March is a busy month in an Alabama garden. Days are getting longer, but cold nights can still show up. That means you can plant many cool-season crops now while waiting a little longer for plants that need warm soil.

Watch the local forecast before you plant. A late frost can damage tender vegetables and flowers. Cool-season plants are much safer choices early in the month, while warm-season plants should wait until frost danger has passed.

Vegetables to Plant in March

Lettuce: Lettuce grows well in cool weather. Plant seed or young plants in loose soil and keep the soil evenly moist. Our guide to growing lettuce in Alabama has more tips for spring planting.

Spinach: Spinach is another good March crop. It grows fast in cool weather and often struggles once hot weather arrives. See our Alabama spinach planting guide for timing and care.

Radishes: Radishes are easy to grow from seed. Many types are ready to harvest in only a few weeks. Give them loose soil and steady moisture so the roots stay tender.

Carrots: Carrots also like cool weather. Plant them in deep, loose soil with few rocks. Keep the seed bed moist while the tiny seeds sprout.

Flowers for March

Petunias: Petunias handle cool spring weather better than many summer flowers. They need good drainage and plenty of light. Protect them if a hard freeze is expected.

Calibrachoa: Calibrachoa can also be planted as spring weather settles in. It likes sun, good drainage, and soil that is moist but not soggy.

Simple March Garden Care

March can be wet in Alabama, so check the soil before you water. If the soil is already moist a few inches down, wait before watering again. Good drainage is especially important during cool weather.

Do not feed every plant on a fixed schedule. Test the soil first when possible, then use fertilizer only when plants need it. Our Alabama garden soil test guide explains how to collect a sample and use the results.

March is a good time to get the garden moving again. Start with cool-season plants, watch for late frost, and give each crop the light, water, and space it needs.