Planting calendar
March Planting Guide for Detroit, MI: Raised Beds, Containers, and In-Ground Gardens
March in Detroit is a transition month where you can start planting hardy vegetables and prepare for warmer weather. Focus on cool-season crops in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens, while starting warm-season plants indoors. Be cautious of late frosts and protect young seedlings accordingly.
Plant now (quick list)
spinach, kale, lettuce, radishes, peas, onions (sets or transplants), potatoes, broccoli (transplants)
Plant now
- spinach
- kale
- lettuce
- radishes
- peas
- onions (sets or transplants)
- potatoes
- broccoli (transplants)
- cabbage (transplants)
- carrots
Start indoors
- tomatoes
- peppers
- eggplants
- basil
- celery
- cucumbers
- melons
- pumpkins
- squash
- herbs like parsley and thyme
Avoid
- beans
- corn
- sweet potatoes
- warm-season herbs like basil outdoors
- tender flowers
- cucumbers outdoors
- tomatoes outdoors
- peppers outdoors
- eggplants outdoors
- melons outdoors
Next 2 weeks
- harden off broccoli and cabbage transplants before planting outside
- continue sowing peas every 1-2 weeks for extended harvest
- prepare soil by adding compost and removing debris
- monitor soil moisture and avoid waterlogging
- start planning succession planting for lettuce and spinach
- check for pests on early crops
- thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
- set up supports for peas
- begin transplanting onions if soil is workable
- cover young plants during unexpected frosts
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes directly in the ground in March in Detroit?
No, tomatoes should be started indoors in March and transplanted outside after the last frost, usually in late May.
Is it safe to plant peas outdoors in March?
Yes, peas tolerate cool soil and can be planted outdoors in March as soon as the soil is workable.
How do I protect seedlings from late frosts?
Use row covers, cloches, or lightweight fabric to shield young plants during cold nights.
When should I start hardening off indoor seedlings?
Begin hardening off seedlings about 1-2 weeks before transplanting them outdoors, gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
Can I grow herbs in containers in March?
Yes, many herbs like parsley and thyme can be started indoors in containers and moved outside after frost risk passes.
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