What to plant this week in Asheville, NC
Asheville gardeners in zone 7b should focus on planting garlic this week, as the air is still crisp enough to establish roots before our typical late March frost. While no transplants are ready for the soil right now, keep an eye out for Daikon radishes and overwintering garlic scapes nearing harvest.
The next 7 days
Asheville, NCGrowing in Asheville right now
- Asheville's steep terrain makes holding moisture difficult; water your new garlic plantings deeply in the morning to prevent runoff on slopes.
- The city's limestone-heavy soils in areas like Biltmore Estates can be alkaline, so mix in plenty of compost before planting any root vegetables this week.
- Expect sudden temperature swings common in Western North Carolina's valley climate, which can stress young seedlings if not mulched immediately.
- Ashville's high elevation and dry winters mean garlic needs consistent moisture; check soil every few days rather than relying on rainfall.
Sow this week
1 crops- Garlic
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
2 crops- Daikon Radish
- Garlic
Seasonal tips
- Finish harvesting cool-season crops like Daikon radish before temperatures drop too low.
- Plant cover crops or winter rye now to protect soil structure during the dormant season.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch around garlic plants to insulate bulbs from freezing ground.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for early aphid colonies forming on emerging greens as we approach the average last frost date of March 28.
- Disease pressure is low right now, but damp valley fog can encourage fungal spots on garlic leaves if irrigation isn't managed carefully.
- Snail activity may increase in Asheville's humid microclimates near streams; inspect leafy crops nightly for damage.
Watering this week
Water garlic lightly and only when the soil is dry, avoiding wetting the bulbs directly to prevent rot.
Store your freshly harvested Daikon radishes in a cool, humid place like a crisper drawer or sand-filled bin.
Asheville gardening questions
3Can I transplant my seedlings now in Asheville?
No, the average last frost date is still around March 28, so wait until after that to put tender seedlings like tomatoes into the ground. Hardening them off indoors this week helps them survive potential late freezes.
What do I do if my garlic looks dry and brown?
If your Daikon radish or garlic is showing these signs, it may be ready for harvest soon as Asheville's weather dries out the soil. Gently brush off excess dirt to check bulb size before pulling them from the ground.
How does Asheville's elevation affect my planting schedule?
Asheville's higher elevation means our growing season starts later than lower zones, so stick strictly to the March 28 frost date for warm-weather crops. Garlic thrives here now because our cool nights help it develop strong roots before summer heat arrives.
Other cities in zone 7b
12See the full zone 7b guide → · Plan your Asheville garden in SproutGuide →