by Donna J Gutierrez, Big Country Master Gardener
March marks the true beginning of the vegetable gardening season in our area. Although a killing frost can still occur early in the month, soil temperatures steadily warm and daylight increases, creating ideal conditions for cool‑season vegetables. Gardeners who act promptly in March gain a strong head start on the growing year.
Begin the month by preparing garden beds. Remove leftover winter debris and loosen compacted soil to improve drainage and root development. Incorporate compost or well‑aged manure to increase organic matter, which is especially important in West Texas soils that tend to drain quickly (northern Abilene) or hold water (southern Abilene) and lack nutrients. If you have not tested your soil recently, March is an excellent time to do so and make amendments before planting intensifies.
Planting opportunities expand quickly. Direct‑sow carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, lettuce, spinach, and Swiss chard. These crops thrive in cool weather and often bolt if planting is delayed. Transplants of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and onions perform well now, establishing strong roots before heat arrives. Seed potatoes can be planted early to mid-March once soil temperatures reach approximately fifty degrees.
Water newly planted beds consistently but gently. Spring winds common in the Abilene area can dry soil rapidly even on cool days. Be prepared to protect young plants with row covers or frost cloth if a cold front moves through. Early protection can mean the difference between strong seedlings and stunted growth.
The seeds you started earlier in the year might need to be up potted, this includes tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants so they can continue to grow inside in your protected environment.
March can be the month to begin planting your first start of corn, squash, cucumbers and beans. If you want to brave the elements, tomato transplants can go into the ground if you provide protection when temperatures are below 45 degrees.
Companion planting in March helps maximize space and reduce pest issues. Carrots grow well alongside onions or leeks, which may help repel carrot rust fly. Lettuce performs beautifully when planted beneath taller crops such as broccoli, benefiting from partial shade as temperatures rise. Radishes make excellent companions for spinach and lettuce, maturing quickly while loosening soil for slower‑growing plants.
Avoid clustering plants from the same family too closely, especially brassicas, which can attract shared pests when grouped tightly. Interplanting herbs such as dill and cilantro throughout the garden encourages beneficial insects early in the season and improves pollination later.
March gardening is about momentum. Thoughtful preparation, timely planting, and strategic companion choices lay the foundation for a productive, resilient vegetable garden throughout the year.