What to plant this week in Charleston, SC
With Charleston's last frost officially behind us on Feb 6, the air is already warming for zone 9a growers eager to start warm-weather favorites like Okra and Malabar Spinach indoors or in protected beds. However, the rapid transition from winter chill to spring heat means you must monitor soil temperatures closely before sowing cold-sensitive crops directly into the ground.
The next 7 days
Charleston, SCGrowing in Charleston right now
- Charleston's heavy clay-loam soils retain moisture well but can stay cold longer than the air; till in organic matter this week to warm up the root zone for early beans and corn.
- Coastal humidity brings a sudden spike in fungal pressure, so space your Zinnias and Cosmos widely now to ensure airflow prevents powdery mildew before it arrives.
- Avoid planting bush beans or cucumbers directly into wet spring puddles common near the Ashley River; wait for drainage or use raised mounds to prevent root rot.
- Since transplanting lists are empty, focus efforts on sowing seeds indoors for fall crops like Garlic and Sunflowers now, as outdoor hardening is too risky this early.
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
- Spider mites are becoming active in the humid microclimates of Lowcountry gardens, especially around stressed or crowded Malabar Spinach.
- Late-winter slugs are feasting on young Tomato and pepper seedlings if you plan to move them out next month; set up beer traps immediately.
- Early aphid colonies can form quickly on Sweet Corn tassels as temperatures climb above 60°F.
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.
Charleston gardening questions
3When is the right time to plant Bush Beans or Cowpeas directly in my Charleston garden?
You can sow these seeds outdoors now that the danger of frost has passed, but ensure your soil temperature is consistently above 55°F before planting deep enough for germination.
Should I harvest my Winter Squash and Pumpkins yet even though it's not harvest season?
No, wait until after the first hard freeze in mid-December to let the rinds toughen up; harvesting too early now will result in soft fruit that rots quickly in Charleston's heat.
Can I start my Garlic this week given the current weather conditions?
Garlic is listed for harvest soon, implying it was planted earlier; new plantings should wait until late summer or fall, as planting now risks bulb rot from excess spring moisture.
Other cities in zone 9a
9See the full zone 9a guide → · Plan your Charleston garden in SproutGuide →