What to Plant in March in Central Texas
This blog post was updated on Feb 23, 2024
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Signs of new life are emerging; birds are chirping and the trees are finally budding. It’s no surprise that Spring is the favorite time of year for so many people in Central Texas.
This month I have combined your monthly to-do list with the top vegetables to plant in Austin, Texas. Most of you who know my gardening personality know that I like to push the boundaries of planting varieties that fit into both zone 8b and 9. Why not be fearless?!
Because we sit on a fault line of environments here in Austin, it’s ok to get out of your comfort zone to experiment and try new plants this season. Keep reading to see what steps you can take this month to prepare your garden.
GARDEN PLOT PLANNING
PLAN
Last month I spoke about the importance of keeping a journal. March can be a month with unpredictable weather so recording significant weather events in your garden journal will aid you for years to come. To plan appropriately, include a list of new plants you want to introduce this year for the workhorse pollinators: milkweed for butterflies, dill and fennel for swallowtails, and rosemary, basil, parsley, cilantro, mint and dill blooms are a favorite for bees.
PREPARE + MAINTAIN
Now is the time to begin monitoring plants for pest and disease issues. Control weeds, particularly in areas where the weather is warming up. Refresh mulch as necessary, and add soil amendments and compost if needed.
GARDEN PLOT PREPARATION
Gardening doesn’t have to feel overwhelming and the more your prepare for the season the less stressful it will be. With just a few minutes a day you can start the following tasks.
Soil Test- Healthy soil is the backbone of your garden. Here at The Seed Sage, I put 80% of my focus on soil health. I, personally, like to use this kit to test my soil at home ESPECIALLY after the winter season. By diagnosing PH levels and determining your macronutrient/micronutrient levels you can formulate a proactive plan to establish a healthy bio-rich garden.
Connect with trusted resources that are local in your area if you need extra support.
3. Get inspired by doing the following:
Sketch out garden plan if you haven’t already
Chart your seed, plant varieties, days-to-harvest, etc
Take inventory of what you still need to tend a successful garden this year
Revisit what pests and diseases haunted you last year
Create a list of garden supports, such as trellises, obelisks or other garden structures that will help stabilize your plants as they grow
Set out hummingbird feeders, a bird house or an insect dwelling
4. Clean and Assess- This is the perfect time to take stock of what gardening supplies you have and to ‘refurbish’ any tools. Sharpening shears, cleaning off rust, oiling working mechanical parts will save you time from searching or maintenancing when the garden takes off.
“Sharpen, Tune Up, Sanitize, Oil, Repair”
How to clean your garden tools properly
Use sandpaper or steel wool to clean remaining debris from your garden tools.
Wipe surfaces with a damp rag to remove dust particles.
Use coarse sandpaper to scuff away any signs of rust on metal surfaces.
Add vegetable or mineral oil onto a rag and wipe metal surfaces.
Use smooth grit sandpaper to rub away any wood splinters on the handles of your tools.
Wipe wooden handles with linseed or mineral oil and a rag.
Pro tip: Having trouble getting the rust off? Use a product like this
5. MULCH AND AMEND YOUR GARDEN SOIL- It’s a great time to start mulching and amending. You can remove weeds in in-ground beds by adding a couple of inches of mulch (pull any weeds by hand from raised beds). Once you get the results of your soil test you will know what proper amendments to finish your garden with in order to rebuild healthier soil.
Pro Tip: Because we are moving into more of a wet season be cautious NOT to work in wet soil conditions. This can spread disease.
PLANTING IN AUSTIN, TEXAS
VEGETABLE SEEDS TO START INDOOR
Start seeds for beans, beets, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, kale, lettuce, okra, onions, peppers, spinach, squash, tomatoes and watermelon.
MARCH VEGETABLES TO DIRECT SOW AND PLANT OUTSIDE
• Early March: beets, celery, kale, lettuce, spinach, cauliflower and parsnips
• Late March: watermelon, peas, beans, okra, sweetcorn, swiss chard and squash
COMPANION POLLINATOR PLANTS TO DIRECT SOW
FLOWERS:
Borage, Calendula, Daisies, Echinacea, Feverfew, Lavender, Marigolds, Nasturtium, Pansies, Petunias, Snapdragon, Viola for early season color.
Consider the following native pollinator plants for the perimeter of your garden or yard:
Bluebonnets: The Texas state flower does very well in Central Texas and you can add seeds in spring!
Daisy: Blooms in summer and thrives in dry conditions.
Iris: Great for planting to control erosion on uneven terrain.
Try these deer resistant plants
• Flowers: larkspurs, marigolds, periwinkles, zinnias, borage, sunflowers (sometimes)
• Perennials: lantana, marshmallow, hibiscus, daisy, yarrow
• Shrubs: firebush, Texas mountain laurel, viburnum, pomegranate
• Ground covers: thyme, rosemary, oregano
• Ornamental grasses: maidenhair grass, Gulf muhly
• Turks Cap (cat’s claw): A hardy perennial that attracts hummingbirds.
HERBS:
Chives, Cilantro, Coriander, Dill, Echinacea, Fennel, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Sorrel (I would still wait on Basil until the weather warms a bit more)
HARVEST
Continue to harvest broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions, radish, turnips, lettuce, peas, and spinach as they become ready.
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Gardening in Central Texas, specifically in zones 8b and 9, presents a unique opportunity for growing a variety of flavorful and healthful crops. Among these, garlic and shallots stand out as excellent choices for both novice and experienced gardeners. Here’s why you should consider adding these culinary staples to your garden.