Central Florida’s growing climate, generally spanning USDA Hardiness Zones 9a through 10a, presents a unique gardening calendar. March is a swift transitional period, marking the end of the mild winter growing season and the immediate beginning of the intense summer. This month offers the last dependable window to establish many heat-sensitive, warm-season crops before the consistently high temperatures arrive. Successful planting now requires foresight, focusing on varieties that can mature quickly or tolerate the impending heat and humidity.
Warm-Weather Vegetables to Start Now
March is the primary planting time for the region’s most popular summer vegetables, demanding action to ensure a harvest before the onset of 90°F days. Gardeners should prioritize planting tomatoes, especially heat-set varieties designed to continue fruit production when nighttime temperatures exceed 72°F. Transplants are recommended for tomatoes, peppers (bell and chili types), and eggplant to give them a head start and establish a robust root system quickly.
These fruiting vegetables require a longer time to mature and benefit significantly from the earlier start, ensuring their main production occurs during the moderate late spring weather. For vining and bush crops, direct-sowing seeds is often the preferred method for faster germination and less transplant shock.
Summer squash (zucchini and yellow squash) and cucumbers should be directly sown into the soil now. These plants mature rapidly, producing a harvest within 40 to 60 days, and need to be established before the extreme summer heat encourages pest and disease pressure. Southern staples, such as okra and various types of beans, also thrive when direct-seeded in March, as they are tolerant of the increasing heat and humidity.
Herbs and Edibles for Continuous Harvest
March is an ideal time to establish herbs and non-vegetable edibles that offer continuous harvesting through the warmer months. Heat-tolerant herbs like basil, rosemary, oregano, and thyme are excellent choices for planting. Basil, a favorite in Florida gardens, should be pinched back regularly to prevent “bolting,” which extends its harvest life.
Many Mediterranean herbs, including rosemary and thyme, prefer the well-drained conditions of containers or raised beds, which helps prevent root rot in Florida’s humid environment. For continuous fresh growth, gardeners should harvest the outer leaves and stems of these herbs frequently. Small, perennial edibles such as mint and lemongrass can also be planted now, thriving in the warmth and providing a steady supply of flavorful foliage.
Flowers and Ornamentals for Spring Color
Planting ornamental flowers in March guarantees a vibrant spring display and prepares the garden for the summer heat. Annuals like Zinnias and Marigolds are highly recommended as they tolerate full sun and humidity while providing quick, vivid bursts of color. These flowers can be direct-seeded or planted as small starts and will bloom prolifically until the summer rains become excessive.
For shadier spots, hybrid varieties like Sunpatiens offer the look of traditional impatiens but possess greater tolerance for heat and sun exposure. Other heat-tolerant options include Vinca (periwinkle) and Pentas, which feature clusters of star-shaped flowers. Many of these ornamentals, particularly Pentas and Marigolds, are excellent at attracting beneficial pollinators, such as butterflies and bees.
Essential Soil and Water Preparation
Successful planting in Central Florida’s sandy soil depends on proper preparation. Since native soil drains rapidly and holds few nutrients, significant amendment with organic matter is necessary. Incorporating a layer of compost (one to four inches deep) into the topsoil before planting improves water retention and provides a slow release of nutrients.
Applying a slow-release, balanced granular fertilizer at the time of planting ensures newly set roots have access to necessary nutrients for vigorous growth. The dry spring season requires proactive water management; setting up or inspecting irrigation systems now is crucial. Also, apply a thick, two-to-three-inch layer of mulch immediately after planting.
Mulch significantly reduces water evaporation, stabilizes soil temperatures, and suppresses weed growth that competes with young plants. These preparatory steps create a more hospitable microenvironment, mitigating the challenges posed by the region’s climate and sandy composition.