What to plant this week in Mobile, AL
With Mobile's last frost officially behind us on Feb 6, gardeners can immediately push warm-season crops like okra, bush beans, and cantaloupe into the sandy, well-draining soil. This week marks the start of a long growing season where rapid heat buildup often accelerates pollination for squash and melons.
The next 7 days
Mobile, ALGrowing in Mobile right now
- Mobile's heavy clay-loam mix with high sand content dries quickly in sun; water deeply at the root zone to prevent leaching during our humid springs.
- The region's notorious red tide winds can strip young seedlings, so use temporary shade cloth or heavy row covers for delicate transplants like fennel and zinnia.
- Take advantage of the warm nights by sowing slow-starting crops like sweet corn directly into raised beds to ensure soil temperatures stay above 65°F.
- Watch your harvest windows closely; Mobile's intense afternoon heat can cause tomatoes and peppers to ripen unevenly or split if not watered consistently.
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
- Squash vine borers are already active in the ground, so inspecting stems for entry holes is critical this week before they tunnel into zucchini and pumpkin vines.
- Aphid populations on rosemary and basil can explode with the rising humidity; apply a strong jet of water or neem oil early to prevent colony formation.
- Spider mites thrive in Mobile's dry spells between rain events, particularly on the undersides of sweet potato leaves and ornamental periwinkles.
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.
Mobile gardening questions
3Can I plant okra directly into the ground now?
Yes, since the last frost date is Feb 6 in Mobile, you can sow okra seeds outdoors immediately as long as soil temperatures are above 65°F. These heat-loving plants thrive in our local climate and will establish quickly without needing hardening off.
What should I do about the sandy clay soil near the coast?
Because Mobile's coastal soils drain rapidly, amend your planting holes with compost to retain moisture for sensitive crops like fennel and edamame. Mulching heavily around the base of watermelons and cantaloupes will also help maintain consistent soil temperature during our fluctuating spring rains.
When is the best time to harvest bush beans this week?
Bush bean pods are ready for picking when they are young, tender, and about 2-3 inches long before the seeds harden inside. Picking frequently encourages the plant to produce more pods throughout Mobile's extended warm season.
Other cities in zone 9a
9See the full zone 9a guide → · Plan your Mobile garden in SproutGuide →