What should I plant in March in Madison, WI?

In March in Madison, WI (zone 5a), 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 Madison, WI?

In Madison, WI (zone 5a), Chives: start seeds indoors Jan 24 – Apr 23, transplant outdoors Apr 1 – Jun 30.

When do I plant Cilantro in Madison, WI?

In Madison, WI (zone 5a), Cilantro: direct sow Mar 24 – Jun 15 and Sep 1 – Sep 23.

When do I plant Mint in Madison, WI?

In Madison, WI (zone 5a), Mint: start seeds indoors Feb 1 – Apr 30, transplant outdoors Apr 1 – Jun 30.

What to Plant in March

Madison, WI · Zone 5a

Last frost: May 5 Frost-free days: 153

Full year calendar for Madison

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

Cauliflower

Celery

Kale

Leek

Lettuce

Onion

Peas

Radish

Spinach

Strawberry

Swiss Chard

Tomato

Turnip

Start Indoors 21

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

Plant now

Brussels Sprouts

Jan 1 – Mar 8

1 per sq ft 80–110 days

Leek

Jan 9 – Mar 31

4 per sq ft 90–150 days

Onion

Jan 9 – Mar 31

9 per sq ft 100–120 days

Chives

Jan 24 – Apr 23

9 per sq ft 60–90 days

Parsley

Jan 24 – May 23

4 per sq ft 70–90 days

Mint

Feb 1 – Apr 30

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Celery

Feb 1 – Apr 8

4 per sq ft 80–120 days

Rosemary

Feb 8 – Mar 8

1 per sq ft 80–120 days

Broccoli

Feb 8 – Jun 15

1 per sq ft 60–100 days

Cabbage

Feb 8 – May 31

1 per sq ft 70–100 days

Cauliflower

Feb 8 – Jun 15

1 per sq ft 55–100 days

Thyme

Feb 15 – Apr 8

4 per sq ft 70–90 days

Artichoke

Feb 15 – Apr 23

1 per sq ft 85–100 days

Kale

Feb 15 – Jul 8

1 per sq ft 50–65 days

Strawberry

Feb 15 – May 16

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Oregano

Mar 1 – Apr 30

1 per sq ft 60–90 days

Sage

Mar 1 – Apr 23

1 per sq ft 75–90 days

Lettuce

Mar 1 – May 16

4 per sq ft 45–60 days

Spinach

Mar 1 – Apr 30

9 per sq ft 35–50 days

Swiss Chard

Mar 1 – Jul 31

4 per sq ft 50–60 days

Later this month

Tomato

Mar 17 – Apr 23

1 per sq ft 65–80 days Growing guide

Direct Sow 5

Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.

Cilantro

Mar 24 – Jun 15

9 per sq ft 30–45 days

Beet

Mar 24 – Aug 31

9 per sq ft 50–70 days

Peas

Mar 24 – Aug 31

8 per sq ft 55–70 days

Radish

Mar 24 – Jun 15

16 per sq ft 22–30 days

Turnip

Mar 24 – Sep 23

9 per sq ft 30–60 days

March Gardening Tips

Start Tomato, Lettuce, Broccoli 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.