Garden Notes March 2026

Written By Webmaster PMGA

In Zones 8a and 8b, March marks the transition from cool-season staples to warm-season preparation. With the average last frost date often falling in mid-to-late March/April, our focus shifts to direct sowing and moving established transplants outside. 

Zone 8a Average Last Spring Frost April 1-15 / Average First Fall Frost Nov 1-15

Zone 8b Average Last Spring Frost March 15-April 1 / Average First Fall Frost Nov 15-25

ALWAYS REMEMBER:
All dates are contingent on weather. Keep a close eye on conditions and adjust as needed.

Vegetable Planting Schedule

  • Direct Sowing (Outdoors): Plant root crZone 8a Average Last Spring Frost April 1-15 / Average First Fall Frost Nov 1-15

    Zone 8b Average Last Spring Frost March 15-April 1 / Average First Fall Frost Nov 15-25

ALWAYS REMEMBER:
All dates are contingent on weather. Keep a close eye on conditions and adjust as needed.ops like carrots, beets, radishes, and potatoes early in the month. You can also sow leafy greens such as spinach, kale, lettuce, and Swiss chard directly.

  • Transplanting: Move cool-weather seedlings like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower to the garden now.

  • Warm-Season Transition: In mid-to-late March, once the threat of frost passes, begin planting corn, beans, squash, and cucumbers. 

Flower and Pollinator Gardening

  • Early Color: Plant cool-weather favorites like pansies, snapdragons, petunias, and daisies.

  • Direct Seed Annuals: Scatter seeds for zinnias, marigolds, and sunflowers directly into borders; they grow rapidly as temperatures rise.

  • Pollinator Support: Establish native early bloomers like Bluebonnets, Lantana, and Winecups to attract pollinators for your vegetable crops. 

Essential Maintenance Tasks

  • Pruning & Cleanup: Finish pruning fruit trees and woody perennials before new growth starts. Clear out winter debris and dead stems from garden beds to prevent pests.

  • Soil & Fertilization: Apply compost to raised beds and side-dress established asparagus with nitrogen-rich fertilizer.

  • Equipment Check: Clean and sharpen hand tools like pruners and shovels, and inspect your irrigation system for leaks before the summer heat arrives. 

Webmaster PMGA https://pmgv.org
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🌱 Garden Notes February 2026