What to plant this week in Houston, TX
Houston gardeners in Zone 9b are currently in peak summer production mode, with the last frost officially long past and no risk of winter chill to worry about. This week focuses on maximizing yields from your existing crops while preparing for the next wave of heat-loving transplants that thrive in our subtropical soil.
The next 7 days
Houston, TXGrowing in Houston right now
- Our heavy clay-loam soils retain moisture well but require excellent drainage; ensure raised beds or amended planting areas don't become waterlogged during our frequent summer thunderstorms.
- Planting is year-round here, so you can sow fast-growing bush beans and cucumbers immediately to harvest within a few weeks while your squash vines continue expanding.
- Be vigilant about mulching heavily around Okra and Malabar Spinach to keep roots cool in temperatures that regularly exceed 95°F this time of year.
- Since we have no frost date concerns, consider adding a second planting cycle for Zinnias or Scarlet Runner Beans now to stagger your harvest timeline.
Sow this week
18 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cucumber
- French Marigold
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- 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 fast-maturing varieties like bush beans to extend your harvest window before the first frost in mid-December.
- Mulch around summer squash and pumpkin plants now to retain soil moisture as temperatures begin their annual dip.
- Prune back any leggy tomato or pepper vines if they are still growing, but be gentle with heavy harvest crops.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch closely for Southern Corn Borers and Armyworms on Sweet Corn and Pole Beans as these pests are highly active in Houston's humid summer conditions.
- Aphid colonies often explode rapidly on French Marigolds and Nasturtiums during hot spells, so inspect undersides of leaves daily before infestations spread.
- Cabbage Looper moths frequently target young Bush Bean plants; hand-picking larvae is most effective early in the morning when they are less active.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the late afternoon to keep soil cool, ensuring consistent moisture for your heavy feeders like okra and cucumbers.
Save seeds from your zinnias and sunflowers now while they are still green to ensure a fresh batch for next year's bloom.
Houston gardening questions
3Should I start my fall vegetable garden now or wait for cooler weather?
You can actually plant cool-season crops like Malabar Spinach and Shiso right now, as they tolerate our mild winters better than true cold-weather varieties. Most Houston gardeners sow these in late summer to enjoy harvests that extend well into January.
What is the best time of day to water my thirsty squash and melon plants?
Early morning watering is critical here to minimize evaporation from our heat and allow foliage to dry before nightfall, reducing fungal disease risks common in our humidity. Water deeply at the soil line rather than overhead to prevent leaf spots on Cucumber and Watermelon vines.
How do I handle the intense summer heat without stunting my crops?
Use organic mulches like straw or shredded leaves to keep root zones cool, which is essential for Okra and Zucchini thriving in our 100°F+ afternoons. Providing temporary afternoon shade cloth can also extend the productive life of sun-loving plants like Yellow Summer Squash.
Other cities in zone 9b
10See the full zone 9b guide → · Plan your Houston garden in SproutGuide →