What to plant this week in Honolulu, HI
Honolulu gardeners in zone 12b can expect consistently warm temperatures above 55°F with no frost risk, allowing you to focus entirely on summer heat-lovers this week. With the dry, sandy soil typical of O'ahu's leeward coast and frequent afternoon trade winds, your priority is moisture retention for new plantings.
The next 7 days
Honolulu, HIGrowing in Honolulu right now
- Sow Malabar Spinach seeds directly into raised beds or containers today before the mid-week rain systems move in from the east.
- Transplant Okra seedlings immediately after a heavy shower to prevent root shock in our often dry, compacted sandy loam.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch like coconut coir around base plants to conserve water against intense sun exposure.
- Use windbreaks or trellises for tall crops as the northeast trade winds can easily topple young Okra stems.
Sow this week
2 crops- Malabar Spinach
- Okra
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
2 crops- Malabar Spinach
- Okra
Seasonal tips
- Mulch heavily around Okra plants to keep roots cool during intense sun exposure.
- Succession sow Malabar Spinach every two weeks for a continuous harvest throughout the summer.
- Prune back any leggy Okra stems to encourage new branches and more pods.
Pest & disease watch
- Monitor Malabar Spinach leaves for aphid clusters, which thrive in our humid mornings and attack fast-growing greens.
- Check soil moisture levels frequently; Okra roots are shallow and prone to drying out rapidly in our sandy conditions.
- Watch for fruit flies near any ripening vegetables as warm temperatures accelerate their breeding cycle.
Watering this week
Water deeply early in the morning to reduce evaporation and keep soil consistently moist without waterlogging roots.
Harvest Okra pods when they are young and tender to prevent them from becoming tough and fibrous.
Honolulu gardening questions
3When is the best time to start Malabar Spinach indoors?
There is no need to start indoors; simply sow Malabar Spinach seeds directly into your garden bed this week while it rains. The seedlings establish quickly in our tropical heat without needing a hardening-off period.
How often should I water my new Okra plants in Honolulu?
Water Okra deeply once or twice daily during dry spells, as our sandy soil drains too fast to hold moisture between heavy rains. Ensure the base stays consistently moist but not soggy to prevent root rot.
Do I need to cover my vegetables from rain this week?
Generally no, but ensure your raised beds have good drainage so water doesn't pool and suffocate roots during tropical showers. If winds are particularly strong, consider temporary shade cloth for tender seedlings rather than plastic covers.
See the full zone 12b guide → · Plan your Honolulu garden in SproutGuide →