What to plant this week in Wichita, KS
With the last frost in Wichita finally averaging around April 3, this week marks the critical transition from cold-hardy garlic harvest to aggressive heat-loving expansion for your Kansas garden. While the air is warming up, keep an eye on soil moisture as our signature dry summers often begin to set in before June.
The next 7 days
Wichita, KSGrowing in Wichita right now
- Wichita's sandy-loam soils drain quickly during our thunderstorm-heavy spring rains; add organic matter now to retain water for your newly sown sunflowers and cucumbers.
- Take full advantage of the warm days by transplanting all listed heat-tolerant crops like okra, bush beans, and melons, as late spring cool snaps are becoming rare.
- Protect young transplants from our notorious late-season hail; use temporary row covers or sturdy hoops if a severe weather warning is issued this week.
- Monitor your garlic crop closely for harvest readiness since the ground can dry out rapidly after heavy rains in May.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
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
- Thin out overcrowded seedlings to give remaining plants room for air circulation and sun.
- Apply a light layer of straw mulch around warm-weather crops to retain soil moisture during heat waves.
- Practice succession sowing with fast-maturing beans or radishes every two weeks to extend your harvest window.
Pest & disease watch
- Spider mites may begin to appear on zinnias and marigolds as temperatures climb above 75°F, especially in our sheltered south-side neighborhoods.
- Cutworms are still active near the soil line for any tomatoes or peppers planted recently; check stems daily before they disappear underground.
- Root-knot nematodes can be a persistent issue in low-lying areas of Sedgwick County, causing stunted growth on squash and beans.
Watering this week
Water deeply at the base of plants in the early morning to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal diseases on wet foliage.
Harvest basil leaves regularly by pinching off stems just above a leaf pair to encourage bushier growth rather than flowering.
Wichita gardening questions
3When is the best time to plant summer squash and zucchini after the last frost?
You can now transplant these warm-season crops immediately since our average last frost date has passed. Ensure they are placed in full sun where Wichita's intense afternoon heat will help them thrive.
How do I manage water needs for corn and beans during this dry spell?
Wichita gardens often face rapid evaporation; water deeply every 2-3 days rather than frequent light sprinklings to encourage deep root growth. Mulch heavily around the base of sweet corn and pole beans to lock in that precious moisture.
Are there any specific pests I should watch for on my basil and mint right now?
Watch for aphids and spider mites which love the warm Wichita evenings; a strong jet of water often knocks them off young leaves effectively. If infestations persist, introduce ladybugs or apply neem oil in the early morning when bees are inactive.
Other cities in zone 7a
12See the full zone 7a guide → · Plan your Wichita garden in SproutGuide →