What should I plant in March in Des Moines, IA?

In March in Des Moines, IA (zone 5b), 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 Des Moines, IA?

In Des Moines, IA (zone 5b), Chives: start seeds indoors Jan 9 – Apr 23, transplant outdoors Mar 17 – Jun 30.

When do I plant Cilantro in Des Moines, IA?

In Des Moines, IA (zone 5b), Cilantro: direct sow Mar 17 – Jun 8.

When do I plant Mint in Des Moines, IA?

In Des Moines, IA (zone 5b), Mint: start seeds indoors Jan 17 – Apr 30, transplant outdoors Mar 17 – Jun 30.

What to Plant in March

Des Moines, IA · Zone 5b

Last frost: Apr 25 Frost-free days: 168

Full year calendar for Des Moines

Spring is still weeks away outdoors, but indoor seed starting is in full swing. Start tomatoes, peppers, and herbs under lights. Prepare beds for cool-season crops that go out next month.

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

Carrot

Cauliflower

Celery

Eggplant

Kale

Leek

Lettuce

Onion

Peas

Pepper

Radish

Spinach

Strawberry

Swiss Chard

Tomato

Turnip

Start Indoors 22

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

Leek

Jan 1 – Mar 31

4 per sq ft 90–150 days

Onion

Jan 1 – Mar 31

9 per sq ft 100–120 days

Chives

Jan 9 – Apr 23

9 per sq ft 60–90 days

Parsley

Jan 9 – May 23

4 per sq ft 70–90 days

Mint

Jan 17 – Apr 30

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Celery

Jan 17 – Apr 15

4 per sq ft 80–120 days

Rosemary

Jan 24 – Mar 16

1 per sq ft 80–120 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 1 – May 16

1 per sq ft 60–100 days

Cabbage

Feb 1 – May 16

1 per sq ft 70–100 days

Cauliflower

Feb 1 – May 16

1 per sq ft 55–100 days

Kale

Feb 1 – Jul 8

1 per sq ft 50–65 days

Strawberry

Feb 1 – May 16

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Oregano

Feb 15 – May 8

1 per sq ft 60–90 days

Sage

Feb 15 – Apr 23

1 per sq ft 75–90 days

Lettuce

Feb 15 – May 8

4 per sq ft 45–60 days

Spinach

Feb 15 – Apr 23

9 per sq ft 35–50 days

Swiss Chard

Feb 15 – Jul 31

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

Tomato

Mar 9 – Apr 23

1 per sq ft 65–80 days Growing guide

Transplant 14

Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.

Chives

Mar 17 – Jun 30

9 per sq ft 60–90 days

Mint

Mar 17 – Jun 30

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Parsley

Mar 17 – Jul 31

4 per sq ft 70–90 days

Kale

Mar 17 – Aug 23

1 per sq ft 50–65 days

Leek

Mar 17 – Jun 23

4 per sq ft 90–150 days

Lettuce

Mar 17 – Jun 8

4 per sq ft 45–60 days

Onion

Mar 17 – Jun 23

9 per sq ft 100–120 days

Spinach

Mar 17 – May 23

9 per sq ft 35–50 days

Strawberry

Mar 17 – Jun 30

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Swiss Chard

Mar 17 – Aug 31

4 per sq ft 50–60 days

Broccoli

Mar 24 – Jun 15

1 per sq ft 60–100 days

Brussels Sprouts

Mar 24 – Jun 15

1 per sq ft 80–110 days

Cabbage

Mar 24 – Jun 15

1 per sq ft 70–100 days

Cauliflower

Mar 24 – Jun 15

1 per sq ft 55–100 days

Direct Sow 6

Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.

Cilantro

Mar 17 – Jun 8

9 per sq ft 30–45 days

Beet

Mar 17 – Sep 8

9 per sq ft 50–70 days

Peas

Mar 17 – Jun 15

8 per sq ft 55–70 days

Radish

Mar 17 – Jun 8

16 per sq ft 22–30 days

Turnip

Mar 17 – Sep 30

9 per sq ft 30–60 days

Carrot

Mar 24 – Aug 8

16 per sq ft 70–80 days

March Gardening Tips

Start Tomato, Pepper, Lettuce indoors now to give them a head start before transplanting outside.
Lettuce, Broccoli, Cabbage can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
Direct sow Carrot, Peas, Beet straight into the garden — no transplanting needed.
Add compost to beds now so nutrients are available when planting time arrives.