As March draws to a close, New Jersey gardeners are itching to dig into the soil and kick off the growing season. With the current date being March 25, 2025, the Garden State is transitioning from the unpredictable chills of late winter to the promise of spring. Now’s the perfect time to prep your garden and start planting some early crops. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a first-time gardener, here’s what you should be doing to get your New Jersey garden ready—and what you can plant right now.
Preparing Your Garden for Spring Success
Before you start sowing seeds or setting out transplants, a little groundwork will set you up for a bountiful season. Here’s your to-do list for late March:
Clean Up Winter Debris
Clear out any leftover leaves, twigs, or dead plant material from the fall and winter. This not only tidies up your garden but also removes hiding spots for pests and diseases. If you’ve got a compost pile, toss in those organic scraps to enrich your soil later.
Test and Amend Your Soil
New Jersey’s soil can vary widely—clay-heavy in some spots, sandy in others. Grab a soil test kit (available at local garden centers or through your county’s Cooperative Extension) to check pH and nutrient levels. Most spring crops thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Add lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it, and work in compost or aged manure to boost fertility.
Turn the Soil
Once the ground thaws and isn’t waterlogged, loosen the soil with a garden fork or tiller. Aim for a depth of 8-12 inches to improve drainage and give roots room to grow. Be patient—working wet soil can compact it, which is tough on plants later.
Prep Beds and Tools
Rake garden beds smooth and remove any rocks or roots. Check your tools, too—sharpen pruners, clean shovels, and make sure your watering cans or hoses are leak-free. You’ll thank yourself when planting season hits full swing.
Plan Your Layout
Sketch out where your crops will go, keeping in mind sunlight (most veggies need 6+ hours daily) and companion planting. For example, peas and spinach pair well, while potatoes prefer their own space. If frost is still a worry (and in Jersey, it often is through mid-April), consider where you’ll use row covers or cold frames.
What to Plant Now in New Jersey
Late March in New Jersey falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 6a to 7b, with average last frost dates ranging from mid-April to early May, depending on your exact location. That means cold-tolerant crops are your best bet right now. Here’s what you can start planting:
Peas
Sweet, crisp peas love cool weather. Sow seeds directly in the ground about 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Varieties like ‘Sugar Snap’ or ‘Green Arrow’ do well here. Add a trellis or stakes for support—they’ll be climbing in no time.
Spinach
This leafy green thrives in spring’s chilly temps. Plant seeds ½ inch deep and 2-3 inches apart in rows. ‘Bloomsdale Long Standing’ is a reliable choice for NJ gardens. Keep the soil moist, and you’ll be harvesting tender leaves by May.
Lettuce
Whether you love crisp romaine or buttery Bibb, lettuce is a March must. Sow seeds shallowly (¼ inch deep) and thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart. Mix varieties for a colorful salad bowl—try ‘Black-Seeded Simpson’ or ‘Red Sails.’
Radishes
Fast-growing and foolproof, radishes are perfect for impatient gardeners. Plant seeds ½ inch deep and 1 inch apart. ‘Cherry Belle’ matures in just 3-4 weeks, adding a peppery crunch to your spring meals.
Kale
Hardy and nutritious, kale laughs at light frosts. Sow seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep and thin to 12 inches apart. ‘Lacinato’ (Dinosaur Kale) or ‘Red Russian’ are great picks for flavor and texture.
Onions and Shallots
Plant onion sets or shallot bulbs now for a summer harvest. Bury them 1 inch deep, pointed end up, and space 4-6 inches apart. They’ll grow steadily through spring’s ups and downs.
Cool-Season Herbs
Parsley, cilantro, and chives can handle March’s chill. Sow seeds lightly or transplant seedlings from indoor starts. They’ll add fresh flavor to your kitchen while your garden wakes up.
New Jersey’s spring weather can be a rollercoaster—sunny and 60°F one day, frosty the next. Keep an eye on local forecasts, especially for those sneaky late freezes. If you’re eager to get a head start, use cloches, row covers, or even old bedsheets to protect tender sprouts on cold nights. And if you’re in South Jersey (closer to Zone 7b), you might sneak in some early carrots or beets, too—they’ll tolerate a mild chill.
Late March is all about laying the groundwork and embracing the cool-season stars of your garden. By prepping now and planting these hardy crops, you’ll be steps ahead when May’s warmth unlocks the full growing season. So grab your gloves, breathe in that fresh spring air, and get your New Jersey garden growing—there’s nothing like the taste of homegrown goodness to welcome the new season.