March · Early spring
What to sow in March in Portland
62 crops are in their window this month in Portland — timed to your local frost dates.
Last frost≈ 23 Mar
First frost≈ 28 Oct
Frost-free daysFrom 23 Mar
March averages40°–55°F
Vegetables
44 in season
Artichoke
Start indoors · seedlings need a cold snap to set buds in year one
Arugula
Direct sow · sow every 2-3 weeks for a steady peppery harvest
Asparagus
Plant crowns · resist harvesting until the second or third spring
Beets
Direct sow · soak seed clusters overnight to speed germination
Bitter Melon
Start indoors · harvest young and green — riper fruit turns bitter
Herbs
16 in season
Basil
Start indoors · loves heat, don't rush it outside before frost
Chervil
Direct sow · prefers cool shade, bolts quickly once hot
Chives
Start indoors · perennial clumps, snip leaves for repeat harvests
Cilantro
Direct sow · bolts fast in heat, sow small batches often
Dill
Direct sow · taproot resents transplanting, sow direct
Fruit
2 in season
Blueberries
Plant bushes · needs acidic soil and a second variety to pollinate
Strawberries
Plant runners · pinch off first-year flowers for stronger plants