Planting calendar
March Planting Guide for Phoenix, AZ: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
In March, Phoenix gardeners can take advantage of warm days and mild nights to plant heat-tolerant vegetables and herbs in raised beds, containers, or directly in the ground. Focus on planting warm-season crops now and start seeds indoors for later summer transplanting. Avoid frost-sensitive plants early in the month and prepare for increasing temperatures.
Plant now (quick list)
Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants, Okra, Basil, Melons, Squash, Corn
Plant now
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Okra
- Basil
- Melons
- Squash
- Corn
- Beans
- Sweet potatoes
Start indoors
- Pumpkin
- Cantaloupe
- Watermelon
- Cucumber
- Zucchini
- Herbs like cilantro and parsley
- Chili peppers
- Tomatillos
- Sweet corn
- Sunflowers
Avoid
- Cool-season greens like spinach and lettuce (heat sensitive)
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Peas
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Beets
Next 2 weeks
- Harden off indoor seedlings before transplanting
- Mulch raised beds to retain moisture and control soil temperature
- Water containers early in the day to reduce evaporation
- Monitor soil moisture closely due to rising temperatures
- Fertilize warm-season crops with balanced fertilizer
- Prepare trellises for climbing plants like beans and cucumbers
- Thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding
- Watch for pests like aphids and treat promptly
- Rotate crops in in-ground beds to prevent disease buildup
- Prune early fruit trees to encourage healthy growth
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes directly in the ground in March in Phoenix?
Yes, March is ideal for planting tomatoes directly in Phoenix soil as temperatures are warm enough for healthy growth.
Should I water raised beds differently than containers in March?
Yes, containers dry out faster, so they require more frequent watering than raised beds, especially as temperatures rise.
Is it too early to plant herbs like basil in March?
No, March is a great time to plant basil and other warm-season herbs in Phoenix gardens.
What vegetables should I avoid planting in March due to heat sensitivity?
Avoid cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, broccoli, and peas as they may bolt or fail in Phoenix’s warming March weather.
How can I protect seedlings from sudden temperature changes in March?
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before transplanting.
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