What to Plant in March in Washington State (PNW Gardening Guide)

March in Washington doesn’t feel like spring.

It feels like possibility.

The soil is wet. The sky is undecided. One day hints at April, the next reminds you it’s still winter.

But here’s the good news: in the Pacific Northwest, March is one of the most productive planting months of the year.

If you’re gardening in western Washington (Zone 7b–8b), here’s exactly what you can plant now — outdoors and indoors — without gambling on the weather.

Vegetables You Can Direct Sow in March

Peas

Snow peas, snap peas, or shelling peas can all go straight into the ground once the soil is workable.

Add a simple trellis now — they’ll climb quickly once days lengthen.

Spinach

Thrives in cool temperatures and will struggle once summer heat arrives. March sowing gives you the longest harvest window.

Lettuce

Loose-leaf varieties are easiest for beginners. Sow every two weeks for a steady supply.

Radishes

Fast, reliable, and satisfying. Most are ready in about 30 days.

Carrots

Slow to germinate, but early sowing works beautifully in the PNW’s cool, moist soil.

Odd Garden Tip:

If soil sticks to your boots in heavy clumps, it’s too wet. Wait a few dry days before planting to avoid compaction.

Flowers to Plant in March

March is ideal for hardy annual flowers that don’t mind chilly nights.

Sweet Peas

Direct sow outdoors or transplant seedlings. They adore cool starts.

Calendula

Cold-tolerant, cheerful, and pollinator-friendly. An excellent beginner flower.

Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist)

Best direct sown where you want it to grow.

Poppies

Scatter seeds and gently press into soil. Do not bury deeply.

If you’re building a small pollinator space this year, March is a perfect starting point.

Herbs to Plant Now

Cool-season herbs thrive in March.

Parsley

Slow to germinate — start early.

Cilantro

Much happier now than in summer heat.

Chives

A perennial powerhouse. Plant once and harvest for years.

What to Start Indoors in March

March is when your seed trays start earning their keep.

Start indoors now:

• Tomatoes (late March in western WA)

• Peppers

• Basil

• Broccoli

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

If you’re new to indoor seed starting, read:

How to Start Seeds Indoors in the Pacific Northwest (Complete Beginner Guide)

It walks through soil, lighting, watering, and timing specifically for our region.

And before you plant anything, double-check your average last frost date here:

PNW Frost Dates (A Gentle Guide)

Trees & Shrubs to Plant in March

March is one of the best months of the entire year to plant woody plants.

Cool soil + regular rain = strong root establishment.

Bare-Root Fruit Trees

Apples, pears, and cherries are commonly available now. Plant before buds fully leaf out.

Read more about bare root trees and shrubs.

Blueberries

They thrive in our naturally acidic soil and love spring planting.

Hydrangeas

Plant early to allow roots to establish before summer.

Native Shrubs

Consider red flowering currant, osoberry, or salal for wildlife support.

A Gentle Reality Check

“March in the PNW is less about perfection and more about momentum.”

You may get frost. You may get sideways rain. That’s normal.

Most cool-season crops tolerate light frost just fine.

If you’re unsure about timing, remember:

Seeds want to grow. You’re not interrupting nature — you’re working with it.

Soil Temperature Matters

Cool-season crops begin germinating when soil reaches about 40–50°F.

You don’t need perfection. You just need workable soil.

One More Thing: Slugs

March is peak slug season.

Protect seedlings early with:

• Hand-picking at dusk

• Copper barriers

• Read more about slug control here

Small plants are most vulnerable in their first two weeks.

Final Thoughts

March is not flashy.

It’s foundational.

What you plant now sets up your spring harvest, your early flowers, and the rhythm of your growing season.

If you’re new to gardening in Washington State, this is the month that builds confidence.

Plant something small. Watch it grow. Keep going.