Ah, March! The time when winter’s icy grip begins to loosen, and the world slowly awakens from its frosty slumber.
As gardeners, there’s a thrill in the prospect of new growth, especially when many folks think it’s still too cold to plant anything.
But guess what? That’s not true for some greens! I’ve discovered 30 greens you can plant this March, capable of laughing in the face of cold weather.
Join me on this journey as we explore these hardy greens, promising a lush, green garden even when the chill still bites.
1. Spinach
There’s a leafy contender perfect for the early spring garden. Spinach stands tall against cold snaps and is ready to grace your salads. This leafy green loves the cool weather, thriving when sown in March.
In the kitchen, it’s a versatile friend. Whether tossed in a salad or cooked in a hearty dish, spinach brings a rich flavor.
And believe me, there’s nothing like the taste of home-grown leaves. It’s like having a bit of sunshine on your plate during the colder days.
2. Kale
With a nutrient-packed reputation, there’s one green that fights the freeze with gusto. Kale is your go-to hero for cold-weather planting.
Fear not the frost; kale thrives in chilly conditions, making March an ideal sowing time. This resilient green is not only packed with vitamins but also adds a hearty texture to your meals.
Whether you’re blending it into smoothies or creating crispy chips, kale’s versatility is unmatched. Plant it now, and you’ll reap the delicious benefits throughout the season.
3. Arugula
Peppery and bold, there’s a green that stands out in any dish. Arugula, with its distinct flavor, laughs at late winter’s chill.
March is the perfect month to sow these seeds and watch them flourish. In salads, arugula adds a spicy kick that’s simply unforgettable. It’s also fantastic on pizzas or as a garnish.
Growing arugula at home means fresh leaves are always at your fingertips, bringing a personal touch to your culinary creations. Embrace this refreshing addition to your garden!
4. Lettuce
Imagine a plant that doesn’t mind the cold, ready to elevate your sandwiches. Lettuce is a classic choice for those looking to start their garden early in the season.
This hardy green is perfectly content with March’s temperamental weather. With varieties ranging from butterhead to romaine, lettuce offers a world of texture and taste.
It’s a staple in salads and ideal for wraps. By planting it in March, you ensure a continuous supply of fresh leaves, right from your backyard to your table.
5. Mustard Greens
Some greens bring a punchy flavor to the table, and this one’s no exception. Mustard greens are the zesty choice for those early spring slots in your planting schedule.
Not only are they cold-tolerant, but they also grow swiftly. These greens pack a peppery taste that can jazz up any dish.
Whether sautéed or added to a stew, they provide a unique flavor profile. Sowing them in March ensures a delightful burst of taste in your meals, making every bite an adventure.
6. Swiss Chard
In the garden, few plants offer both beauty and utility as this one does. Swiss chard is a marvel, with its colored stems adding a splash of color to any garden.
It’s a reliable performer in the cooler months of March. This green is as robust in taste as it is in growth. It adapts well to both raw and cooked applications, making it a favorite among cooks.
Planting Swiss chard now means you’ll enjoy its beauty and bounty throughout the chillier parts of the year.
7. Collard Greens
When cold winds blow, some greens stand firm. Collard greens are among the toughest, ready to grow despite the chill.
These resilient greens are perfect for March planting, setting the stage for a season of hearty meals. Rich in nutrients, collard greens offer a depth of flavor that enhances your dishes.
Whether simmered in broths or sautéed, they provide a comforting essence. Growing them at home ensures you have a constant supply of this culinary staple, promising warmth in every bite.
8. Cress
In the world of greens, there’s one that’s both quick to grow and full of character. Cress, with its peppery bite, doesn’t shy away from March’s lingering cold.
It’s a fantastic choice for those seeking instant gratification from their gardening efforts. Sprinkle it over sandwiches or into salads for a zesty lift.
Cress grows rapidly, making it an exciting project for both novice and seasoned gardeners. Planting it now guarantees you’ll enjoy its lively taste in no time, spicing up everyday meals with ease.
9. Mizuna
Intriguing and flavorful, this green brings a taste of the East to your garden. Mizuna, known for its feathery leaves, is undeterred by the cold, making March an ideal time to plant it.
Incorporate mizuna into your dishes for a mild mustard-like flavor that’s both refreshing and distinctive. It pairs well with a variety of ingredients, enhancing salads and stir-fries alike.
By planting mizuna this month, you’ll soon have a delightful ingredient that adds a touch of international flair to your kitchen.
10. Watercress
There’s a green that loves water and laughs at cold. Watercress is a hardy contender for March sowing, offering a peppery flavor that’s hard to resist.
Its preference for damp conditions makes it unique among its peers. Sprout it near water for the best results, and watch it flourish. This green is perfect for salads, sandwiches, and soups, providing a refreshing bite.
By growing watercress, you’ll introduce a distinct taste to your culinary repertoire, adding excitement to your garden and your plate.
11. Endive
In the culinary world, this green is known for its elegant appearance and taste. Endive thrives in cool climates, making it a prime candidate for March planting.
This leafy vegetable is perfect for salads, offering a slightly bitter taste that pairs well with sweet dressings. Endive’s tightly packed leaves provide a satisfying crunch.
By planting it now, you’re setting the stage for gourmet salads right from your garden, delighting both the eye and the palate with its sophisticated appeal.
12. Turnip Greens
In the realm of greens, one often overlooked is truly a gem. Turnip greens are perfect for those seeking a hardy option for March planting. They grow well in colder temperatures, ensuring a robust harvest.
These greens bring a flavorful punch to dishes, especially when cooked. Known for their slightly spicy taste, they complement a variety of meals.
By choosing to plant them in March, you’ll enjoy a bounty that’s both flavorful and versatile, enhancing your culinary creations with ease.
13. Radicchio
A dash of color and a bite of bitterness make for an intriguing addition to any garden. Radicchio is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for March planting.
Its bold appearance and unique taste make it a favorite in salads. The cool weather enhances its flavor, offering a slightly bitter yet satisfying crunch.
If you choose to plant it, you’re adding both beauty and taste to your garden, ensuring a harvest that’s as stunning as it is delicious.
14. Sorrel
With a lemony zing, there’s a green that surprises and delights. Sorrel is a resilient choice for March planting, welcoming the cold with open leaves.
Add it to salads or soups for a refreshing tang that brightens up any dish. Sorrel’s unique flavor profile makes it a standout ingredient.
Planting it in March, you ensure a steady supply of this zesty green, ready to invigorate your meals and bring a burst of flavor to your table.
15. Tatsoi
In the world of greens, there’s one that offers a rich, buttery taste. Tatsoi, with its spoon-shaped leaves, isn’t afraid of March’s chill.
This Asian green is perfect for salads or stir-fry dishes, adding a mild yet distinct flavor. It’s a fast-growing option, meaning you won’t have to wait long for a harvest.
By choosing tatsoi for your early spring garden, you’re setting yourself up for culinary success with a green that’s both delicious and dependable.
16. Beet Greens
In the garden, there’s a part of a plant often overshadowed by its root but just as tasty. Beet greens are a fantastic choice for March planting, thriving in cooler temperatures.
These leaves offer a slightly sweet and earthy taste, perfect for cooking or salads. They provide a nutrient-rich addition to your meals, making them a valuable part of your garden.
By sowing beet greens now, you’re ensuring a versatile and healthy option to complement your culinary repertoire.
17. Pak Choi
In the cool weather, some greens shine brightly. Pak choi is a crunchy delight that loves the cold, making March an excellent time for planting.
This versatile veggie can be stir-fried, added to soups, or enjoyed raw. Its mild flavor and crisp texture make it a favorite in many dishes.
By growing pak choi in March, you’re preparing for a harvest that’s both rewarding and satisfying, providing a crunchy element to your culinary creations.
18. Chicory
Amidst the cold, a plant with a bitter edge finds its moment. Chicory is a robust option for those looking to plant in March, embracing the cooler weather.
Add it to salads or enjoy it as a cooked side dish. Chicory’s distinct flavor offers a unique taste experience, enhancing your meals.
By planting it now, you’re ensuring a future filled with a green that’s as adventurous as it is tasty, a true boon for the culinary explorer.
19. Escarole
There’s a green that offers a blend of textures and tastes. Escarole is perfect for March planting, unbothered by the chill.
Use it to add a slightly bitter crunch to salads, or incorporate it into soups for added depth. Escarole’s versatility makes it a gem in the kitchen.
By growing this green, you’re setting the stage for culinary creativity, with a reliable and delicious harvest ready to enhance your dishes.
20. Bok Choy
Amidst the early spring chill, some greens grow with gusto. Bok choy is one such vegetable, thriving in March’s cooler climate.
This Asian staple is perfect for stir-fries, soups, and salads. Its mild flavor and crunchy texture make it a versatile kitchen companion.
By planting bok choy now, you’re ensuring a bountiful harvest that adds a nutritious touch to your meals, bringing a piece of the East to your own garden.
21. Dandelion Greens
In the wild, a green that’s often underappreciated offers a bold flavor. Dandelion greens are ideal for March planting, standing up to cold weather.
These greens provide a slightly bitter taste, perfect for salads or cooked dishes. Their nutritional benefits add value to your meals, making them a worthy addition to any garden.
By choosing to grow dandelion greens, you’re cultivating a plant that’s both robust and rewarding, ready to enhance your culinary adventures.
22. Komatsuna
In the realm of greens, one offers a mild mustard flavor that’s intriguing and fresh. Komatsuna doesn’t shy away from March’s chill, making it an excellent choice for early spring.
Its leaves can be enjoyed raw or cooked, adding a unique taste to dishes. Komatsuna grows quickly, offering a speedy harvest for those eager to taste their efforts.
By planting it now, you’re ensuring a flavorful addition to your garden and kitchen, ready to surprise and delight.
23. Napa Cabbage
In the garden, a cabbage that thrives in cooler climates awaits. Napa cabbage is ready for March planting, bringing a gentle flavor and crisp texture.
This versatile cabbage is ideal for salads, stir-fries, and pickling. Its mild taste makes it a favorite among many cuisines.
By planting napa cabbage in March, you’re ensuring a bountiful harvest that offers endless culinary possibilities, enhancing your meals with a touch of freshness.
24. Rapini
In the world of greens, one offers a complex flavor profile that’s sure to intrigue. Rapini, also known as broccoli rabe, is perfect for March’s cooler conditions.
Its slightly bitter taste pairs well with garlic and spices, making it a popular choice for Italian dishes. Rapini’s quick growth ensures a rapid harvest, bringing a unique taste to your kitchen.
By choosing to plant rapini, you’re embracing a green that’s both adventurous and delicious, ready to elevate your culinary creations.
25. Claytonia
In the chilly spring air, a plant with delicate features rises. Claytonia, also known as miner’s lettuce, doesn’t mind the cold, thriving in March’s unique climate.
Its tender leaves add a mild, succulent taste to salads, making it a sought-after green.
You’re ensuring a harvest that provides not only a tasty addition to your dishes but also a touch of elegance to your garden. It’s a delightful green that brings both beauty and flavor to your table.
26. Mibuna
Mibuna is a delightful Asian green known for its delicate, narrow leaves and mild mustard flavor. It’s a versatile plant that can be sown in early spring, enduring cold snaps with grace.
This leafy green is best enjoyed fresh in salads or lightly sautéed. Sowing Mibuna in March ensures a steady harvest throughout the spring.
It thrives in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide some shade during warmer days to prevent bolting.
27. Miner’s Lettuce
Miner’s Lettuce, a native green, is perfectly suited for cool weather gardening. Its round, tender leaves and mild flavor make it a favorite for fresh salads.
This plant is exceptionally hardy, withstanding frosts and light snow. To cultivate Miner’s Lettuce, sow seeds in a shaded area with damp soil.
This green requires minimal care, making it ideal for beginner gardeners. Harvesting the leaves regularly will promote new growth and keep the plant productive.
28. Good King Henry
Good King Henry is an ancient green, cherished for its spinach-like leaves and rich nutritional profile. It’s a perennial plant that can withstand the cold, making it a reliable choice for March sowing.
This green is excellent for both fresh use and cooking. Sow Good King Henry in a sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil.
Regular watering and occasional feeding will keep the plant healthy and productive. Its tender shoots can also be harvested and cooked like asparagus.
29. Lamb’s Lettuce
In the cooler months, a green with a nutty flavor finds its moment. Lamb’s lettuce, also known as mâche, thrives in March’s chill, ready to enhance your garden.
Its tender leaves are perfect for salads, adding a subtle, nutty taste. By planting lamb’s lettuce, you’re ensuring a harvest that’s both unique and delicious, providing a distinctive flavor to your dishes.
This green offers not just taste but also resilience, making it a valuable addition to your early spring garden.
30. Land Cress
In the world of greens, one offers a peppery punch that lingers. Land cress is ideal for those early spring slots, thriving in the cool temperatures of March.
Its robust flavor makes it a fantastic addition to sandwiches and salads. If you chose to grow it, you’re adding a green that’s both flavorful and easy to cultivate, ensuring a garden that’s as exciting as it is productive.
Embrace this pungent green, and let it spice up your culinary adventures.
31. Russian Red Kale
Among the kale varieties, one stands out with its unique appearance. Russian Red kale is perfect for March planting, bringing both color and taste to your garden.
Its tender leaves offer a slightly sweet flavor, making it a versatile option for salads and cooked dishes.
By planting Russian Red kale, you’re ensuring a harvest that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious, adding a touch of elegance to your meals. This green is a must-have for any kale enthusiast.