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March Planting Secrets: Crops for a Thriving, Abundant Garden

Bymariah @ Fatchange.com

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As spring unfolds, it’s the perfect time to start sowing seeds and preparing your garden for a bountiful harvest, whether INSIDE OR OUTSIDE! While some regions may still experience chilly weather, there are plenty of cold-hardy vegetables and flowers that can thrive from March to April. Let’s explore what you can plant this month to kickstart your gardening journey.

1. Preparing Your Garden for Spring: Before diving into planting, it’s essential to prepare your garden for optimal growth. Here are a few key steps to take in March and April:

  • Prep Your Tools: Ensure your gardening tools are clean, garden shears sharp, and rust-free to avoid passing on any harmful pathogens to your plants.
  • Weed and Clear Dead Growth: Clear the planting area of any weeds and dead growth that may compete with your seedlings for nutrients. Try your best not to disturb the soil too much. You can learn more about No Dig Gardening here.
  • Amend the Soil: Refresh last year’s soil with compost or fertilizer to replenish nutrients for healthy plant growth. Black Kow aged manure is one of my favorites. It sounds like it stinks bu it really doesn’t! It’s so well aged and processed that it’s just like soil. Another one of my favorites is Soil 3 compost. If you live in the southeastern US you can have it delivered right to your door. If you live outside of the southeast, then I highly recommend Black Gold potting mix!
  • Mulch or Cover: In colder regions, consider mulching new plantings or using row covers to protect them from frost and maintain moisture levels. My favorite mulch is plain old hay. You can get a few hay bales from Tractor Supply, Ace Hardware, or your local hardware store. I have also used coconut mulch which you can get in dehydrated blocks from Amazon. I don’t use wood chips to mulch my vegetable garden because wood chips can be from diseased trees, black walnut trees, which can harm your vegetables. Wood chips can also take nitrogen from your soil.

2. Best Vegetables and Fruits to Plant in March or April: March or April are the time to sow seeds for a variety of cold-hardy vegetables. My favorite seed shops are Burpee, Gurney’s, Territorial Seeds, and Eden Brothers. Here are some top picks for April planting:

  • Spinach: Sow spinach seeds in March or April when soil temperatures reach 40–50°F (4–10°C), planting them ½ inch deep and 2 inches apart in well-draining soil with partial to full sun. Keep the soil consistently moist, and thin seedlings to 4–6 inches apart once they sprout for optimal growth.
    • Why sow: Spinach is nutrient-dense, cold-tolerant, and grows quickly in spring. It’s ideal for small gardens or containers.
    • Container tip: Plant in pots at least 6 inches deep and keep them in partial shade to prevent bolting as temperatures rise.
    • Cost-saving: Fresh spinach is expensive in stores, but homegrown spinach is cost-effective and pesticide-free.
  • Carrots: Plant carrot seeds directly in the ground or in containers at least 12 inches deep to enjoy fresh carrots throughout the season.
    • Why sow: Carrots are easy to grow and store well, making them a practical choice for saving money. They’re also fun to grow in containers.
    • Container tip: Choose shorter varieties like ‘Paris Market’ or ‘Little Finger’ and use deep pots (12+ inches) filled with loose, sandy soil.
    • Cost-saving: Homegrown carrots are sweeter and fresher than store-bought, and a single packet of seeds yields dozens of carrots.
  • Kale: Easy to grow, kale can be planted alongside onions, garlic, and herbs to deter pests and attract beneficial insects.
    • Why sow: Kale is a superfood that thrives in cool weather and can be harvested repeatedly. It’s also pest-resistant when grown with companion plants like onions or herbs.
    • Container tip: Use a 12-inch deep pot and plant one kale per container for optimal growth.
    • Cost-saving: A single plant can provide leaves for months, making it a great value for its nutritional benefits.
  • Lettuces and Spinach: Lettuces (Leaf Lettuce, Romaine, Butterhead): Sow butterhead and romaine lettuce seeds in March or April, planting them ¼ inch deep and 6–8 inches apart in loose, well-draining soil with partial to full sun. Keep the soil consistently moist, and thin seedlings to 10–12 inches apart once they sprout for full, healthy heads.
    • Why sow: Lettuces are fast-growing, cold-hardy, and perfect for small spaces. They can be harvested as “cut-and-come-again” greens, providing multiple harvests from a single planting.
    • Container tip: Use shallow pots or window boxes (6-8 inches deep) and sow seeds every 2 weeks for a continuous supply.
    • Cost-saving: A single packet of seeds can yield months of salad greens, reducing grocery bills.
  • Peas: Space snow or snap pea seeds along a trellis for support, allowing them to climb and thrive.
    • Why sow: Peas are cold-hardy, nitrogen-fixing plants that grow vertically, making them perfect for small spaces. They’re also delicious and versatile in cooking.
    • Container tip: Use a trellis or stakes in a large pot (at least 12 inches deep) to support their climbing habit.
    • Cost-saving: Fresh peas are pricey at the store, but growing your own is inexpensive and rewarding.
  • Strawberries: Plant strawberry plants in March or April in a container at least 12 inches wide and 8 inches deep, using well-draining, nutrient-rich soil and placing them in 6–8 hours of direct sunlight. Space plants 8–10 inches apart, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and use a hanging basket or vertical planter for optimal space-saving growth.
    • Why sow: Strawberries are a perennial fruit that can be grown in containers, providing sweet, homegrown berries for years.
    • Container tip: Choose everbearing or day-neutral varieties like ‘Albion’ or ‘Seascape’ and plant in hanging baskets or large pots with good drainage.
    • Cost-saving: Fresh strawberries are expensive, but growing your own can save money and provide a delicious, organic treat.

3. Best Container for a Small Garden. If you’re looking to simplify gardening, save space, and grow more in less time, I would highly recommend GreenStalk Vertical Planters. Here’s why GreenStalk stands out:

  • Space-Saving Design: GreenStalk Vertical Planters have multiple tiers and 10” individual planting pockets, you can grow numerous veggies, herbs, flowers, within a VERY small footprint. I think one GreenStalk takes up about 1 to 2 square feet of space. It’s perfect for small yards, balconies, or patios.
  • Patented Watering System: It also has a really cool watering system So you don’t have to hand-water each plant. GreenStalk’s unique system delivers water evenly to every tier, saving you time and ensuring your plants thrive.
  • Durable & Safe: Made in the USA from food-grade, BPA-free plastic, these planters are built to last through all seasons and come with a 5-year warranty.
  • Versatile Accessories: GreenStalk has a movable base for easy rotation and plant supports for tomatoes and peppers. They even have an insect cover!

So let’s go! Spring is the perfect time to start prepping your garden (whether container, raised beds, or straight in the dirt. Whether you’re growing cold-hardy vegetables like spinach, kale, and carrots or experimenting with space-saving solutions like GreenStalk Vertical Planters, these tips will help you make the most of your small space. Choose easy-to-grow crops and you’ll save money on groceries, enjoy fresh, and homegrown produce.

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