What to plant this week in Memphis, TN
Memphis gardeners are in the thick of late spring heat as average last frost dates around March 13 give way to rapid growth. With minimum temps holding near 10°F only at night, focus your energy on harvesting summer crops and sowing warm-season favorites like okra, cucumbers, and Malabar spinach that thrive before the humidity peaks.
The next 7 days
Memphis, TNGrowing in Memphis right now
- Memphis clay soils drain poorly during our heavy spring rains; till in organic matter or build raised beds for bush beans and squash to prevent root rot.
- The city's flat terrain creates wind tunnels that can dry out young transplants quickly, so stake tall pole beans and zinnias early before afternoon gusts arrive.
- Take advantage of the long season between frost dates (March 13 to Nov 28) by planting a succession crop of bush beans every three weeks for continuous harvest.
- Avoid sowing cold-sensitive seeds like French marigolds or yellow summer squash until soil warms, as early planting in our low-lying areas risks chilling injury.
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 spider mites and aphids on new basil and nasturtium growth as temperatures climb into the 80s.
- Monitor squash vine borers on gourd plants; cutworms are also actively hunting young cucumber and bean seedlings in our sandy-loam patches.
- Fungal leaf spots may appear on Malabar spinach if overhead watering continues during Memphis's frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
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.
Memphis gardening questions
3Can I still plant okra now that we've passed the March 13 frost date?
Absolutely; Okra loves the rising heat and should be sown immediately since it won't tolerate cool soils. Start with direct seeding in full sun, as transplanted okra often struggles to establish roots.
My Malabar spinach is wilting after last week's heavy rain—is this normal for Memphis clay?
It likely indicates root suffocation from waterlogged soil rather than heat stress; check drainage and consider mulching heavily to keep roots cool. Ensure you aren't overwatering, as these plants prefer consistent moisture but hate standing water.
When is the best time to harvest cantaloupe and honeydew melons right now?
Harvest soon when the ground spot turns cream-colored and slips easily from the vine, usually 7-10 days before full ripeness. In Memphis zone 8a, watch for birds pecking at the fruit and cover them with netting once they begin to mature.
Other cities in zone 8a
11See the full zone 8a guide → · Plan your Memphis garden in SproutGuide →