What to Plant in March in Austin (And How to Get Your Garden Spring-Ready This Weekend)

March is when gardening season truly begins in Central Texas.

The soil is warming, the risk of frost is fading, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your beds, plant vibrant color, and start your spring vegetables. Whether you’re working with a large yard, a few containers, or just getting started, a little work now sets you up for a beautiful, low-stress garden through summer.

Here’s your simple guide to what to plant in March — and how to make the most of a single weekend in the garden.

Why March Is the Most Important Planting Month in Austin

In our climate, spring moves fast. Planting now gives roots time to establish before the heat arrives, which means:

✔ Stronger plants
✔ More blooms
✔ Less water stress in summer
✔ Better vegetable harvests

If you wait too long, you’re gardening in survival mode instead of success mode.

Instant Color: Annuals to Plant Right Now

For quick, cheerful impact, you can’t beat seasonal annuals. These thrive in Austin’s early spring temperatures and bring life back to your landscape immediately.

Top picks for March:

• Petunias
• Snapdragons
• Dianthus
• Alyssum
• Pansies (still going strong!)

🌿 Pro tip: Refresh your beds or containers with new, high-quality soil before planting for faster growth and bigger blooms.

Perennials That Can Handle Texas Heat

March is the perfect time to plant perennials so they can establish deep roots before summer.

Reliable Central Texas performers:

• Salvia
• Coreopsis
• Blackfoot Daisy
• Mexican Bush Sage
• Gaura

These plants don’t just look great — they’re also lower-maintenance and more drought-tolerant once established.

Plant for Pollinators (And a Healthier Garden)

Want more butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds?

Start your pollinator garden now with:

• Milkweed
• Autumn Sage
• Coneflower
• Turk’s Cap
• Native lantana

These plants thrive in our region and support the local ecosystem while adding movement and color to your yard.

March Is Prime Time for Vegetables & Herbs

This is one of the most exciting months for kitchen gardeners.

Plant now:

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Eggplant
• Basil
• Other warm-season herbs

Getting them in the ground in March gives you a head start on a productive harvest before peak heat arrives.

3 Easy Weekend Garden Projects

Not sure where to start? Pick one of these:

1️⃣ Refresh Your Containers

Swap winter flowers for fresh color, trim back overgrowth, and add new soil and fertilizer.

2️⃣ Rebuild a Tired Bed

Pull weeds, top with compost, and plant a mix of perennials and annuals for instant fullness.

3️⃣ Start a Pollinator Corner

Even a small sunny space can become a butterfly destination.

Don’t Forget These March Garden Tasks

• Cut back freeze-damaged growth
• Fertilize lawns and beds
• Divide overcrowded perennials
• Mulch to retain moisture before summer

Need Help Choosing? Just Ask.

One of the best parts of shopping local is getting real advice for Austin conditions.

At Shoal Creek Nursery, we’re happy to:

• Help you choose the right plants for your space
• Match sun vs. shade areas
• Recommend the best soils and fertilizers
• Plan a layout that works

Stop by and see what’s arrived for spring — new plants are coming in daily, and March is the best selection of the season.

Let’s Get Growing

A few hours in the garden this month will reward you for the rest of the year.

Come walk the nursery, get inspired, and take home everything you need to make your spring garden thrive.

📍 Visit us in Austin
🌿 Talk with our plant experts
🛒 Find fresh arrivals every week

Your spring garden starts now.