Mild Winter Areas

Zones: 7b–9a

These zones experience mild winter weather and are warming quickly in March. Many cool-season crops can be direct sown outdoors. It is also a great time to start warm-season favorites indoors, while keeping frost protection on hand for unexpected cold snaps. And of course, sprouts and microgreens are always in season indoors!

Indoors (fresh harvests):

  • Microgreens: peas, broccoli, sunflowers, arugula.
  • Sprouts: alfalfa, broccoli, radish, mung
  • Herbs & greens under lights: chives, parsley, mint

Crops to start indoors in good light: Cucumber, melons, squash, pumpkin

Transplants to move outdoors (weather permitting - harden first): alyssum, lettuce, basil, okra, zinnia

Crops that can be directly sown outdoors in March (assume intermittent frosts; a low tunnel or row cover makes most of these reliable): Sweet pea, bunching onion, fennel, bean, beet, corn, Swiss chard, marigold, and more

Cover crops: winter rye, fava bean, hairy vetch, red or white clover, and cover crop mixes.

Tip: A critical time to know your average frost-safe date and watch for late frosts. Most homegrown starts should be hardened off for 7 to 10 days to acclimate to outdoor conditions.

Use your USDA zone as a guide. Microclimates matter—coastal/urban spots run warmer; high elevation runs colder. 7b pockets can follow “Mild” recommendations with protection.

50 100 true //store.trueleafmarket.com/cdn/shop/t/54/assets/review-fallback.json?v=33078429469613971781712858278
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4054 Items
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Pepper - Hot - Cayenne Thickmid size pouch type seed packaging for - Pepper Hot Cayenne Thick
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Snapdragon Seeds - Rocket SeriesSnapdragon Seeds - Rocket Series
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Basil - Thai - Microgreens SeedsBasil - Thai - Microgreens Seeds
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Nasturtium Seeds - Alaska Gold Dwarfsmall size packet type seed packaging for - Nasturtium Alaska Gold Dwarf
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Cauliflower Seeds - Snowball Y Improved - Organicsmall size packet type seed packaging for - Cauliflower Snowball Y Improved Organic
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Alyssum Seeds - Wonderland SeriesAlyssum Seeds - Wonderland Series
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Smart Seal 5 Gallon Bucket Lids - SinglesSmart Seal 5 Gallon Bucket Lids - Singles
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Pea Seeds - Shelling - Green Arrowmid size pouch type seed packaging for - Pea Shelling Green Arrow
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Garlic Bulbs - Fall - Hardneck - Blue MusicGarlic Bulbs - Fall - Hardneck - Blue Music
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Melon Seeds - Crenshaw - CrenshawMelon Seeds - Crenshaw - Crenshaw
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revitalize your soil with earths most efficient decomposers1 gallon worm casting bag
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Colorful Radish Microgreens MixColorful Radish Microgreens Mix
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Swiss Chard Seeds - Ruby Red - Organicsmall size packet type seed packaging for - Swiss Chard Ruby Red Organic
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Arugula Seeds - Rocket (Roquette)
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Clover Trio Cover Crop Seed MixClover Trio Cover Crop Seed Mix
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Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Jar Lidscustom box packaging for Stainless Steel Fermenting Kits
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Pea - Thomas Laxton - Microgreens Seedsmid size pouch type seed packaging for - Pea Thomas Laxton Microgreens
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Premium Bamboo Microgreens Grow MatsPremium Bamboo Microgreens Grow Mats
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Beet Seed - Bulls Bloodsmall size packet type seed packaging for - Beet Bulls Blood
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Lettuce Seeds - Romaine - Cimmaronmid size pouch type seed packaging for - Lettuce Romaine Cimmaron
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Pea Seeds - Snow - Oregon Giantmid size pouch type seed packaging for - Pea Snow Oregon Giant
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Lentil - Red (Organic) - Sprouting SeedsLentil - Red (Organic) - Sprouting Seeds
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Petunia Seeds - Hulahoop Series (pelleted)Petunia Seeds - Hulahoop Series (pelleted)
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Heirloom Hot and Sweet Pepper Collection - 8 PackHeirloom Hot and Sweet Pepper Collection - 8 Pack
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Tomato Seeds - Slicing - German Johnsonmid size pouch type seed packaging for - Tomato Slicing German Johnson
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Lettuce - Gourmet Mixture - Microgreens SeedsLettuce - Gourmet Mixture - Microgreens Seeds
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Okra Seeds - Perkins Long Podsmall size packet type seed packaging for - Okra Perkins Long Pod
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Lettuce Seeds - Heatwave Mix
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Pepper Seeds - Hot - Poblano Ancho
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