What to plant this week in Albany, NY
Albany gardeners are racing against the clock this week as the average last frost date of April 21 approaches, signaling it is finally time to plant warm-season crops like Bush Beans and Sweet Corn. With temperatures hovering near our zone 6a minimums of -10°F in winter but warming up rapidly now, focus your energy on transplanting heat-lovers before a late spring chill sets in. This week marks the transition from protective row covers to full sun exposure for summer staples.
The next 7 days
Albany, NYGrowing in Albany right now
- Albany's clay-heavy soil can be slow to warm; till in compost heavily this week to improve drainage and boost warmth retention for transplants like Basil and Okra.
- Protect young seedlings of Zinnia and Scarlet Runner Bean from late spring cold snaps by using floating row covers until the average last frost date of April 21 passes safely.
- Take advantage of the current window to start Garlic indoors or transplant it now, as our local autumn chill is essential for bulb formation before winter dormancy.
- Watch soil moisture closely; while Albany gets consistent rainfall in spring, heavy clay patches may stay soggy after rain, so avoid overwatering newly transplanted Watermelon and Pumpkin vines.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
41 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Celery
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Dahlia
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia)
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian)
- 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
- Succession sow bush beans and sweet corn every two weeks for continuous harvests through summer.
- Pinch back the tops of zucchini and squash plants now to encourage more fruit development rather than just vines.
- Cut back dying foliage on basil and borage after heavy harvesting to promote a second, smaller flush of growth.
Pest & disease watch
- Spider mites are emerging on early-transplanted Fennel and Tomato plants (if available) as humidity drops with our warming air.
- Watch for cutworms attacking the stems of newly planted Pole Beans and Sweet Corn, especially near edges of gardens where moths rest at night.
- Powdery mildew can strike quickly on Celery and Malabar Spinach if spring rains become prolonged; ensure good air circulation around these plants.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the early morning to reduce evaporation while supporting heavy fruit production on melons and squash.
Pull any volunteer weeds immediately around your transplants like edamame and fennel before they compete for nutrients.
Albany gardening questions
3Is it safe to plant my Basil and Okra outside in Albany right now?
Yes, but wait until after April 21 when the risk of frost passes completely. Transplant them into the sunniest spot possible, though keep an eye out for any lingering cold snaps typical of our Zone 6a springs.
How should I prepare my Albany clay soil for Sweet Corn and Pumpkins this week?
Break up the heavy clumps with a broadfork or spade and mix in generous amounts of compost to create crumbly texture. This improves drainage so roots don't rot during our occasional heavy spring rains.
What is the best time to plant Garlic for next year's harvest?
Garlic should be planted now (late spring/early summer) or wait until late August, but ensure soil temperatures are right for root establishment. Plant cloves 2 inches deep and orient them point-up toward the sky.
Other cities in zone 6a
12See the full zone 6a guide → · Plan your Albany garden in SproutGuide →