What to plant this week in Austin, TX
With the last frost historically occurring around February 6th and current lows hovering near 20°F, Austin gardeners are deep into the heart of their growing season. This week is critical for harvesting heat-loving staples like okra, zucchini, and summer squash before the intense Texas sun stresses them out.
The next 7 days
Austin, TXGrowing in Austin right now
- The Capital City's red clay soil drains poorly during our spring rains; amend planting holes generously with compost or ensure raised beds have excellent drainage to prevent root rot on beans and squash.
- Austin's unpredictable weather patterns mean sudden temperature swings are common; mulch heavily around young transplants like basil and sweet corn to retain moisture and regulate soil temp.
- Be mindful of the 'June Gourd' phenomenon where late spring heat spikes can shock plants; stagger your planting dates for yellow summer squash if you haven't already secured a harvest.
- Take advantage of native pollinators by leaving some Cleome (Spider Flower) and Zinnia blooms standing, as they are currently providing essential nectar for local bees.
Sow this week
26 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Lima Bean
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
36 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Pumpkin
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow bush beans and pole beans every two weeks to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the summer.
- Mulch newly planted crops with organic matter to retain soil moisture and keep roots cool during hot spells.
- Pinch back the tips of basil and oregano regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent early flowering.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch closely for thrips on newly sowed basil and Thai Basil, which can cause silvering leaves in our humid pockets.
- Monitor for spider mites on Malabar Spinach and Fennel as temperatures climb above 90°F this week.
- Check the undersides of Zucchini and Cucumber leaves for squash bugs, which thrive in our heavy clay soil conditions.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the early morning to encourage deep root growth while minimizing evaporation losses.
Harvested okra pods should be picked daily when young to prevent them from becoming tough and fibrous quickly.
Austin gardening questions
3Can I still start my vegetable garden now or is it too late?
It is not too late to sow bush beans, cowpeas, and okra directly into the ground this week since they are listed as sowing candidates for Zone 9a. However, cold-tender crops like sweet corn should be started indoors immediately if you haven't already, given our potential for cool nights.
What is the best way to deal with heavy clay soil in my Austin backyard?
Mix generous amounts of organic compost into your planting beds to improve drainage and aeration for roots. Avoid working the soil when it is wet to prevent compaction, which is a common issue with our local red clay during rain events.
Are there any specific diseases I should watch out for this week?
Watch for powdery mildew on your Malabar Spinach and Zinnia, especially if nights remain cool while days get hot. Ensure good air circulation between rows of squash and melons to help prevent fungal issues common in our humid springs.
Other cities in zone 9a
9See the full zone 9a guide → · Plan your Austin garden in SproutGuide →