March Produce Guide: Delicious, Seasonal Eating & Gardening
March is a transition month – winter is *almost* over, and the first hints of spring are popping up. That means it's a great time to refresh your menus with seasonal produce and start planning your garden. Let's dive into what's fresh at the store and what you can start sowing for future harvests.
What's in Season in March?
Focusing on seasonal produce is a fantastic way to save money and reduce food waste. Plus, it tastes better! Here's a rundown of what you can typically find in season during March:
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, arugula, lettuce, and chard are at their peak. Perfect for salads, soups, and side dishes.
- Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, turnips, and potatoes continue to be great choices for roasting and hearty meals.
- Citrus Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are still going strong, providing a boost of vitamin C.
- Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage offer versatility and nutritional value.
- Alliums: Leeks, onions, and garlic add flavor to a wide range of dishes.
- Rhubarb: While technically a vegetable, rhubarb is often used like a fruit in desserts and jams.
How do I keep track of what’s fresh? I use EasyHome to save my favorite seasonal recipes. I can add “kale salad” or “roasted carrots” to my rotation in March, knowing they will be tasty and affordable. I'm a big fan of EasyHome’s meal planning capabilities because it helps me build balanced and affordable meals around what's fresh.
Using Seasonal Produce to Save Money
One of the best things about eating seasonally is the cost savings. When produce is in season, it's more abundant, which means it's typically cheaper. Here's how to make the most of it:
- Plan your meals around what's on sale: Check your local grocery store flyers and plan your meals based on what's discounted.
- Buy in bulk (when appropriate): If you find a great deal on something you use frequently, consider buying in bulk and freezing or preserving it.
- Reduce food waste: Use everything you buy! Get creative with leftovers and scraps. For example, carrot tops can be used to make pesto, and vegetable scraps can be used to make broth.
I upload my receipts to EasyHome to keep an eye on my grocery spending. It helps me see where my money is going and identify areas where I can cut back. Plus, I use EasyHome's shopping list feature to avoid impulse purchases and stay on track with my meal plan. I find it really useful for sticking to my budget categories without sacrificing quality.
What to Plant in March: A Garden Planting Guide
March is the perfect time to start planting certain vegetables and herbs, depending on your climate. Here's a general guide:
For Cool Climates:
- Start indoors: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and herbs like basil can be started indoors from seed.
- Direct sow: Leafy greens like spinach and lettuce can be directly sown in the garden, as well as radishes, peas, and carrots.
For Warmer Climates:
- Direct sow: Many vegetables can be directly sown in the garden, including beans, corn, squash, and cucumbers.
- Transplant: Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants can be transplanted into the garden.
Before planting, be sure to check your local frost dates and soil conditions. Amend your soil with compost to provide nutrients and improve drainage.
Tips for Successful Spring Planting
- Start small: If you're new to gardening, start with a small plot or a few containers.
- Choose the right location: Most vegetables need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Water regularly: Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Fertilize: Fertilize your plants regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
- Protect from pests: Use organic pest control methods to protect your plants from insects and diseases.
I add reminders to EasyHome's calendar to water my seedlings and fertilize the garden. It really helps me stay on top of everything, especially during the busy spring season. Speaking of staying on top of things, make sure your spring cleaning checklist is up to date! You'll have to store all your garden tools somewhere.
Maximize your March
March is a time of transition and new beginnings. By focusing on seasonal produce and starting your garden, you can save money, eat healthier, and enjoy the bounty of the season. Plus, with EasyHome, you can streamline your meal planning, budgeting, and household organization, freeing up more time to enjoy the warmer weather (hopefully soon!).
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