March is the primary spring planting month in Texas, allowing for a transition from cool-season crops to heat-loving vegetables and flowers. Key actions include planting tomatoes and peppers in mid-to-late March, seeding warm-season crops like beans and squash, and, crucially, monitoring for late-season frosts to cover tender plants.
Vegetable Gardening
Early March: Direct seed hardy vegetables like lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets, kale, and swiss chard.
Late March (after frost): Plant transplants of heat-loving vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and cucumbers.
Sow Direct: Plant beans, squash, zucchini, corn, and okra directly into the soil as it warms.
Tips: Use raised beds for faster soil warming and ensure transplants are hardened off.
Flower & Landscape Planting
Annuals: Plant warm-season color like Zinnias, Geraniums, Begonias, and Petunias.
Perennials: Plant native, drought-tolerant perennials such as Salvia (Greg’s Mist, Indigo Spires), Verbena, and Rosemary.
Bulbs: Plant Caladiums late in the month.
Trees/Shrubs: March is ideal for planting new trees and shrubs to establish roots before summer.
Lawn & Maintenance Tips
Lawn: Begin fertilizing and mowing, but wait until the last frost passes for major seeding or sodding.
Pruning: Shape spring-flowering shrubs (like Azaleas) immediately after they finish blooming.
Mulch: Apply fresh mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Protection: Keep frost cloth handy to cover sensitive, newly planted vegetables