March Growing Guide: Spring Planting & Garden Prep 🌿

March marks the beginning of a vibrant growing season! In Florida and other subtropical regions, warm temperatures signal the time to plant heat-loving fruits, herbs, and perennials. For cooler climates, March is about transitioning from indoor growing to preparing for outdoor planting. No matter your zone, this month is full of opportunities to get your garden thriving!

🌞 Growing in March: Florida & Subtropical Regions (Zones 8-10+)

March is one of the best times to plant tropical and subtropical fruit trees, and heat-tolerant greens and herbs.

Best Fruit Trees to Plant in March

Spring is the perfect time to plant tropicals before summer’s intense heat arrives.

• Banana (Musa spp.) – Thrives in warm, humid conditions with steady moisture.
• Lychee (Litchi chinensis) – A delicious, exotic fruit tree that prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
• Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) – A fast-growing, large fruit tree producing massive, sweet fruit.
• Avocado (Persea americana) – A must-have for home growers, with varieties suited for different climates.

🌱 Pro Tip: Water newly planted trees deeply and mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect roots from rising temperatures.

Heat-Tolerant Greens, Herbs & Perennials

As temperatures rise, it’s best to focus on heat-loving greens and herbs that will thrive in warm weather.

• Malabar Spinach (Basella alba) – A vining green that thrives in hot weather and is packed with nutrients.
• Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) – A perennial leafy green that produces year-round in warm climates.
• Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) – A fragrant herb used in teas and cooking, easy to grow in the heat.
• Cranberry Hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella) – A stunning edible plant with tangy, deep red leaves.
• Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) – A cold-hardy root vegetable that thrives in most soils.

🌱 Pro Tip: Many heat-tolerant greens like Malabar Spinach and Chaya are vining or bushy plants—give them space to sprawl or provide trellising for upward growth.

🏡 Growing in March: Cooler Climates (Zones 7 and Below)

For gardeners in cooler zones, March is a transitional month. Seed starting is in full swing, and in milder regions, hardy plants can begin to be transplanted outdoors.

Plants to Start Indoors in March

Starting plants indoors now ensures a strong crop for outdoor planting in late spring.

• Tomatoes – Start indoors for a jumpstart on the growing season.
• Peppers (Capsicum spp.) – Both sweet and hot peppers need warmth to germinate, so start early.
• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) – A cold-hardy perennial flower with medicinal benefits.
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa) – Start in containers and move outdoors when temperatures warm.

🌱 Pro Tip: If transplanting young plants outdoors, use row covers or cold frames to protect them from unexpected frosts.

🌿 March Garden Maintenance & Prep Tips

March isn’t just about planting—it’s also about preparing your garden for the growing season ahead. Here are some essential tasks to tackle this month:

For Florida & Subtropical Gardeners:

✅ Fertilize Fruit Trees: Apply organic compost or worm castings to encourage strong spring growth.
✅ Mulch & Weed: Suppress weeds early before they take over, and add mulch to retain moisture.
✅ Prune Tropical Trees & Shrubs: Remove dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy new growth.
✅ Prepare for Spring or Summer Rains: Ensure proper drainage in garden beds and containers to prevent root rot.

For Cooler Climate Gardeners:

✅ Harden Off Seedlings: If temperatures are warming, start moving seedlings outdoors for short periods to acclimate them before transplanting.
✅ Prepare Garden Beds: Clear out debris, add compost, and check soil conditions for planting.
✅ Order Plants Early: Get a head start by ordering fruit trees and perennials so they’re ready for spring planting.

🌱 Make the Most of March Gardening!

No matter where you’re growing, March is an exciting month full of possibilities. In warm regions, tropical fruit trees and heat-loving greens are ready to go in the ground, while in colder climates, it’s time to start seeds and prepare for spring planting.

🌿 Ready to plant? Check out Sow Exotic’s full collection and start growing today! Happy planting! 🌱