Spring gardening season starts sooner than you think. While others are still dreaming of tomatoes, you could be harvesting fresh greens and crunchy veggies in just weeks.

Tilth Alliance’s March Edible Plant Sale returns Saturday, March 21, at Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetlands. This is your chance to fill your garden with cool-season crops that thrive in our Pacific Northwest spring — no need to wait for summer sunshine!

Why Plant in March?

Our region’s mild springs are perfect for leafy greens, brassicas and early root vegetables. We’ve handpicked varieties that love cooler weather. You’ll get a head start on the growing season and enjoy fresh harvests before your summer garden even goes in.

First Time at Our March Sale? Here’s What to Know

Come Prepared

• Check our website before the sale for plant lists and descriptions. Think about what you want to grow — salad greens for daily lunches? Kale that produces all spring? Peas for your kids to snack on?
• Got questions? Our Garden Hotline is here to help: call (206) 633-0224 or email [email protected]. They’ll guide you on what grows well in your space and soil.
• Bring a wagon, shallow boxes, or grab one of our $1 flats to carry your plants home safely.

Learn While You Shop

Look for our team in orange vests. They’re experienced gardeners who love sharing tips. Read the educational signs throughout the sale. Every plant has a story and growing advice to share.

Stop by the Tilth Alliance booth to discover our gardening classes, grab free resources and chat with Garden Hotline educators. We want you to succeed, so take your time and ask questions!

Find Something New and Exciting

Every spring garden needs a mix of trusted favorites and new discoveries. Maybe you grow the same lettuce every year (and love it), or maybe you’re ready to try something different. Either way, we’ve got you covered.

Try These Cool-Season Stars

Ailsa Craig – Onion

If you like large sweet onions to eat fresh in the summer this is a good pick. ‘Ailsa Craig’ is a Scottish heirloom bred in the late 1800s by David Murray, estate gardener for the Culzean Castle, southwest of Edinburgh. A vigorous grower when planted in early spring in well drained soil and full sun. The northwest’s long summer days maximize your harvest leading to a potential 5 pound onion! Perfect for slicing for sandwiches, adding to summer salads of all kinds and sauteeing with fresh summer squash and fresh green beans.

Shuksan – Strawberry

This berry was bred at Washington State University for growing in the Pacific Northwest and to withstand midwinter cold damage and rainy weather rotting. ‘Shuksan’ was introduced to the growing public in 1970, sporting an almost 60 year lineage in our gardens. While people often flock to the everbearing strawberry varieties, don’t be too quick to dismiss the grandeur of a summer bearing strawberry. This large, firm, glossy red fruit is worth cultivating in its own dedicated bed. Great for eating fresh, sliced in a bowl with milk and drizzled with honey, and cooking up in fruity desserts, the ultimate use for this jewel is as the star in a strawberry shortcake as an homage to summer and the Solstice.

Silver – Thyme

Thyme is a wonderful addition to the edible garden but can also be tucked into any ornamental bed as well – it is that pretty! Silver thyme has dainty white-edged evergreen leaves that cover the plant all year long. On top of its perennial beauty, it is available for you to trim fresh bits from for cooking throughout the year. In the summer look for lilac-colored flowers, beloved by pollinating insects, adding a boost to your fruiting plants’ need for their services. Thyme is also drought tolerant and appreciates hot spots. Trim the fresh growing tips to flavor a simple syrup for incorporating into ice cream, lemonade, or cookie recipes or to make a tisane with honey after a brisk fall walk, and tuck stems into savory meat dishes. Strip fresh leaves or use dried thyme while roasting winter squash or mix into your favorite dip for veggies.

Don’t Forget the Classics

You’ll also find reliable favorites like ‘Lacinato’ Tuscan Kale, bunching onions, spinach, bok choy, arugula, beets, peas and more. These are the plants that show up year after year in successful Seattle gardens for good reason!

See You at the Sale

Spring gardens start with good plants and a little knowledge. We’ll have both waiting for you on March 21. Come grow with us!