Arkansas soil warms quickly in March, creating ideal conditions for setting out broccoli transplants and sowing carrot seeds directly. If you are searching for the Best Vegetables To Plant In March In Arkansas, you have come to the right place. March is a transition month in the Natural State, where cool-season crops thrive and early warm-season options begin to peek through. Getting your timing right means a full spring harvest before the summer heat arrives.
This guide covers exactly what to plant, when to plant it, and how to care for your garden. No fluff, just practical steps.
Best Vegetables To Plant In March In Arkansas
March gardening in Arkansas is all about cool-season vegetables. The last frost date varies across the state, but most areas see their final freeze between late March and early April. This means you can start hardy crops outdoors while protecting tender ones.
Here is a breakdown of the top choices for your March garden.
Broccoli
Broccoli loves the cool, damp weather of early spring. Set out transplants in early March for a May harvest. Space plants 18 inches apart in rows 2 feet apart. Use row covers if a late frost threatens.
- Varieties: ‘Green Magic’, ‘Packman’, ‘Waltham 29’
- Days to maturity: 55-70 days from transplant
- Harvest when heads are tight and dark green
Carrots
Sow carrot seeds directly into loose, well-drained soil. March is perfect because the soil is moist and cool. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart once they are 2 inches tall.
- Varieties: ‘Danvers Half Long’, ‘Nantes’, ‘Scarlet Nantes’
- Days to maturity: 60-80 days
- Keep soil consistently moist for sweet roots
Lettuce
Lettuce germinates best in soil temperatures between 40-75°F. Sow seeds every two weeks for a continuous harvest. Use shade cloth if temperatures spike in late March.
- Varieties: ‘Black Seeded Simpson’, ‘Romaine’, ‘Buttercrunch’
- Days to maturity: 45-60 days
- Harvest outer leaves to extend the season
Spinach
Spinach is a cold-hardy champion. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep in rows 12 inches apart. It bolts quickly in heat, so March planting is ideal for a spring crop.
- Varieties: ‘Bloomsdale’, ‘Tyee’, ‘Space’
- Days to maturity: 40-50 days
- Harvest before flower stalks appear
Peas
English peas, snow peas, and snap peas all do well in March. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Provide a trellis for climbing varieties.
- Varieties: ‘Sugar Snap’, ‘Oregon Sugar Pod’, ‘Wando’
- Days to maturity: 55-70 days
- Plant in full sun for best flavor
Radishes
Radishes are the fastest crop for March. Sow seeds directly and thin to 1 inch apart. You will harvest in as little as 25 days.
- Varieties: ‘Cherry Belle’, ‘French Breakfast’, ‘White Icicle’
- Days to maturity: 25-35 days
- Sow every 10 days for a steady supply
Kale
Kale is incredibly cold-tolerant. Set out transplants or direct sow seeds in early March. It sweetens after a light frost.
- Varieties: ‘Lacinato’, ‘Red Russian’, ‘Winterbor’
- Days to maturity: 50-65 days
- Harvest outer leaves from the bottom up
Beets
Beets need consistent moisture for good root development. Sow seeds 1 inch apart and thin to 3 inches. Both roots and greens are edible.
- Varieties: ‘Detroit Dark Red’, ‘Golden’, ‘Chioggia’
- Days to maturity: 50-70 days
- Soak seeds overnight to speed germination
Onions
Plant onion sets or transplants in March for a summer harvest. Space them 4 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart. They need full sun and rich soil.
- Varieties: ‘Red Burgundy’, ‘Yellow Granex’, ‘White Bermuda’
- Days to maturity: 90-120 days
- Stop watering when tops fall over
Turnips
Turnips grow fast in cool weather. Sow seeds directly and thin to 4 inches apart. Harvest roots when they are 2-3 inches wide for best tenderness.
- Varieties: ‘Purple Top White Globe’, ‘Tokyo Cross’, ‘Hakurei’
- Days to maturity: 45-60 days
- Greens are also delicious
When To Plant Each Vegetable In March
Arkansas spans USDA zones 6b to 8a. Your exact planting dates depend on your location. Here is a general timeline for March.
Early March (First Week)
Plant these hardy vegetables as soon as the soil can be worked:
- Broccoli transplants
- Kale transplants
- Onion sets
- Peas
- Spinach
- Turnips
Mid-March (Second And Third Weeks)
Soil temperatures are warming. Add these to your garden:
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Lettuce
- Swiss chard
Late March (Fourth Week)
If the weather is mild and no frost is forecast, you can start warm-season crops indoors or under protection:
- Tomatoes (start indoors)
- Peppers (start indoors)
- Eggplant (start indoors)
- Potatoes (plant seed pieces)
Soil Preparation For March Planting
Good soil is the foundation of a productive garden. Arkansas soil varies from clay in the Delta to sandy loam in the Ozarks. Here is how to prepare.
Test Your Soil First
Get a soil test from your county extension office. It tells you pH and nutrient levels. Most vegetables prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Amend As Needed
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility. For clay soil, add organic matter to break it up. For sandy soil, add compost to retain moisture.
Work The Soil
Turn the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches. Remove rocks and debris. Rake the surface smooth for direct seeding.
Frost Protection Tips For March Gardens
March weather in Arkansas can be unpredictable. A late freeze can damage tender plants. Here is how to protect your garden.
Use Row Covers
Floating row covers provide 2-4 degrees of frost protection. They also keep pests away. Remove them on sunny days to prevent overheating.
Mulch Heavily
A 2-3 inch layer of straw or shredded leaves insulates the soil. It also suppresses weeds and retains moisture.
Water Before A Frost
Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil. Water your garden in the afternoon before a predicted frost.
Watering Schedule For March Vegetables
March can be wet or dry in Arkansas. Adjust your watering based on rainfall. Here is a general guide.
- Seedlings: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
- Transplants: Water deeply every 2-3 days for the first week
- Established plants: Water 1 inch per week if rain is lacking
- Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to avoid wetting leaves
Pest And Disease Management In March
Cool-season pests are active in March. Watch for these common issues.
Aphids
Small, soft-bodied insects on new growth. Blast them off with water or use insecticidal soap.
Slugs And Snails
They hide under mulch and feed at night. Hand pick them or use iron phosphate bait.
Flea Beetles
Tiny jumping beetles that chew small holes in leaves. Use row covers to exclude them.
Damping Off
A fungal disease that kills seedlings. Avoid overwatering and ensure good air circulation.
Succession Planting For Continuous Harvest
March is the start of the growing season. Use succession planting to keep your garden producing.
- Sow a short row of radishes every 10 days
- Plant lettuce every two weeks
- Follow early peas with bush beans in May
- Replace harvested spinach with summer squash
- Keep a calendar to track planting dates
Tools You Will Need For March Gardening
Having the right tools makes planting easier. Here is a basic list.
- Garden trowel for transplanting
- Hand cultivator for weeding
- Garden rake for leveling soil
- Measuring tape for spacing
- Watering can or hose with nozzle
- Row covers or frost cloth
- Garden gloves
- Knee pad or stool
Common Mistakes To Avoid In March
Even experienced gardeners make errors. Here are pitfalls to sidestep.
- Planting too early in wet soil (causes rot)
- Ignoring frost forecasts
- Overcrowding seedlings
- Forgetting to harden off transplants
- Using too much nitrogen fertilizer
- Not thinning carrots and beets
Frequently Asked Questions
What vegetables can I plant in March in Arkansas?
You can plant broccoli, carrots, lettuce, spinach, peas, radishes, kale, beets, onions, and turnips. These are the best cool-season options for March.
Is March too early to plant tomatoes in Arkansas?
Yes, it is too early to plant tomatoes outdoors. Start seeds indoors in late March for transplanting after the last frost, typically in mid-April.
How do I protect my March garden from frost?
Use row covers, mulch, and water before a frost. Cover plants in the evening and remove covers in the morning.
Can I plant potatoes in March in Arkansas?
Yes, plant seed potatoes in late March. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Hill soil around the plants as they grow.
What is the best soil temperature for March vegetables?
Most cool-season vegetables germinate best when soil temperatures are between 45-75°F. Use a soil thermometer to check.
Final Thoughts For Your March Garden
March is a busy but rewarding month for Arkansas gardeners. Focus on cool-season crops that thrive in the mild weather. Prepare your soil, watch the frost dates, and plant with confidence. You will be harvesting fresh vegetables by late April and May.
Stick to the list of the Best Vegetables To Plant In March In Arkansas and you will have a productive spring garden. Keep notes on what works well in your specific area. Every garden is a little different, and learning from each season makes you a better grower.
Get your seeds and transplants ready. The soil is warming up, and your garden is waiting.