Get Ready for Spring! 5 Must-Do March Tasks to Prep Your Homestead Garden
If you’re here for some must-do March tasks to set your garden up for success this summer, you’re in the right place! Spring is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to get organized so you can enjoy a bountiful harvest in the months ahead.
By taking a few key steps now, you’ll not only save money on groceries but also create an outdoor space that encourages your family—especially the kids—to get involved in growing food. So, grab your notebook, a warm cup of coffee, and let’s dive into the essentials!
1. Start a Garden Journal
If I could give you only one tip, it would be this: start a garden journal. Trust me, future you will thank you! A simple notebook from the dollar store will do the trick. Use it to track:
- What you plan to grow and what seeds you need
- When you start seeds indoors
- Transplant dates
- Direct sowing schedules
- Harvest notes (what thrived and what flopped)
- Costs of produce for canning (so you can compare year to year)
This little habit makes garden planning so much easier and helps you improve each season!
2. Know Your Growing Zone
Before you get too excited about ordering seeds, know your growing zone. This tells you what plants will thrive in your area and when to plant them. Write it down in your journal so you don’t have to look it up every year. You can check your zone by visiting this link or referring to the growing zone map below.
3. Assess Your Space
Before planning a jungle of vegetables, take a moment to consider:
- Where you’ll be growing (pots, raised beds, traditional garden rows)
- How much sunlight your space gets
- Your time, budget, and ability to maintain the garden
One of my favorite tricks? Sketch it out! Visualizing your space helps you decide where to place taller crops like tomatoes and peppers while making sure smaller plants like lettuce don’t get overshadowed.
4. Choose What to Grow
The best way to set yourself up for success is to grow what you actually love to eat. Ask yourself:
- Are you a big salad lover? Lettuce, spinach, and radishes are a must!
- Dreaming of homemade pickles? Time to plant cucumbers!
- Want to get the kids involved? Let them pick something fun to grow, like cherry tomatoes or sunflowers.
Let your family help decide—kids get excited when they have a say, and they’ll be more willing to help when planting time comes around!
5. Gather Your Seeds & Supplies
The most important task this month? Get your seeds! Seeds sell out fast as spring approaches, so grab them early. You can find seeds at your local hardware store or order online from trusted sources like Veseys Seeds.
As for seed-starting supplies, don’t overcomplicate things! Many household items work perfectly. Start collecting:
- Old egg cartons
- Plastic cups (any size)
- Eggshells
- Takeout containers
- Yogurt tubs
- Juice jugs
- Newspaper or flyers (for DIY seed pots)
Also, don’t forget to grab a bag of potting soil so you’re ready when it’s time to start seeds indoors.
What’s Next?
Looking for more step-by-step guidance? Check out my From Seed to Harvest garden bundle taking your everything you need to know.
10 Essential Steps From Seed to Harvest – A Cheerful Beginners Guide to Gardening and Self-Sufficiency
This comprehensive bundle is your ultimate guide to mastering every aspect of the gardening process. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, “From Seed to Harvest” has something for everyone. Inside, you’ll discover:
- Expert Tips and Tricks
- Comprehensive Planting Guides and Work Sheets
- Step-by-step Directions
Spring is coming—let’s get growing!
