March arrives quietly in Bodega Bay, but beneath the coastal fog and winter calm, the garden is already awake. Visitors to Bodega Bay will find a diverse mix of trees, including windswept cypress, coastal pine, eucalyptus and native oaks that thrive in the area’s cool, foggy climate. Come explore what makes our local landscape unique and get to know the plants that thrive here.
When to start planting
Do you know when to start planting? Bodega Bay sits in a mild coastal growing zone, generally considered USDA Zone 9b, where cool summers, moist air and fewer hard frosts create ideal conditions for a wide range of plants. Native species like coast strawberry, California poppy, seaside daisy and Douglas iris flourish naturally, while rosemary, lavender, artichokes, kale and chard thrive in home gardens. The coastal climate favors hardy greens, perennials and herbs that can handle windy, salty air. It makes gardening here both forgiving and rewarding for beginners and seasoned growers alike.
What to plant in March
March is the perfect month to prepare beds and begin planting cool-season crops. This is the time to sow seeds for peas, lettuce, spinach, carrots and brassicas, while starting tomatoes and peppers indoors for transplanting later in spring. Fruit trees and berry bushes can still be planted now, giving roots time to establish before warmer months arrive. Adding compost, improving drainage and protecting young plants from wind will set gardens up for success as daylight slowly stretches longer.
Community garden plots
For those without space to garden at home, the Bodega Bay Community Center offers shared garden plots, making growing food and flowers accessible to anyone in the community. The plots provide an opportunity to plant seasonal vegetables, herbs and flowers while gardening alongside neighbors in a shared setting. Participants benefit from shared knowledge, a sense of connection and a dedicated space to grow without the responsibility of maintaining a full yard. Residents interested in joining can visit the Bodega Bay Community Center or contact the center directly for information on availability, fees and guidelines. The garden plots are well suited for renters, apartment dwellers and anyone looking to garden locally without space of their own.
Volunteer to remove invasive ice plant
Ice plant can bloom beautifully, but it is not native to the coast. Volunteers work year-round to remove invasive ice plant from sensitive coastal habitats, helping native species recover and thrive. The effort is led by the Milo Baker Chapter of the California Native Plant Society in partnership with Sonoma County Regional Parks and California State Parks. Much of the removal is focused on Doran Regional Park and Bodega Head.
Ice plant, introduced from South Africa, spreads quickly and smothers native vegetation, making its removal a key part of coastal restoration. Volunteers typically meet weekly at Doran Regional Park on Wednesdays in the morning. Additional monthly workdays are held at Bodega Head, often on a Sunday from late morning to early afternoon. The removals are open to all experience levels and offer a hands-on way for residents and visitors to support local ecosystems while spending time outdoors. For more information, email milobaker@cnps.org.
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