What to Plant in March
Milwaukee, WI · Zone 5b
Last frost: Apr 25
Frost-free days: 173
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
Mint
Oregano
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Artichoke
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Celery
Kale
Leek
Lettuce
Onion
Radish
Spinach
Strawberry
Swiss Chard
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 – Apr 8
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 15
4 per sq ft
80–120 days
Rosemary
Feb 8 – Mar 8
1 per sq ft
80–120 days
Thyme
Feb 15 – Apr 15
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Artichoke
Feb 15 – May 8
1 per sq ft
85–100 days
Broccoli
Feb 15 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Cabbage
Feb 15 – Jun 8
1 per sq ft
70–100 days
Cauliflower
Feb 15 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
55–100 days
Strawberry
Feb 15 – May 16
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Kale
Feb 22 – Jul 16
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Oregano
Mar 1 – May 8
1 per sq ft
60–90 days
Sage
Mar 1 – Apr 23
1 per sq ft
75–90 days
Lettuce
Mar 1 – May 31
4 per sq ft
45–60 days
Spinach
Mar 1 – May 16
9 per sq ft
35–50 days
Swiss Chard
Mar 1 – Jul 31
4 per sq ft
50–60 days
Later this month
Direct Sow 2
Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.
Radish
Mar 24 – Jun 30
16 per sq ft
22–30 days
Turnip
Mar 24 – Sep 30
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 Radish, Turnip straight into the garden — no transplanting needed.
- Add compost to beds now so nutrients are available when planting time arrives.
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