What to plant this week in Buffalo, NY
With average lows hovering near -5°F and the first frost still weeks away until Oct 24, Buffalo gardeners are in a prime window to harvest heat-loving crops like zucchini, bush beans, and cucumbers before the chill sets in. While you won't be sowing new seeds this week due to soil constraints, it is crucial to protect your late-season transplants from early autumn storms common in Western New York.
The next 7 days
Buffalo, NYGrowing in Buffalo right now
- Buffalo's heavy clay soils retain moisture well but drain slowly; ensure drainage paths are clear around root crops like potatoes and parsnips as rains often occur during harvest season.
- The city's distinct continental climate brings sudden temperature swings; cover tender perennials like borage and cosmos with row covers if a freeze is forecast before Oct 24.
- Utilize the extended late-summer window to plant garlic now, taking advantage of Buffalo's cool autumn nights which are essential for proper bulb development.
- Watch for late-season irrigation needs on water-intensive crops like edamame and summer squash, as the region can experience dry spells between storm systems.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
45 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Celery
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Dahlia
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia)
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Leek
- Lima Bean
- Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian)
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine
- Parsnip
- Pole Bean
- Potato
- Pumpkin
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Sweet Potato
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Keep a close eye on pollinator-friendly flowers like Cosmos and Zinnia to ensure good seed set.
- Harvest bush beans and cucumbers frequently to encourage continued production throughout summer.
- Protect young transplants from late spring chill with row covers if an unexpected cold snap occurs.
- Plan succession sowing for cool-season crops now so they are ready as the weather cools in October.
Pest & disease watch
- Spider mites often surge in September on stressed zucchini and beans during hot, dry periods common in Buffalo's early autumn.
- Cutworms remain active through late fall, frequently attacking young seedlings of transplanting crops like celery and fennel at night.
- Late blight can still threaten potatoes and summer squash if humidity remains high following rain events typical for this time of year.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal issues on leafy greens.
Save seeds from your best-performing varieties like French Marigold and Zinnia to start your next season's garden early.
Buffalo gardening questions
3Can I plant garlic in Buffalo right now?
Yes, this is the ideal time to plant hardneck garlic varieties here. The cooling temperatures coming off Lake Erie are actually beneficial for bulb formation before winter dormancy.
Are there any specific pests to watch for on my pumpkins and squash now?
Historically, the average first frost date falls on October 24, though localized microclimates near the lake or urban heat islands may see variations.
With our clay-heavy soil, how do I manage water for late summer crops?
Check moisture levels frequently as Buffalo's clay retains water but can become compacted; add compost to improve aeration and consider drip irrigation during dry spells.
Other cities in zone 6b
12See the full zone 6b guide → · Plan your Buffalo garden in SproutGuide →