Planting calendar
March Planting Guide for San Jose, CA: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
March is an ideal month to plant a variety of cool-season vegetables and herbs in San Jose, CA. Whether using raised beds, containers, or in-ground gardens, you can start planting leafy greens, root vegetables, and early warm-season crops. Prepare your soil well and watch your garden thrive as temperatures begin to warm.
Plant now (quick list)
lettuce, spinach, kale, carrots, radishes, beets, broccoli, cauliflower
Plant now
- lettuce
- spinach
- kale
- carrots
- radishes
- beets
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- peas
- chard
Start indoors
- tomatoes
- peppers
- eggplants
- basil
- cilantro
- marigolds
- zinnias
- cucumbers
- melons
- squash
Avoid
- corn (too early, wait until late March or April)
- beans (wait until soil warms)
- sweet potatoes (too early)
- pumpkins (wait until late spring)
- cantaloupe (wait for warmer soil)
- okra (too early)
- basil outdoors (wait until warmer temps)
- tomatoes outdoors (too early)
- peppers outdoors (too early)
- eggplants outdoors (too early)
Next 2 weeks
- harden off indoor seedlings like tomatoes and peppers
- direct sow peas and spinach if not done yet
- thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
- apply balanced fertilizer to raised beds
- mulch around early plantings to retain moisture
- monitor soil moisture carefully in containers
- start trellises for peas and beans
- check for pests like aphids on early greens
- prepare soil for warm-season crops
- prune dormant fruit trees to encourage growth
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes directly in the ground in March in San Jose?
It's best to start tomatoes indoors in March and transplant them outdoors after the last frost, usually in mid to late April.
What vegetables grow best in raised beds during March?
Cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, kale, carrots, and peas thrive in raised beds during March.
How often should I water container plants in March?
Water containers when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually every 2-3 days, but adjust based on weather and plant needs.
Is it safe to plant warm-season crops outdoors now?
Warm-season crops should be started indoors or in protected areas; wait until soil and air temperatures consistently warm before transplanting outside.
Should I fertilize my garden in March?
Yes, applying a balanced fertilizer helps support early growth, especially for nutrient-hungry vegetables in raised beds and containers.
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