What to plant this week in Charlotte, NC
With Charlotte's last frost officially averaging March 13th, you can aggressively push warm-season crops like okra and yellow summer squash into the ground this week. The city's clay-heavy Piedmont soil is already warming up, but be sure to work in organic matter before planting heavy feeders to prevent compaction during our typical spring rain showers.
The next 7 days
Charlotte, NCGrowing in Charlotte right now
- Charlotte's distinct clay loam retains moisture well; avoid over-watering newly sown bush beans and cucumbers which can rot easily if the ground stays soggy.
- If you plan to transplant heat-loving varieties like Malabar Spinach or Thai Basil, choose a late afternoon slot after 4 PM to minimize transpiration shock before our humid nights set in.
- The Piedmont terrain often has low-lying spots that hold cold air longer; avoid sowing frost-tender seeds in these pockets until the soil thermometer consistently reads above 60°F.
Sow this week
17 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cucumber
- French Marigold
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Summer Savory
- 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 every two weeks for a continuous harvest through summer.
- Apply a light layer of mulch around squash to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pinch back the tips of basil plants regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for early-season aphid colonies forming on the undersides of French Marigold and Nasturtium leaves as temperatures climb into the 70s.
- Spider mites may begin infesting Zinnias and Cleome if there is a stretch of dry, hot weather between our frequent spring showers.
- Slugs are currently active in shaded garden corners; inspect young Vinca and Shiso plants nightly to prevent them from being eaten before they establish.
Watering this week
Water deeply at the base of plants in the early morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risks.
Harvest leafy greens like malabar spinach and nasturtiums young and tender for the best flavor.
Charlotte gardening questions
3Can I plant bush beans now given the March 13th frost date?
Yes, you can sow bush bean seeds directly into the ground this week as long as the soil temperature is above 60°F. Wait to apply heavy fertilizer until the first true leaves appear, as high nitrogen can stunt early root development in these legumes.
Is it safe to harvest my cantaloupe and honeydew melons right now?
These crops are listed for harvest soon, so check them daily for a strong tap sound and a slight give at the stem end. If fruit is fully ripe but you aren't ready to eat immediately, cover the vines with straw mats to slow down over-ripening in our warm Charlotte sun.
My Malabar Spinach isn't growing fast enough; what's wrong?
Malabar Spinach requires consistent warmth and high humidity to thrive, which is becoming more common in Charlotte this week. Ensure your plants are getting at least one inch of water weekly and avoid letting the soil dry out completely between rain events.
Other cities in zone 8a
11See the full zone 8a guide → · Plan your Charlotte garden in SproutGuide →