days

Artichoke

Feb 1 – May 8

1 per sq ft 85–100 days

Broccoli

Feb 8 – Jun 23

1 per sq ft 60–100 days

Cabbage

Feb 8 – Jun 15

1 per sq ft 70–100 days

Cauliflower

Feb 8 – Jun 23

1 per sq ft 55–100 days

Oregano

Feb 15 – May 16

1 per sq ft 60–90 days

Sage

Feb 15 – Apr 30

1 per sq ft 75–90 days

Kale

Feb 15 – Jul 23

1 per sq ft 50–65 days

Strawberry

Feb 15 – May 23

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Lettuce

Mar 1 – May 23

4 per sq ft 45–60 days

Spinach

Mar 1 – Apr 30

9 per sq ft 35–50 days

Swiss Chard

Mar 1 – Aug 8

4 per sq ft 50–60 days

Eggplant

Mar 9–31

1 per sq ft 70–90 days

Pepper

Mar 9–31

1 per sq ft 60–100 days Growing guide

Later this month

Tomato

Mar 17 – Apr 30

1 per sq ft 65–80 days Growing guide

Direct Sow 5

Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.

Cilantro

Mar 17 – Jun 23

9 per sq ft 30–45 days

Turnip

Mar 17 – Sep 30

9 per sq ft 30–60 days

Beet

Mar 24 – Sep 8

9 per sq ft 50–70 days

Peas

Mar 24 – Jun 15

8 per sq ft 55–70 days

Radish

Mar 24 – Jun 23

16 per sq ft 22–30 days

March Gardening Tips

Start Tomato, Pepper, Lettuce indoors now to give them a head start before transplanting outside.
Direct sow Peas, Beet, Radish straight into the garden — no transplanting needed.
Add compost to beds now so nutrients are available when planting time arrives.