What to plant this week in Buffalo, NY
In Buffalo's cold continental climate, this week marks the final push for fall garlic planting before our hard frosts arrive. With average first frost expected by October 24th, you have a narrow window to get cloves in the ground for a summer harvest next year.
The next 7 days
Buffalo, NYGrowing in Buffalo right now
- The region's notoriously heavy clay soil drains poorly in winter; amend now with coarse sand or compost to prevent garlic from rotting before spring.
- Don't attempt any outdoor transplants this week; the risk of killing tender roots with temperatures dropping toward our zone 6b minimum of -5°F is too high until after April 21st.
- Maximize your fall harvest by planting Daikon radish now, as their rapid growth cycle allows them to mature before the ground freezes solid.
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 hardy garlic cloves immediately in well-drained soil with tips pointing upward.
- Prepare garden beds by loosening compacted soil to encourage healthy root development for next year's crops.
- Apply a layer of compost around existing perennials to protect emerging plants from late frosts.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for onion thrips on any remaining green garlic foliage, which can stunt bulb development if left unchecked this late season.
- Beware of slugs hiding in leaf litter around your Daikon radishes; they thrive in Buffalo's damp autumn air and will devour young leaves quickly.
- Fungal diseases like white rot are unlikely as the ground cools, but check stored garlic for any signs of pre-harvest sprouting or mold before storage.
Watering this week
Water garlic cloves lightly after planting, then wait until the soil is moist but not soggy before watering again.
Since Daikon radish will be ready soon, mark those spots now so you can plant a quick succession crop like lettuce once they are harvested.
Buffalo gardening questions
3Should I cover my newly planted garlic with mulch this week?
Yes, apply a 4-inch layer of straw or shredded leaves immediately after planting to insulate the cloves against our sharp temperature swings. This helps maintain consistent soil moisture and protects roots from freezing air.
Is it too late to plant Daikon radishes for harvest?
No, this is actually an ideal time as they grow quickly enough to mature before your average first frost date of October 24th. Pull them when the tops start yellowing or turn slightly woody for maximum sweetness.
Can I transplant any seedlings now in Buffalo?
Absolutely not; our soil is too cold and likely frozen near the surface, making transplanting a recipe for shock and failure. Wait until after April 21st when the danger of frost has passed before moving anything outdoors.
Other cities in zone 6b
12See the full zone 6b guide → · Plan your Buffalo garden in SproutGuide →