Planting calendar
March Planting Guide for Los Angeles Gardens: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
March in Los Angeles is ideal for planting a variety of cool-season vegetables and herbs in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Focus on leafy greens, root vegetables, and early warm-season crops to get a strong start before the warmer months. This guide helps you maximize your garden’s productivity with timely planting and care.
Plant now (quick list)
lettuce, spinach, kale, carrots, radishes, beets, broccoli, cauliflower
Plant now
- lettuce
- spinach
- kale
- carrots
- radishes
- beets
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- peas
- herbs (cilantro, parsley)
Start indoors
- tomatoes
- peppers
- eggplants
- basil
- marigolds
- zinnias
- cucumbers
- melons
- squash
- pumpkins
Avoid
- corn (too early, wait until soil warms)
- beans (wait until late March or April)
- sweet potatoes (too early)
- cucumbers (direct sow after last frost risk)
- summer squash (wait for warmer soil)
- tropical plants (too cool)
- citrus planting (best in late spring)
- potatoes (better in late winter)
- eggplants (direct sow outdoors too early)
- herbs like basil (too cold for direct sow)
Next 2 weeks
- harden off indoor seedlings before transplanting
- prepare soil with compost for warm-season crops
- monitor soil moisture for early plantings
- start planning succession planting for continuous harvest
- prune overwintered perennials
- apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- watch for pests like aphids on young plants
- thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
- test soil pH and amend if necessary
- begin trellising peas and vining plants
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes directly in the ground in March in Los Angeles?
It’s best to start tomatoes indoors in March and transplant them outdoors after the last frost risk, typically in mid to late April.
How often should I water raised beds in March?
Water raised beds deeply about 2-3 times per week, adjusting based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Are containers suitable for growing root vegetables in March?
Yes, containers with at least 12 inches depth work well for root crops like carrots and radishes.
What soil amendments are recommended before planting in March?
Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and soil structure before planting.
How can I protect young seedlings from late cold snaps?
Use row covers or cloches to shield seedlings from unexpected cold or frost.
Next steps
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