Spring is waking up in West Tennessee, and March is one of the busiest months in the garden! Here’s a simple, region‑ready guide to help you know what to plant, what to prune, and what to prep this month.
Vegetable & Herb Garden
Cool‑season crops can go in now:
- Direct sow kale, radishes, and sorrel between March 11–25.
- You can also plant lettuce, cabbage, collards, onion sets, brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, spinach, kale, mustard greens, radishes, turnips, peas, and beets this month.
Start indoors:
- Herbs like sage continue well indoors through early March.
- Keep seedlings under strong light and begin light fertilizing as they grow.
Prep for warm‑season crops:
- Our average last frost in Jackson is April 8, but waiting until around April 22 is safest for tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
Closeup of pretty little blue garden forget-me-not flowers, Myosotis, seen from above
Flower Beds & Ornamentals
- Cool‑tolerant annuals like pansies, violas, and dianthus can handle March temperature swings.
- Cut back ornamental grasses and any dead perennial stems before new growth gets in the way.
- Divide and replant crowded perennials once they emerge.
- Inspect roses for damage and prune now, then fertilize and mulch.
Planting a tree. Close-up on young man planting the tree, then watering the tree. Environment and ecology concept
Trees, Shrubs & Fruit
- Finish planting dormant trees and shrubs.
- Fertilize established fruit trees this month if you haven’t already.
General Garden Chores
- Clean out beds and refresh mulch to keep weeds down.
- Flip or start a compost pile.
- Watch for early pests like aphids on roses.
- If temps stay above 65°F for a few days, you can apply a pre‑emergent weed control.
Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Seed Swap!
📅 March 28 • 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 The Ledge, 3581 Hwy 70 E, Jackson, TN
Our community Seed Swap is back and bigger than ever! Expect new vendors, new activities, and lots of ways to connect with fellow gardeners, homesteaders, and plant lovers. Bring seeds, saved varieties, or extra plants to trade with neighbors. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to seasoned growers.
Sources
These trustworthy resources helped shape our regional March gardening guidance:
- Old Farmer’s Almanac – Jackson, TN Gardening Tasks [almanac.com]
- UT Extension – Tennessee Home Fruit & Vegetable Garden Calendar
- https://uthort.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/228/2024/01/W436-2024.pdf
- (super reliable statewide frost dates + crop timing) [uthort.tennessee.edu]
