What to plant this week in Richmond, VA
Richmond gardeners are officially in the transition zone, with average last frosts ending around March 28 and the final chill likely already behind us. This week marks a critical shift where cool-season staples like garlic and shiso can still be sown for late summer harvests, while heat-lovers such as zucchini and bush beans move from seed starting to direct planting in our warming Virginia soil.
The next 7 days
Richmond, VAGrowing in Richmond right now
- Our clay-heavy loam soils in the James River valley warm slowly; till deeply this week to break up cold pockets before sowing beans or squash seeds.
- With rainfall often dumping heavily during spring showers, ensure drainage beds for new transplants of French marigolds and nasturtiums to prevent root rot.
- Monitor soil moisture closely as the forecast hints at a dry streak; mulch newly planted okra and watermelon rows immediately to retain heat and humidity.
Sow this week
4 crops- Bush Bean
- French Marigold
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
37 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
- Sweet Potato
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Start succession sowing with Pole Beans or Peas every two weeks for a continuous supply of fresh pods.
- Pinch back the tops of Basil to encourage bushier growth before the heat sets in.
- Apply a light layer of compost around harvested crops to replenish soil nutrients.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for early aphid colonies forming on the tender new growth of Malabar spinach and pole beans.
- Slugs are active in Richmond's humid springs; check under broadleaf weeds like clover near your borage harvests tonight.
- Spider mites may begin appearing on sunflowers as temperatures consistently climb above 70 degrees.
Watering this week
Provide about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, ensuring deep watering during hot afternoons.
Harvest Basil in the morning when essential oils are most concentrated for peak flavor.
Richmond gardening questions
3Is it safe to plant my zucchini seeds directly in Richmond soil this week?
Yes, the ground temperature is finally suitable for bush beans and yellow summer squash after our last frost on March 28. Wait until the next few days if a late chill is forecasted before exposing these tender plants.
When should I harvest my basil to avoid it bolting in this heat?
Start picking your basil now for summer savory and Thai basil; pinching off flowers every few days will keep the plant productive through our hot Virginia summers.
Can I still sow garlic in Richmond for a winter harvest?
Absolutely; sowing garlic now takes advantage of our mild winters and allows the bulbs to establish roots before the first frost on November 15.
Other cities in zone 7b
12See the full zone 7b guide → · Plan your Richmond garden in SproutGuide →