Pennsylvania gardeners need to time their March plantings carefully around the last expected frost date. Finding the best vegetables to plant in march in pennsylvania means knowing which crops can handle chilly soil and sudden cold snaps. March in Pennsylvania is unpredictable, with temperatures swinging from mild 50°F days to freezing nights. But with the right choices, you can get a head start on your spring garden.
This guide covers the top vegetables that thrive when planted in March across the Keystone State. We will focus on cold-hardy varieties, proper timing, and simple steps to protect your seedlings. Whether you garden in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or rural Lancaster, these tips work for your zone.
Best Vegetables To Plant In March In Pennsylvania
March is the month to plant cool-season crops that can handle light frosts. These vegetables actually grow better in the cool, damp conditions of early spring. They will be ready to harvest before the summer heat arrives.
Here are the top choices for your Pennsylvania garden this March.
Peas
Peas are one of the easiest and most rewarding crops to plant in March. They germinate in soil as cold as 40°F. Snow peas, snap peas, and shelling peas all work well.
- Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart
- Choose varieties like “Sugar Ann” or “Oregon Sugar Pod”
- Provide a trellis or fence for climbing types
- Harvest in 60 to 70 days
Peas need consistent moisture but not soggy soil. If a heavy frost is forecast, cover young plants with row cover or old bedsheets. They will bounce back quickly.
Spinach
Spinach loves cool weather and can survive temperatures down to 20°F. It is one of the fastest greens to grow from seed. Plant it directly in the garden as soon as the soil is workable.
- Sow seeds ½ inch deep and 1 inch apart
- Thin seedlings to 4 inches apart once they sprout
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Harvest outer leaves when they reach 3 inches long
Varieties like “Bloomsdale” and “Space” are especially cold-hardy. Spinach bolts quickly in warm weather, so March planting gives you the best harvest window.
Lettuce
Lettuce is another cool-season champion. It germinates best when soil temperatures are between 40°F and 75°F. In Pennsylvania, March soil is often in the 40s, which is perfect.
- Plant seeds ¼ inch deep, 4 inches apart
- Use loose-leaf varieties like “Black Seeded Simpson” or “Red Sails”
- Succession plant every two weeks for continuous harvest
- Harvest whole heads or cut-and-come-again leaves
Lettuce needs partial shade if temperatures spike unexpectedly. Mulch around plants to keep roots cool and moist.
Kale
Kale is extremely cold-tolerant and actually tastes sweeter after a frost. It can be planted in March and will produce leaves well into summer if you keep harvesting.
Plant seeds ½ inch deep, 12 inches apart. Varieties like “Lacinato” (dinosaur kale) and “Red Russian” are popular. Kale grows best in full sun but will tolerate light shade. Water deeply once a week.
Harvest the oldest leaves first, leaving the center growing point intact. This encourages continuous production.
Carrots
Carrots need loose, sandy soil free of rocks. March is the ideal time to plant them in Pennsylvania because they germinate slowly and need cool weather to develop sweet roots.
- Prepare soil by removing stones and tilling 8 inches deep
- Sow seeds ¼ inch deep, 1 inch apart
- Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart when they are 2 inches tall
- Keep soil consistently moist until seeds germinate (10-21 days)
Short varieties like “Paris Market” or “Nantes” are easier to grow in heavy Pennsylvania clay. Carrots can be left in the ground until you need them, even after light snow.
Radishes
Radishes are the fastest vegetable from seed to harvest, often ready in just 25 days. They are perfect for March planting because they thrive in cool soil and do not mind light frosts.
- Sow seeds ½ inch deep, 1 inch apart
- Thin to 2 inches apart for larger roots
- Water regularly to prevent cracking
- Harvest as soon as roots are 1 inch in diameter
Varieties like “Cherry Belle” and “French Breakfast” are reliable. Plant a new row every week for a steady supply.
Beets
Beets are dual-purpose vegetables: you can eat both the roots and the greens. They germinate in soil as cold as 45°F. March planting gives them time to develop before summer heat toughens the roots.
Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Soak seeds overnight before planting to speed germination. Varieties like “Detroit Dark Red” and “Golden” work well. Thin seedlings to 4 inches apart for full-sized roots.
Beets need consistent moisture. Mulch with straw to keep soil cool and prevent weeds.
Onions
Onions can be planted in March from sets (small bulbs) or transplants. They tolerate cold well and will start growing as soon as the soil warms above 50°F.
- Plant sets 1 inch deep, 4 inches apart
- Choose long-day varieties for Pennsylvania (like “Yellow Sweet Spanish”)
- Water weekly, but do not overwater
- Harvest when tops fall over and turn brown
Onions need full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid planting where onions or garlic grew the previous year to prevent disease.
Turnips
Turnips are another fast-growing root vegetable for March. Both the roots and greens are edible. They grow best in cool weather and become woody in heat.
- Sow seeds ½ inch deep, 2 inches apart
- Thin to 4 inches apart for large roots
- Harvest roots when 2-3 inches in diameter
- Harvest greens when leaves are 4-6 inches tall
Varieties like “Purple Top White Globe” are classic. Turnips are very frost-tolerant and can be left in the ground until you are ready to eat them.
Potatoes
Potatoes are not grown from seed but from “seed potatoes” (small tubers). March is the perfect time to plant them in Pennsylvania, about two weeks before the last frost.
- Cut seed potatoes into pieces with at least one eye each
- Let cut pieces dry for 24 hours before planting
- Plant 4 inches deep, 12 inches apart, in rows 3 feet apart
- Hill soil around stems as they grow to protect tubers from sun
Varieties like “Yukon Gold” and “Kennebec” are reliable. Potatoes need consistent moisture but not standing water. Harvest when plants flower or after foliage dies back.
Tips For March Planting In Pennsylvania
March weather in Pennsylvania can be tricky. Here are practical tips to protect your early garden.
Know Your Frost Dates
Pennsylvania spans USDA hardiness zones 5a to 7b. The last frost date ranges from late March in Philadelphia to mid-May in the Poconos. Check your local extension office for exact dates.
Plant cold-hardy vegetables two to four weeks before your last expected frost. This gives them a head start without risking frost damage.
Prepare Your Soil
March soil is often wet and cold. Do not work the soil when it is too wet, as this causes compaction. Test soil by squeezing a handful: if it forms a muddy ball, wait a few days.
- Add compost or aged manure to improve drainage
- Test soil pH; most vegetables prefer 6.0 to 7.0
- Remove rocks and debris that can block root growth
- Consider raised beds for better drainage and warmer soil
Use Season Extenders
Frost can still hit in late March or early April. Protect your plants with simple season extenders.
- Row covers: Lightweight fabric that traps heat and blocks frost
- Cold frames: Mini greenhouses that warm soil and air
- Cloches: Plastic or glass covers for individual plants
- Mulch: Straw or leaves insulate soil and roots
These tools can extend your growing season by several weeks. They are especially useful for heat-loving crops like tomatoes, which should not go in the ground until May.
Water Wisely
March can be rainy in Pennsylvania, but some years are dry. Check soil moisture by sticking your finger 2 inches into the ground. If it feels dry, water deeply.
Overwatering in cool weather can cause seeds to rot. Water in the morning so leaves dry before nightfall, reducing disease risk.
What Not To Plant In March In Pennsylvania
Not all vegetables can handle March weather. Avoid planting warm-season crops until after the last frost, typically mid-May.
- Tomatoes: They need soil above 60°F and no frost risk
- Peppers: Very sensitive to cold; wait until late May
- Eggplant: Requires warm soil and air temperatures
- Cucumbers: Frost will kill them instantly
- Squash and zucchini: Plant after soil warms to 65°F
- Beans: Both pole and bush beans need warm soil
- Corn: Soil must be at least 60°F for germination
If you are eager to grow these, start seeds indoors in March. Transplant them outside in late May or early June.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant tomatoes in March in Pennsylvania?
No, tomatoes are warm-season crops and cannot survive frost. Start seeds indoors in March and transplant after the last frost, usually in May.
What is the best vegetable to plant in March in Pennsylvania for beginners?
Radishes are the easiest. They grow fast, tolerate cold, and are ready to harvest in under a month. Peas and spinach are also great for beginners.
Should I use raised beds for March planting in Pennsylvania?
Raised beds warm up faster than ground soil, making them ideal for early spring planting. They also drain better in wet March conditions.
How do I protect my March-planted vegetables from a late frost?
Use row covers, cloches, or old bedsheets to cover plants overnight. Remove covers in the morning to allow sunlight and air circulation.
Can I plant carrots in March in Pennsylvania?
Yes, carrots are cold-hardy and can be planted as soon as the soil is workable. They need loose soil and consistent moisture to germinate.
Final Thoughts On March Gardening In Pennsylvania
March is an exciting time for Pennsylvania gardeners. The soil is waking up, and the first seeds of the season are going in. By choosing the best vegetables to plant in March in Pennsylvania, you set yourself up for a bountiful spring harvest.
Start with peas, spinach, lettuce, kale, carrots, radishes, beets, onions, turnips, and potatoes. Use season extenders to protect against late frosts. Prepare your soil well and water carefully.
Remember that every garden is different. Keep a journal of what works in your specific location. Over time, you will learn the perfect timing for your microclimate. Happy planting!