What to plant this week in Dallas, TX
Dallas gardeners in zone 8b are riding high on a warm wave where the average last frost date of March 1 has long passed, allowing you to aggressively sow heat-lovers like Okra and Malabar Spinach today. With minimum temperatures hovering around 15°F only as a historical winter baseline, current conditions favor rapid germination for crops such as Bush Beans and Yellow Summer Squash without the need for transplanting.
The next 7 days
Dallas, TXGrowing in Dallas right now
- The Dallas clay-heavy subsoil tends to dry out quickly under intense Texas sun; incorporate organic matter weekly in raised beds to improve drainage for squash and zucchini roots.
- Late winter rains can turn local soils compacted by freeze-thaw cycles into mud; wait for the surface to crumble before heavy digging to avoid smothering germinating beans and cucumbers.
- Plant French Marigolds or Nasturtiums immediately as living mulches to deter nematodes in the notoriously sandy-loam pockets common in East Dallas neighborhoods.
- Avoid sowing cold-sensitive Vinca indoors now; these perennials thrive outdoors but will struggle if exposed to any unexpected overnight dips near the 50°F threshold this month.
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 and pole beans every two weeks for a continuous harvest through summer.
- Thin out dense seedlings of zucchini and yellow summer squash to prevent overcrowding.
- Apply a light layer of mulch around established crops to retain soil moisture as summer heat builds.
Pest & disease watch
- Spider mites are exploding on Zinnias and Cleome (Spider Flower) as humidity drops and temperatures climb into the 90s.
- Aphid colonies are rapidly forming on new growth of Pole Beans and Scarlet Runner Beans, requiring early intervention with neem oil or strong water sprays.
- Cucumber beetles are actively hunting young Cucumber and Bush Bean seedlings, so hand-picking is critical before chemical controls become necessary.
Watering this week
Water deeply at the base of plants in the morning to keep foliage dry and reduce disease risk during hot days.
Harvest watermelons when they produce a hollow sound upon tapping, indicating full ripeness.
Dallas gardening questions
3Can I still plant Garlic in Dallas right now?
Yes, it is time to harvest your current crop and replant fresh cloves if you missed the fall window, as the 'harvest soon' list confirms active garlic cycles. However, ensure you choose a variety rated for zone 8b that tolerates our mild winters.
My Zucchini plants are small; should I thin them out?
Absolutely, thin your Yellow Summer Squash and Zucchini to leave only one robust plant per spot to prevent overcrowding in the dense Dallas clay. Removing weak seedlings now ensures the remaining vines have enough space for their massive summer harvest.
Are edible flowers safe to eat from my current garden bed?
Several items on your list like French Marigolds, Nasturtium, and Malabar Spinach are culinary staples perfectly suited for Dallas right now. Just double-check that you haven't sprayed them with any systemic pesticides intended for the cucumber beetles.
Other cities in zone 8b
12See the full zone 8b guide → · Plan your Dallas garden in SproutGuide →