What to plant this week in Fort Worth, TX
With the last frost in Fort Worth officially behind us on March 1, zone 8b gardeners can finally rush those heat-loving crops like okra and zucchini into the warm soil. This week marks the transition from late winter cleanup to serious summer production as temperatures climb toward the 70s.
The next 7 days
Fort Worth, TXGrowing in Fort Worth right now
- The heavy clay subsoil of North Texas is slow-warming; till in compost now to help it absorb spring moisture without becoming a muddy bog.
- Fort Worth's erratic spring rain can be intense; use raised beds or mounds for squash and beans to prevent root rot during sudden downpours.
- Be aggressive with weed control this week before the fast-growing summer weeds capitalize on our fertile but compacted earth.
Sow this week
13 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cucumber
- French Marigold
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Summer Savory
- 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 pole beans every two weeks for a continuous harvest throughout summer.
- Mulch around newly planted squash and zucchini to retain moisture as days get warmer.
- Thin out crowded seedlings of sunflowers and sweet corn to ensure proper air circulation.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for early aphid colonies on the new tender growth of basil and marigolds as temperatures stabilize above 60°F.
- Monitor squash vine borers emerging in zucchini plants; look for wilting foliage after rain showers to spot entry points early.
- Cutworms are a constant threat to young bean seedlings planted directly in the ground before the soil fully dries out.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the morning to encourage strong root growth while keeping foliage dry to prevent disease.
Snip off spent flowers from your yellow summer squash plants every few days to keep them producing more fruit.
Fort Worth gardening questions
3Can I plant my summer squash and okra seeds now, or should I wait?
Yes, you can sow bush beans, cucumbers, zucchini, and okra immediately as the last frost date is March 1. Keep an eye on the forecast for any unexpected cold snaps that might linger past early March.
My garlic harvest is listed as 'soon,' but my bulbs look small; should I dig them now?
You can pull your garlic when the lower leaves have yellowed and fallen over, which typically aligns with this week's harvest list. If they are still green or firm in the soil, give them a little more time to swell before harvesting.
How do I deal with the heavy clay in my Fort Worth garden beds?
Amend your planting holes generously with organic compost and consider building raised beds to improve drainage for moisture-sensitive crops like beans. Avoid tilling wet soil, as this destroys the natural structure of our local clay.
Other cities in zone 8b
12See the full zone 8b guide → · Plan your Fort Worth garden in SproutGuide →