Creating your own vegetable garden is a wonderful thing to do. Not only will you have fresh veggies right in your very own backyard, but you can also have the peace of mind of knowing where your vegetables are coming from and how they were cared for. Let’s skip those grocery store lines and the time it takes to count, weigh, and ring up your vegetables, and instead, let’s get to planting!
Gardening 101: Vegetables To Plant in March
STEP 1: UNDERSTAND YOUR PLANTING AREA
First, and most importantly, where are you planting your vegetables?
There are a few key factors to keep in mind:
- How much sunlight does the area receive?
- Is there access to water or a watering device?
- Are you planting a container garden or in your flowerbeds?
Once you have a good grasp on these factors, this will help you determine what you want to plant, will in fact grow successfully.
Ideally, plan on beginning your transplants the second or third week of March. It is best to start at least a week after the final average frost date.
There are 3 important things to do to your new plants before planting:
- Give your transplants a few days to become acclimated to the outdoor conditions before planting.
- Prep your soil with organic compost.
- Spacing is crucial. Make sure your plants have room to grow.
STEP 2: WHAT TO PLANT NOW
What should you plant in March?
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Broccoli
TOMATOES
Celebrity Tomatoes need about 60-70 days to mature. They are disease resistant, determined plants with a high yield. On average, Celebrity tomatoes grow 6-7oz. fruits.
Sweet 100 Tomatoes also need about 60-70 days to mature. A hybrid with a high yield, these plants are best when given a support system to help them grow, and they are a perfect choice for vining or hanging baskets.
Early Girl Tomatoes need 60 days to mature. Best when grown with a cage or trellis, this indeterminate plant bears clusters of medium sized fruit.
PEPPERS
Bell Peppers, like California Wonder or Bette Belle, need 60-75 days to mature. Not only are bell peppers self-pollinating, they can also grow to be 18-20 inches in height while bearing large, tender fruit.
Jalapenos are a Texas staple, as far as eating goes. Jalapenos need about 70-75 days to mature. Their plants grow to be about 16-20 inches in height with medium to large sized fruit.
Habanero plants need 90-95 days to mature. They grow to be about 24-30 inches tall with small to medium fruit.
BROCCOLI
Waltham 29 varieties take 70 – 75 days to mature and can grow to 24-30 inches in height. This tasty plant can grow 4-6 inch heads of broccoli!
Raab Broccoli needs 50-60 days to mature. It is a quick maturing plant that also enjoys cool weather. It can grow to be about 24-36 inches in height.
STEP 3: SUPPLIES FOR PLANTING
At this point, hopefully you have an idea of where you are planting and what you are planting to determine what you need to get started!
If you are planting in a container, you will need:
- Medium to Large containers or pottery – make sure to choose an item that has proper draining holes.
- Calloway’s Premium Potting Soil
- Calloway’s Natural Garden Food or Jobe’s® Fertilizer Spikes
- Gloves, shovel, and watering can
- Cages or trellis, if needed
If you are planting in your flowerbeds, you will need:
- Calloway’s Organic Compost
- Calloway’s Natural Garden Food
- Calloway’s Premium Mulches
- Shovel, spreader, and water hose
- Cages or trellis, if needed
Now give your plants the proper moisture, sunshine, and food and you will enjoy some delicious and tasty veggies in just a couple months!
Check out the video below for more details about your vegetable gardening!
Also, want to learn more about planting edibles in small spaces? Check out our free garden series event from 10:15-11am on March 16th at our location nearest you.
