What to plant in March in the Philippines focuses on heat-tolerant crops that thrive in intense sunshine and rising temperatures. March is the transition from cool to hot, with daytime temperatures regularly hitting 33 to 36 degrees Celsius across Metro Manila. Cool-season crops like lettuce and cabbage bolt quickly now, so shift your focus to fruiting vegetables that love the heat.
This is prime time for tomatoes, eggplant and chili. The strong sunlight drives flower production and fruit development. For the full seasonal overview, visit our planting calendar.
Best Vegetables to Plant in March
- Kamatis (Tomato) produces its best fruit in March's heat and sun. Transplant established seedlings. Stake immediately and water deeply at the base. Feed with potassium-rich fertiliser every 2 weeks for bigger fruit.
- Talong (Eggplant) thrives in the hot conditions. Transplant seedlings 50cm apart in rich soil. Harvest fruit when skin is glossy and firm. Regular picking encourages more production.
- Sili (Chili Pepper) grows vigorously in March heat. Both labuyo (bird's eye) and siling haba varieties produce heavily. Mulch around plants to keep roots cool and moist.
- Okra loves high temperatures and grows fast. Direct sow seeds 2cm deep. Harvest pods every 2 days when 7 to 10cm long for tender results. Plants produce for 3 to 4 months.
- Kalabasa (Squash) needs space to spread its vines. Plant seeds directly in mounds of rich soil. Flowers appear in 40 to 50 days and fruit matures in 90 to 120 days.
- Ampalaya (Bitter Gourd) grows rapidly on trellises in March heat. Soak seeds overnight before planting. Harvest fruit when still green and firm for the best flavour.
- Kangkong continues to grow well year-round. Water twice daily during hot weather. Cut and regrow for continuous harvests every 3 to 4 weeks.
- Sitaw (String Beans) climbs quickly in the warming weather. Direct sow near a sturdy trellis. Begin harvesting pods in 50 to 60 days.
- Pipino (Cucumber) grows fast in March heat with adequate water. Trellis vines vertically to save space and keep fruit clean. Harvest when firm and dark green.
- Patola (Sponge Gourd) vines grow explosively in March. Provide a strong trellis at least 2 metres tall. Young fruit is excellent in soups and stir-fries.
Best Herbs to Plant in March
- Basil grows rapidly in warm weather. Plant from seeds or cuttings in full sun. Pinch flower buds weekly to keep leaves flavourful and plants productive.
- Tanglad (Lemongrass) thrives in the hot season. Plant stem bases 30cm apart. Clumps grow quickly and provide fragrant leaves for cooking and tea.
- Oregano loves heat and drier conditions. Plant from cuttings in well-drained soil. Use fresh leaves for Filipino soups and stews.
- Pandan tolerates both sun and shade. Plant divisions in moist soil. The aromatic leaves are essential for Filipino desserts and rice dishes.
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Ornamental Plants for March
- Bougainvillea bursts into colour during the dry season. Established plants flower most heavily when slightly stressed for water. Prune after flowering.
- Portulaca is a heat-loving succulent ground cover that produces colourful flowers with minimal water. Perfect for hot, dry spots in the garden.
- Adenium (Desert Rose) thrives in March heat with its thick trunk and stunning flowers. Needs well-drained soil and full sun. Water sparingly.
- Lantana produces clusters of colourful flowers non-stop during the hot season. Attracts butterflies and is extremely drought-tolerant once established.
- Plumeria (Kalachuchi) produces fragrant flowers throughout the hot dry months. Plant from cuttings in well-drained soil and full sun.
- Crown of Thorns blooms heavily in hot, dry conditions. Nearly indestructible and perfect for neglected garden corners.
Gardening Tasks for March
- Water deeply in the early morning. Water before 7am to reduce evaporation. Soak the root zone thoroughly rather than sprinkling the surface lightly. Container plants may need watering twice daily.
- Apply thick mulch everywhere. Cover all bare soil with 5 to 8cm of dried leaves, rice hull or coco coir. Mulch reduces soil temperature by up to 5 degrees and cuts water use in half.
- Install shade cloth for sensitive plants. Use 50% shade cloth over remaining cool-season crops and newly transplanted seedlings. Remove once plants are established.
- Side-dress fruiting vegetables with fertiliser. Tomatoes, eggplant and peppers are heavy feeders during fruit production. Apply complete fertiliser every 2 weeks or use compost tea.
- Watch for spider mites. Hot, dry conditions favour spider mite infestations. Check undersides of leaves for fine webbing. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Harvest frequently. Pick tomatoes, okra and sitaw daily during peak production. Regular harvesting signals the plant to produce more fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grows best in March heat in the Philippines?
Fruiting vegetables grow best in March heat in the Philippines. Tomatoes, eggplant, chili peppers, okra and bitter gourd all thrive in temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius with strong sunlight. These crops need the intense sun to trigger flowering and fruit development. Vine crops like squash, cucumber and string beans also produce heavily during this period. Avoid cool-season crops like lettuce and cabbage which bolt quickly in March heat.
How do I keep my garden alive during Philippine summer?
Keep your garden alive during Philippine summer by watering deeply in the early morning before 7am. Apply thick mulch (5 to 8cm) around all plants to reduce evaporation and keep roots cool. Use shade cloth (50%) for heat-sensitive plants. Group containers together to create a microclimate with higher humidity. Choose heat-tolerant crops like kangkong, okra and sili rather than fighting to grow cool-season vegetables that will struggle.
Can I grow kangkong in March Philippines?
Kangkong grows excellently in March in the Philippines. This water-loving vegetable thrives in warm conditions and can be grown in soil or water-based systems. During the hot season, water kangkong twice daily to keep the soil consistently moist. You can harvest kangkong just 21 to 25 days after planting and it regrows quickly from cut stems for multiple harvests throughout the summer months.
