What to plant this week in Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga gardeners are stepping into the heat of Zone 8a as average frost ends March 13, making this week critical for starting warm-season staples like okra and zucchini from seed. With nights lingering near the zone's minimum of 10°F only briefly in late spring, focus now on rapid-growing crops that thrive before the summer humidity peaks.
The next 7 days
Chattanooga, TNGrowing in Chattanooga right now
- Chattanooga's steep river gorge terrain creates microclimates where cool air drains into valleys; place heat-loving plants like cucumbers and squash on south-facing slopes to avoid frost pockets. The local clay-heavy soil holds moisture well but requires generous incorporation of compost or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage for bush beans and sweet corn.
- Rainfall often arrives in intense afternoon thunderstorms typical of the Tennessee River Valley, so check seedlings after storms to prevent root rot in low-lying areas before planting transplants next week. Use raised beds if your specific lot sits in a natural depression where standing water persists longer than 24 hours.
- While transplanting is not yet advised due to lingering chill risks, now is the prime time to sow direct seeds for yellow summer squash and nasturtiums that flourish rapidly in our emerging warmth.
Sow this week
7 crops- Bush Bean
- Cucumber
- French Marigold
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
36 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
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow bush beans and pole beans every two weeks for a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
- Apply a layer of organic mulch around young squash and melons to keep soil cool and retain moisture as temperatures rise.
- Pinch back the tops of basil and borage regularly to encourage bushier growth before the heat sets in.
Pest & disease watch
- Spider mites are becoming active on the underside of bean leaves as temperatures climb above 75°F, requiring early monitoring before populations explode. Aphids frequently target new growth on fennel and cosmos during these warm, humid weeks, so inspect plants daily for sticky honeydew residue.
- Powdery mildew can quickly coat summer squash and zucchini foliage in Chattanooga's high humidity; improve air circulation around plants by pruning lower leaves immediately.
Watering this week
Water deeply at the base of plants in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal issues on leafy greens.
Plant garlic now if you missed the fall window, as it is listed for harvest soon, indicating late planting opportunities remain viable.
Chattanooga gardening questions
3Can I plant my garlic now even though the frost date is March 13?
Garlic listed for harvest soon indicates it was planted earlier, but if you missed the fall window, wait until soil temps consistently hit 50°F in early spring rather than forcing it into current cool ground. Forcing garlic now will stunt bulb formation before the long summer growth period begins.
My black-eyed peas (cowpeas) are showing yellow leaves after a heavy rainstorm last week.
The rapid drainage of water from our steep valley slopes often causes temporary oxygen stress to roots, leading to leaf yellowing that usually recovers within days. Ensure your planting spot isn't in a low-lying area where water pools for more than 24 hours, as cowpeas cannot tolerate saturated soil.
Is it safe to harvest my basil and borage now if the average last frost is still weeks away?
Yes, these plants are already listed for immediate harvest because they thrive in our current warming trend despite the calendar date. Harvest the outer stems regularly to encourage bushier growth that can withstand occasional light frosts down to 28°F.
Other cities in zone 8a
11See the full zone 8a guide → · Plan your Chattanooga garden in SproutGuide →