March brings with it the promise of gardening and warm(er), sunny days, as Earth turns its frostbitten cheek to winter and springs forth from the vernal equinox. Read about this month’s holidays, happenings, seasonal recipes, gardening tips, Moon phases, folklore, and much more!
- The brown buds thicken on the trees,
- Unbound, the free streams sing,
- As March leads forth across the leas
- The wild and windy spring.
- Elizabeth Akers Allen (1832–1911)
The Month of March
The month of March was named for the Roman god of war, Mars. Traditionally, this was the time of year to resume military campaigns that had been interrupted by winter. Read more about how the months got their names.
Important Dates in March 2020
- Sunday, March 8 is the start of Daylight Saving Time, which begins at 2:00 A.M. that night. Don’t forget to “spring forward” and set your clocks ahead for one hour! We prefer to do this before bedtime on Saturday night, just so there’s no existential confusion the next morning.
- March 8 is also International Women’s Day, which is a day that not only celebrates the achievements of women and the progress made toward women’s rights but also brings attention to ongoing struggles for equality around the world.
- Sunday, March 15 is the Ides of March! Legend surrounds this ill-fated day. Beware the Ides of March!
- Tuesday, March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day. According to folklore, St. Patrick used the three-leaved clover (shamrock) in his teachings about the Holy Trinity.
- Thursday, March 19 brings about the March equinox also called the vernal or spring equinox marking the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. On this day, the Sun stands directly over Earth’s equator. In the Southern Hemisphere, this date marks the autumnal equinox and the beginning of fall.
- March 29-31 are the Borrowing Days. According to lore, the last three days of March have a reputation for being stormy.
- Looking ahead: This year, Easter Sunday will occur on April 12, culminating the Holy Week for Christian churches and commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Read more about Easter Sunday and find out why the date changes every year.
“Just for Fun” Days
Did you know that March is National Umbrella Month? Here are some more wacky things to celebrate this month:
- March 3: What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day
- March 9: International Fanny Pack Day
- March 13: National Ear Muff Day
- March 16: National Panda Day
- March 21: Absolutely Incredible Kid Day
- March 23: World Meteorological Day
- March 31: World Backup Day
March Astronomy
The Full Worm Moon
March’s full Moon, the Worm Moon, reaches peak fullness on Monday, March 9, at 1:48 PM EDT. Look for it that evening as it rises above the horizon! Why is it called the Worm Moon? Find out in our March full Moon guide!
The Start of Spring
The March equinox (commonly called the vernal or spring equinox) occurs on Thursday, March 19, at 11:50 PM EDT. This equinox marks the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of fall in the Southern Hemisphere. Learn more about the March equinox here!
Equinox Quiz
The March equinox occurs on March 19 at 11:50 P.M. EDT in 2020, ushering in the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere. At this time, the Sun’s position will be at which of the following coordinates on the celestial sphere?
- A. 0 hour right ascension, 0° declination.
- B. 6 hours right ascension, 23.5° North declination.
- C. 12 hours right ascension, 0° declination.
- D. 18 hours right ascension, 23.5° South declination.
Answer: A. B describes the Sun’s position during the June (summer) solstice; C, during the September (fall) equinox; and D, during the December (winter) solstice.
Seedlings in Dirt
Photo Credit: Sergii Kononenko/Shutterstock
March Gardening
- Planning a vegetable garden? We’ve done all the research for you from how far to space plants to seeding dates to best crops to plant together. Try the Almanac Garden Planner for free!
- Wondering when to plant what? Check out our free location-based Planting Calendar to see when to start seeds and transplants in your area.
- Just getting started with gardening? Check out our Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Guide, as well as our numerous veggie, fruit, flower, and herb Growing Guides for more advice.
Irish Stew. Photo Credit: Sumners Graphics Inc./Getty Images
Recipes for the Season
- In celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day, try making some traditional Irish food from Irish Soda Bread to Corned Beef and Cabbage. See 20 St. Patrick’s Day recipes.
- March is the start of spring! Enjoy this delicious Spring Risotto recipe, as well as this recipe for Cream of Fiddleheads Soup.
- See our Spring Recipes collection for more delicious recipes using the season’s best ingredients.
- Now is the time for making maple sugar. Read more about this natural wonder. And, to make use of that delicious syrup, check out our favorite Pancake Recipes!
Everyday Advice
- According to folklore, wear a sprig of rosemary in your hair to improve your memory! Here are more Tips & Tricks to Improve Your Memory.
- March brings rain and mud! Sprinkle salt on carpets to dry out muddy footprints before vacuuming. Find more cleaning tips.
Birds & Fishing
- According to Henry David Thoreau, the call of a bluebird is a song that “melts the ear, like the snow.” Read more about this lovely bird in “House-hunting With the Bluebird.”
- Check birdhouses for damage and give them a spring cleaning before tenants arrive for the season. Learn how to attract birds to your garden!
Spring means fishing! See when the Best Days to Fish this year are.
Folklore for the Season
- A wet spring, a dry harvest.
- On St. Patrick’s Day, the warm side of a stone turns up, and the broad-back goose begins to lay.
- March comes in with adders’ heads and goes out with peacocks’ tails.
- Thunder in spring, Cold will bring.
- So many mists in March you see, So many frosts in May will be.
- In beginning or in end, Of March its gifts will send.
- Bleak winds assault us all around;
- Dances aloft, or skims the ground:
- See the school-boy his hat in hand,
- While on the path he scarce can stand
March’s birth flower is the daffodil or jonquil. The daffodil signifies regard or unrequited love. The jonquil means “I desire a return of affection.” See more about March’s birth flower.
March’s birthstone is aquamarine. This gem is a type of beryl; its color can be pale to dark blue, greenish-blue, or blue-green; deep, intense blue versions are more valuable. See more about March’s birthstone.
March’s Zodiac signs are Pisces (February 20 to March 20) and Aries (March 21 to April 20). See your Zodiac profile.
By The Editors
February 3, 2020
almanac.com
almanac.com
