What to plant this week in Boston, MA
Boston gardeners in Zone 7a are entering the final push for garlic planting, with the last chance to sow cloves before hard freezes set in. While most spring transplants must wait until after April 3rd, now is the critical window to establish your winter garlic bed.
The next 7 days
Boston, MAGrowing in Boston right now
- Plant garlic immediately into well-draining soil; Boston's heavy clay can hold too much moisture and rot bulbs if not amended with compost.
- Avoid planting near existing alliums like onions or leeks to prevent rust and nematode issues common in local home gardens.
- Protect young garlic shoots from late snowmelt flooding by building small mounds of soil around the base of each bulb.
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
- Plant garlic cloves now to ensure a strong spring harvest next year.
- Apply winter mulch around perennials once the soil has frozen solid to protect roots from heaving.
- Divide biennial plants like sweet Williams if they have finished flowering this season.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for onion thrips early as temperatures hover near freezing, which can cause silvering on emerging leaves.
- Monitor for winter wheat mites in low-lying areas where moisture accumulates in Boston's urban valleys.
- Check garlic crowns for black rot if you planted in last year's bean bed, a common pathogen cycle issue locally.
Watering this week
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between sessions to prevent root rot in cool, damp conditions.
Mark your sown garlic spots clearly now so you won't forget where they are when digging for spring onions later!
Boston gardening questions
3Can I transplant tomatoes or peppers this week in Boston?
No, the risk of frost remains high through early April 3rd. Wait until after the average last frost date to avoid killing tender starts before they are established enough to survive a hard freeze.
What should I do with my Daikon radish that is ready for harvest?
Pull your Daikon radishes soon while the ground isn't frozen solid, as cold soil can cause them to become woody and difficult to store.
Is it too late to plant garlic in Boston for next summer?
This is your last week; garlic must be planted in the fall to establish roots before winter dormancy.
Other cities in zone 7a
12See the full zone 7a guide → · Plan your Boston garden in SproutGuide →