Zone 10 March Planting Calendar: What to Sow for a Bountiful Garden

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March is a pivotal month for gardeners in Zone 10, signaling the start of the spring planting season. With warm temperatures and ample sunshine, this is the ideal time to sow a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers to ensure a bountiful harvest later in the year.

Vegetables to Sow in March

  • Tomatoes: Start seeds indoors or transplant young plants outdoors if seedlings are available.
  • Peppers: Sow seeds indoors for later transplanting, or plant young plants directly outside.
  • Eggplants: Similar to peppers, start indoors or transplant established seedlings.
  • Squash and Zucchini: Direct sow into the garden once the soil warms up.
  • Beans: Sow directly into the soil for a quick harvest.
  • Cucumbers: Plant seeds directly or transplant seedlings.
  • Sweet Corn: Sow directly into prepared beds for a summer harvest.

Herbs to Plant in March

  • Basil: Sow seeds directly or start indoors for transplanting.
  • Cilantro: Direct sow for fresh leaves throughout the season.
  • Parsley: Sow indoors or outdoors, depending on your climate.
  • Thyme: Transplant established plants or start from cuttings.
  • Oregano: Plant from cuttings or established plants.

Flowers to Sow in March

  • Marigolds: Sow directly into the garden for pest control and bright blooms.
  • Sunflowers: Direct sow seeds for tall, cheerful flowers.
  • Zinnias: Sow indoors or directly outside for vibrant color.
  • Cosmos: Sow directly into prepared beds for easy care and long-lasting blooms.
  • Sweet Alyssum: Sow indoors or outdoors for ground cover and fragrance.

Garden Preparation Tips

Before planting, prepare your garden beds by clearing weeds and adding compost or organic matter to enrich the soil. Ensure proper drainage and consider mulching to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Starting seeds indoors can give you a head start on the growing season, especially for plants that need a longer growing period.

Additional Tips for Success

  • Water newly planted seeds regularly to keep the soil moist.
  • Use organic fertilizers to promote healthy growth.
  • Monitor for pests and diseases, and take action promptly.
  • Rotate crops annually to prevent soil depletion and disease buildup.
  • Keep a planting calendar to track sowing dates and harvest times.

With the right timing and care, March can be a rewarding month for gardeners in Zone 10. Happy planting!