As we approach the spring season it is important for growers and gardeners to prepare accordingly. March is often the perfect time to prepare seeds indoors in order to ready them for the early spring planting that you plant to do. In addition to early spring planting prep, March is also an excellent time of year for cool-weather vegetables, those vegetables that are able to withstand the last several days of frost in March and April. While you begin to get ready for your March harvests, it is important to avoid neglecting your February jobs. Be sure to carry out any unfinished jobs prior to readying your garden for March.

March is definitely a time to begin planting your tomatoes and peppers, just make a note to cover them in the event of any type of late frost. The following are great crops to plant this coming March:

• Turnips
• Mustard greens
• Green beans
• Collards
• Cucumbers
• Corn
• Butter Beans
• Carrots
• Basil
• Lettuce
• Dill
• Oregano
• Lemon balm
• Cabbage
• Melons
• Broccoli
• Onions
• Beets
• Spinach
• Summer squash

Gardeners can also plant radishes late into March, in addition to pansies and roses. Make sure you are treating your seeds prior to planting in order to protect them from “damping off”. Finally, take a close look at your potato crops and mound up soil surrounding the stems for important sun protection. No matter what you plan to plant this coming March, be sure to care for your crops regularly while paying attention to potential plant diseases that may damage your harvest.