What to Plant in March in Southern California: A Guide to the Best Annuals, Perennials, and Vegetables

What to Plant in March in Southern California

The weather in Southern California is finally starting to warm up, which means it’s time to start thinking about what to plant in your garden. March is a great time to get started, as the days are getting longer and the soil is warming up.

There are a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and flowers that you can plant in March in Southern California. Some of the most popular choices include tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, strawberries, and sunflowers.

When choosing what to plant, it’s important to consider the climate in your area. Southern California has a Mediterranean climate, which means that it is hot and dry in the summer and mild and wet in the winter. This means that you will need to choose plants that are tolerant of heat and drought.

You also need to consider the amount of sunlight your garden gets. Most vegetables and fruits need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow properly.

If you’re new to gardening, don’t be afraid to experiment. There are a lot of great resources available to help you choose the right plants for your garden. And with a little care and attention, you’ll be enjoying fresh, homegrown produce in no time.

Vegetable	When to Plant	Notes
Beans	Mid-March to early April	Soak beans overnight before planting.
Cabbage	Early March to late April	Cabbage seedlings can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Carrots	Early March to late April	Carrots can be direct-seeded in the garden or started indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Cucumbers	Mid-March to early April	Cucumber seedlings can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Eggplant	Early March to late April	Eggplant seedlings can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Lettuce	Early March to late April	Lettuce can be direct-seeded in the garden or started indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Peas	Mid-March to early April	Soak peas overnight before planting.
Potatoes	Early March to late April	Potatoes can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Sweet corn	Early March to late April	Sweet corn seedlings can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Tomatoes	Early March to late April	Tomato seedlings can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outdoors.

March is a great time to start planting in Southern California. The weather is warming up, the days are getting longer, and the soil is starting to dry out. This makes it the perfect time to get your garden started.

In this guide, we will discuss the best vegetables and flowers to plant in March in Southern California. We will also provide tips on how to care for your plants and get the best results.

Vegetables to Plant in March in Southern California

The following vegetables are all well-suited for planting in March in Southern California:

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Cucumbers
• Squash
• Melons
• Beans
• Carrots
• Beets
• Radishes
• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Kale
• Cabbage

Let’s take a closer look at each of these vegetables and discuss the best varieties to choose, how to plant them, and how to care for them.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in Southern California. They are relatively easy to grow and produce a bountiful harvest.

When choosing tomato varieties to plant in March, look for those that are resistant to diseases and pests. Some good varieties to choose include:

• Early Girl
• Better Boy
• Roma
• San Marzano

To plant tomatoes, start by preparing the soil. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. Dig a hole about 12 inches deep and wide. Fill the hole with a mixture of compost and potting soil.

Place the tomato seedling in the hole and gently cover the roots with soil. Firm the soil around the seedling and water it well.

Tomatoes need full sun to produce fruit. They should be watered regularly, but not too much. Overwatering can lead to blossom end rot, a condition that causes the fruit to rot at the blossom end.

Tomatoes are ready to harvest when they are red and ripe. To harvest a tomato, simply twist it off the stem.

Peppers

Peppers are another popular vegetable to grow in Southern California. They are available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.

When choosing pepper varieties to plant in March, look for those that are resistant to diseases and pests. Some good varieties to choose include:

• Bell peppers
• Jalapeos
• Serrano peppers
• Poblanos
• Anaheim peppers

To plant peppers, start by preparing the soil. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. Dig a hole about 12 inches deep and wide. Fill the hole with a mixture of compost and potting soil.

Place the pepper seedling in the hole and gently cover the roots with soil. Firm the soil around the seedling and water it well.

Peppers need full sun to produce fruit. They should be watered regularly, but not too much. Overwatering can lead to blossom end rot, a condition that causes the fruit to rot at the blossom end.

Peppers are ready to harvest when they are ripe. To harvest a pepper, simply cut it off the stem.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a cool-weather crop that is well-suited for growing in Southern California. They are relatively easy to grow and produce a bountiful harvest.

When choosing cucumber varieties to plant in March, look for those that are resistant to diseases and pests. Some good varieties to choose include:

• Burpless cucumber
• English cucumber
• Persian cucumber
• Lemon cucumber

To plant cucumbers, start by preparing the soil. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. Dig a hole about 12 inches deep and wide. Fill the hole with a mixture of compost and potting soil.

Place the cucumber seedling in the hole and gently cover the roots with soil. Firm the soil around the seedling and water it well.

Cucumbers need full sun to produce fruit. They should be watered regularly, but not too much. Overwatering can lead to blossom end rot, a condition that causes the fruit to rot at the blossom end.

Cucumbers are ready to harvest when they are ripe. To harvest a cucumber, simply pick it off the vine.

Squash

Squash is a warm-weather crop that is well-suited for growing in Southern California. They are relatively easy to grow and produce a bountiful harvest.

When choosing squash varieties to plant in March, look for those that are resistant to diseases and pests. Some good varieties to choose include:

• Zucchini
• Yellow squash
• Custard squash
• Acorn squash
• Butternut squash

To plant squash, start by preparing the soil. The soil should be well-drained

3. Herbs to Plant in March in Southern California

Herbs are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your dishes, and they’re also relatively easy to grow in Southern California. Here are some of the best herbs to plant in March in this region:

• Basil is a classic herb that is used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pizzas to pasta. It is a warm-season herb that does best in full sun and well-drained soil.
• Oregano is another popular herb that is used in Italian and Mediterranean cooking. It is a drought-tolerant herb that can be grown in full sun or partial shade.
• Thyme is a versatile herb that can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. It is a hardy herb that can be grown in a variety of conditions, but it does best in full sun.
• Rosemary is a fragrant herb that is often used in roasted meats and vegetables. It is a drought-tolerant herb that can be grown in full sun or partial shade.
• Sage is a flavorful herb that is used in a variety of dishes, from soups to stews to stuffing. It is a hardy herb that can be grown in full sun or partial shade.
• Parsley is a versatile herb that is used in both fresh and cooked dishes. It is a cool-season herb that does best in partial shade.
• Cilantro is a bright and flavorful herb that is used in Mexican, Asian, and Indian cuisine. It is a warm-season herb that does best in full sun.
• Mint is a refreshing herb that is used in a variety of drinks and desserts. It is a hardy herb that can be grown in full sun or partial shade.
• Chives are a mild and onion-flavored herb that is used in salads, soups, and sauces. They are a cool-season herb that does best in partial shade.
• Dill is a feathery herb that is used in pickles, soups, and salads. It is a cool-season herb that does best in partial shade.

How to Plant Herbs in March in Southern California

To plant herbs in March in Southern California, follow these steps:

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden or yard. Herbs need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.
2. Prepare the soil by digging a hole that is twice the width and depth of the herb’s root ball.
3. Add a handful of compost or organic fertilizer to the bottom of the hole.
4. Gently remove the herb from its pot and place it in the hole.
5. Backfill the hole with soil and water the herb thoroughly.

Caring for Herbs in March in Southern California

Once your herbs are planted, you will need to care for them by following these steps:

• Water your herbs regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilize your herbs once a month with a water-soluble fertilizer.
• Prune your herbs regularly to keep them healthy and bushy.
• Protect your herbs from pests and diseases by using organic pest control methods.

Harvesting Herbs in March in Southern California

You can start harvesting your herbs in March when they are about 6 inches tall. To harvest herbs, simply snip off the stems just above a leaf node. Be sure to leave some leaves on the plant so that it can continue to grow.

Enjoying Your Herbs in March in Southern California

There are many ways to enjoy your herbs in March. You can use them fresh in salads, soups, and sauces. You can also dry them for later use. Herbs are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals, and they’re also a beautiful addition to any garden.

Herbs are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your dishes, and they’re also relatively easy to grow in Southern California. By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh herbs all season long.

What to Plant in March in Southern California?

• Vegetables:
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Cucumbers
• Eggplants
• Lettuce
• Melons
• Peppers
• Potatoes
• Radishes
• Tomatoes
• Herbs:
• Basil
• Chives
• Cilantro
• Dill
• Mint
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Thyme
• Flowers:
• Azaleas
• Calla lilies
• Daisies
• Geraniums
• Impatiens
• Lilies
• Marigolds
• Petunias
• Roses
• Snapdragons

How to Plant in March in Southern California?

• Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
• Prepare the soil by digging it up and adding compost or manure.
• Plant seeds or seedlings at the proper depth.
• Water the plants regularly.
• Fertilize the plants monthly.
• Protect the plants from pests and diseases.

What to Avoid Planting in March in Southern California?

• Plants that are sensitive to frost, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
• Plants that require a lot of water, such as melons and cucumbers.
• Plants that are susceptible to pests and diseases, such as beans and peas.

Tips for Growing Vegetables in Southern California

• Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.
• Transplant seedlings outdoors after the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed.
• Water vegetables regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilize vegetables monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
• Protect vegetables from pests and diseases with organic pest control methods.

Tips for Growing Herbs in Southern California

• Plant herbs in full sun or partial shade.
• Water herbs regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilize herbs monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
• Pinch back herbs regularly to encourage bushy growth.
• Harvest herbs as needed.

Tips for Growing Flowers in Southern California

• Choose flowers that are drought-tolerant and heat-resistant.
• Plant flowers in full sun or partial shade.
• Water flowers regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilize flowers monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
• Deadhead flowers regularly to encourage new blooms.

March is a great time to plant a variety of vegetables, fruits, and flowers in Southern California. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your plants get off to a healthy start and produce a bountiful harvest. So what are you waiting for? Get started planting today!

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• The best time to plant vegetables in Southern California is in March, after the last frost.
• Some of the best vegetables to plant in March include tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, and squash.
• Fruits that can be planted in March include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
• Flowers that can be planted in March include petunias, marigolds, geraniums, and impatiens.
• When planting, make sure to choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
• Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilize your plants regularly to help them grow strong and healthy.

By following these tips, you can have a beautiful and bountiful garden in no time.