March Gardening in Alabama
March feels like spring—but Alabama weather can still surprise you.
This is a major planting month for cool-season vegetables and the transition toward warm-season gardening.
This Month’s Priorities
Focus on:
- Spring vegetable planting
- Preparing warm-season beds
- Hardening transplants
- Monitoring frost forecasts
- Installing trellises
- Mulch and irrigation preparation
Continue Cool-Season Planting
Plant:
- Lettuce
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Turnips
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Potatoes
Prepare for Tomatoes and Peppers
Your indoor seedlings should be developing well.
Check for:
- Strong light
- Adequate airflow
- Proper watering
- Root space
Pot up seedlings if necessary.
Begin Hardening Transplants
Before moving plants outdoors permanently:
- Start with shade.
- Increase outdoor exposure gradually.
- Add morning sun.
- Protect from wind.
- Bring plants inside during cold nights.
Don’t Trust One Warm Week
March often produces false spring weather.
Warm-season crops can be damaged by a late frost.
Check your local frost history before planting:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Beans
- Basil
Prepare Irrigation
Test:
- Drip lines
- Soaker hoses
- Timers
- Rain barrels
Fix leaks now.
Install Supports
Set up:
- Tomato trellises
- Cucumber trellises
- Pea supports
before the plants need them.
Weed Early
Spring weeds are much easier to control when small.
Do not let them seed.
Orchard Work
Finish major dormant pruning before strong spring growth.
Watch swelling buds for signs of:
- Frost exposure
- Disease
- Insect activity
GardenGrowz Tip
March rewards patience.
Prepare aggressively—plant cautiously.