What to Plant in March
Omaha, NE · Zone 5b
Last frost: Apr 20
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
Start Indoors 23
Start these seeds indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.
Plant now
Leek
Jan 1 – Apr 8
4 per sq ft
90–150 days
Onion
Jan 1 – Apr 8
9 per sq ft
100–120 days
Chives
Jan 9 – Apr 23
9 per sq ft
60–90 days
Parsley
Jan 9 – May 31
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Celery
Jan 9 – Mar 23
4 per sq ft
80–120 days
Mint
Jan 17 – Apr 30
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Rosemary
Jan 17 – Mar 8
1 per sq ft
80–120 days
Thyme
Jan 24 – Apr 15
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Artichoke
Jan 24 – Apr 30
1 per sq ft
85–100 days
Broccoli
Jan 24 – Apr 23
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Cabbage
Jan 24 – Apr 23
1 per sq ft
70–100 days
Cauliflower
Jan 24 – Apr 23
1 per sq ft
55–100 days
Kale
Feb 1 – Jul 16
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Strawberry
Feb 1 – May 16
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Oregano
Feb 8 – May 8
1 per sq ft
60–90 days
Sage
Feb 8 – 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 – Aug 8
4 per sq ft
50–60 days
Eggplant
Mar 1–23
1 per sq ft
70–90 days
Pepper
Mar 1–31
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Growing guide
Tomato
Mar 9 – Apr 23
1 per sq ft
65–80 days
Growing guide
Later this month
Sunflower
Mar 24 – May 8
1 per sq ft
70–100 days
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 – Aug 8
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Broccoli
Mar 17 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Brussels Sprouts
Mar 17 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
80–110 days
Cabbage
Mar 17 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
70–100 days
Cauliflower
Mar 17 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
55–100 days
Kale
Mar 17 – Aug 31
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Leek
Mar 17 – Jun 30
4 per sq ft
90–150 days
Lettuce
Mar 17 – Jun 8
4 per sq ft
45–60 days
Onion
Mar 17 – Jun 30
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 – Sep 8
4 per sq ft
50–60 days
Direct Sow 6
Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.
Plant now
Cilantro
Mar 9 – Jun 8
9 per sq ft
30–45 days
Beet
Mar 9 – Sep 8
9 per sq ft
50–70 days
Peas
Mar 9 – Jun 15
8 per sq ft
55–70 days
Radish
Mar 9 – Jun 8
16 per sq ft
22–30 days
Turnip
Mar 9 – Sep 30
9 per sq ft
30–60 days
Later this month
Carrot
Mar 17 – 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.
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