Planting calendar
March Planting Guide for Columbus, OH: Raised Beds, Containers, and In-Ground Gardens
In March in Columbus, OH, it's time to start planting cool-season crops outdoors and begin warm-season seeds indoors. Focus on hardy vegetables and herbs in raised beds, containers, or in-ground, while preparing for the upcoming growing season.
Plant now (quick list)
spinach, kale, lettuce, radishes, peas, onions (sets or seedlings), potatoes, carrots
Plant now
- spinach
- kale
- lettuce
- radishes
- peas
- onions (sets or seedlings)
- potatoes
- carrots
- broccoli (transplants)
- cabbage (transplants)
Start indoors
- tomatoes
- peppers
- eggplants
- basil
- celery
- cucumbers
- melons
- pumpkins
- squash
- herbs like parsley and dill
Avoid
- beans (wait until after last frost)
- corn
- sweet potatoes
- warm-season flowers like marigolds
- tender herbs like basil outdoors
- cucumbers outdoors
- tomatoes outdoors
- peppers outdoors
- eggplants outdoors
- melons outdoors
Next 2 weeks
- harden off broccoli and cabbage transplants
- prepare soil with compost for warm-season crops
- direct sow more peas and radishes if soil is workable
- monitor soil temperature for planting potatoes
- start planning crop rotation for raised beds
- thin early lettuce and spinach seedlings
- water newly planted seeds consistently
- check for late frost warnings
- clean and sharpen garden tools
- mulch around early plantings to retain moisture
FAQs
When is the last frost date for Columbus, OH?
Typically, the last frost date is around mid-April, but it's best to watch local forecasts closely.
Can I plant tomatoes outdoors in March?
No, tomatoes should be started indoors in March and transplanted outdoors after the last frost.
How do I know if the soil is ready for planting?
Soil should be workable, not soggy or frozen, and ideally above 40°F for most seeds.
Should I fertilize before planting in March?
Incorporate compost or balanced fertilizer into soil before planting to provide nutrients.
Can I reuse soil in raised beds from last year?
Yes, but amend it with fresh compost and check for pests or diseases before replanting.
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