March in Missouri is an opportune time for avid gardeners across the state to don their gardening gloves and embrace the arrival of spring. With the frosty days of winter behind, the lengthening days bring forth a plethora of planting possibilities. From vibrant flowers to succulent vegetables, March offers an ideal window for sowing and growing various plants. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a novice enthusiast, understanding what to plant during this transitional period can be crucial for a successful and bountiful garden in the months to come.
In the realm of flowers, March opens up a world of vibrant colors and fragrant blooms. One popular option is the pansy, a resilient and cold-tolerant flower that can withstand the lingering cold spells. Available in an array of hues, pansies inject a burst of color into any garden bed or container, making them an ideal choice for both seasoned gardeners and those just beginning their gardening journey. Additionally, dianthus and snapdragons can be added to the mix, lending their graceful beauty and sweet scents to the spring landscape.
Vegetable enthusiasts, on the other hand, will find delight in the numerous options available for planting during March in Missouri. Leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, and kale can be sown outdoors, taking advantage of the cool temperatures before the impending heat arrives. These crops can be harvested early, providing a fresh and nutritious addition to your table. In addition, radishes and peas can also be planted during this time, their quick-growing nature ensuring a timely harvest.
For those with a taste for herbs, March in Missouri presents the perfect opportunity to start cultivating an aromatic herb garden. Herbs like chives, parsley, and cilantro can be sown directly in the ground or in containers, allowing for easy access and incorporating their unique flavors into culinary creations. By planting herbs now, gardeners can ensure a steady supply of fresh and fragrant additions to elevate their dishes as the season progresses.
In conclusion, March in Missouri brings forth an exciting array of planting options for gardeners of all levels of expertise. By seizing this transitional period, one can sow the seeds for a vibrant and fruitful garden. Whether it’s the colorful pansies, the leafy greens, or the aromatic herbs, March provides the chance to embrace the beauty of nature and cultivate a flourishing garden that will grace our lives throughout the coming months.
key Takeaways
- March is a great time to start planting cool-season vegetables in Missouri.
- Vegetables like lettuce, spinach, kale, and radishes can be directly sown into the garden.
- Transplants of cabbage, broccoli, and onions can be planted in March.
- Fruit trees and shrubs can also be planted in March, as long as the ground is not frozen.
- March is a good time to start preparing the soil for spring planting by adding compost or organic matter.
- It is important to keep an eye on the weather and protect plants from late frosts by covering them with a frost blanket.
- March is a good time to start planning and preparing for the upcoming gardening season.
- Remember to water plants regularly and provide adequate sunlight for optimal growth.
- Consider starting seeds indoors for warm-season vegetables like tomatoes and peppers.
- Take advantage of the mild weather in March to get a head start on your gardening activities.
What To Plant In March In Missouri
Introduction
March is an ideal time for gardeners in Missouri to get started on their planting activities. With the arrival of warmer weather and longer days, it is the perfect opportunity to sow and transplant various plants. Here are some recommendations on what to plant in March in Missouri.
Fruit Trees
Fruit trees are a great addition to any garden or orchard. March is an excellent time to plant bare-root fruit trees such as apple, peach, pear, and cherry in Missouri. It is important to choose disease-resistant varieties suitable for the local climate. Prior to planting, make sure to prepare the soil by adding compost or organic matter, and ensure proper drainage. Fruit trees require adequate sunlight and regular watering to thrive.
Vegetables
March offers a wide range of vegetables that can be planted in Missouri. Cool season crops like lettuce, spinach, kale, and radishes can be directly sown in the garden. Alternatively, you can start seeds indoors for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, which can be transplanted outdoors later in the season. It is important to follow spacing guidelines and provide appropriate care for each vegetable variety for optimal growth and yield.
Herbs
If you love cooking with fresh herbs, March is the perfect time to start an herb garden in Missouri. Popular herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, and dill can be sown directly in the garden. For perennial herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage, it is best to start them indoors and transplant them outside after the last frost. Herbs require well-drained soil and regular pruning to promote healthy growth and maximize flavor.
Flowers
Add beauty and color to your garden by planting flowers in March. Missouri gardeners have a wide variety of flowers to choose from, including marigolds, zinnias, sunflowers, and cosmos. These annual flowers can be sown directly in the garden or started indoors using seed trays. It is essential to provide proper spacing and adequate sunlight for these flowers to bloom and thrive.
Perennials
March is also a suitable time to plant perennial flowers in Missouri. Popular choices include coneflowers, daisies, daylilies, and black-eyed Susans. These flowering plants will return year after year, bringing beauty to your garden. Prior to planting, make sure to prepare the soil by removing weeds and loosening it with a garden fork. Provide adequate water and mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weed growth.
Conclusion
What are some plants that thrive in Missouri in March?
Some plants that thrive in Missouri in March include lettuce, spinach, kale, broccoli, and peas. These cool-season vegetables can withstand colder temperatures and are perfect for planting in early spring. Lettuce varieties such as leaf lettuce or romaine can be planted directly in the ground or in containers. Spinach is another popular option that can be sown directly in the garden. Kale is a cold-hardy plant that can tolerate frost and can be used in various dishes. Broccoli plants can also be started in March by sowing seeds indoors and later transplanting them outdoors. Peas are a great choice for March planting as they prefer cooler temperatures and can be planted directly in the ground or in containers.
What are the best flowers to plant in Missouri in March?
Some of the best flowers to plant in Missouri in March are pansies, daffodils, tulips, and snapdragons. Pansies are a popular choice for early spring as they can tolerate colder temperatures and add vibrant colors to gardens and containers. Daffodils and tulips are bulb flowers that can be planted in fall for spring bloom. However, they can also be planted in early spring for later flowering. Snapdragons are another option that can be started from seeds indoors in March and transplanted outdoors once the risk of frost has passed. These flowers come in a wide range of colors and can provide a beautiful display in spring gardens.
What are some popular herbs to plant in March in Missouri?
Popular herbs to plant in Missouri in March include parsley, cilantro, chives, thyme, and dill. Parsley is a versatile herb that can be used in various dishes and can be planted directly in the ground or in containers. Cilantro is a popular herb used in Mexican and Asian cuisines, and it can be sown directly in the garden. Chives are easy to grow and can be planted in March, providing a mild onion flavor to dishes. Thyme is a perennial herb that can be planted in March and enjoyed year after year. Dill is another herb that can be planted in early spring and is commonly used in pickling and seasoning dishes.
How do I prepare the soil for planting in March in Missouri?
To prepare the soil for planting in March in Missouri, start by removing any weeds, rocks, or debris from the area. Loosen the soil using a garden fork or tiller to a depth of at least 6 inches. This will help improve drainage and aeration. Next, incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into the soil. This will add nutrients and improve the soil structure. Finally, rake the soil to level it and create a smooth surface for planting.
When should I start seeds indoors for planting in March in Missouri?
For plants that require starting seeds indoors, such as tomatoes or peppers, it is recommended to start them 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. In Missouri, the last expected frost date is typically around mid-April, so you can start these seeds indoors in late February or early March. This will give the seedlings enough time to grow and be ready for transplanting outdoors after the frost danger has passed.