Planting calendar
March Planting Guide for Houston, TX: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
March in Houston is ideal for planting a variety of warm-season vegetables and herbs in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. You can plant heat-tolerant crops directly outdoors while starting some seeds indoors for later transplanting. Focus on crops that thrive in Houston’s mild spring and prepare your soil for summer planting.
Plant now (quick list)
Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants, Okra, Sweet potatoes, Basil, Cucumbers, Beans
Plant now
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Basil
- Cucumbers
- Beans
- Squash
- Melons
Start indoors
- Corn
- Watermelon
- Pumpkins
- Zucchini
- Herbs like cilantro and parsley
- Sweet corn
- Sunflowers
- Chili peppers
Avoid
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Peas
- Radishes
- Carrots
Next 2 weeks
- Monitor soil moisture closely to avoid drying out in raised beds and containers.
- Harden off indoor seedlings before transplanting outdoors.
- Mulch around young plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
- Watch for early pests like aphids and treat promptly.
- Prepare soil with compost or organic matter for upcoming summer crops.
- Stake or cage tomatoes and peppers as they grow.
- Water containers more frequently as temperatures rise.
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
- Rotate crops to prevent soil-borne diseases.
- Check local frost dates and protect young plants if a late cold snap occurs.
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes directly in the ground in March in Houston?
Yes, March is a good time to plant tomatoes directly outdoors in Houston as the risk of frost is minimal and soil temperatures are warming.
Should I start peppers indoors or plant outside in March?
Starting peppers indoors ensures a strong start, but you can also transplant seedlings outdoors later in March when temperatures stay consistently warm.
How often should I water raised beds and containers in March?
Water raised beds and containers when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually every 2-3 days, but adjust based on weather and plant needs.
What vegetables should I avoid planting in March in Houston?
Cool-season crops like broccoli, cabbage, and lettuce should be avoided as they prefer cooler temperatures and may bolt or struggle in Houston’s warming spring.
Is mulch necessary for March planting in Houston?
Mulching helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds, making it beneficial for March plantings in Houston’s variable spring climate.
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