What to plant this week in Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis gardeners have a narrow window to sow garlic before the soil turns too cold, as our zone 6b climate brings an average last frost date of April 21. While spring transplants are still weeks away, you can start harvesting your first early Daikon radishes from protected beds if they were planted in late winter.
The next 7 days
Indianapolis, INGrowing in Indianapolis right now
- Our sandy-loam soils near the White River drain quickly after rain, so water garlic seedlings deeply but infrequently to prevent rotting bulbs before planting.
- The city's heat island effect can delay spring warming by a week or two; check soil temperature at 4 inches deep rather than relying on air temp forecasts for final garlic placement.
- Expect heavy afternoon thunderstorms typical of Central Indiana in late winter; cover raised beds with row covers if hard freezes are forecast after planting.
- Avoid over-fertilizing nitrogen now, as our clay subsoil layers can hold excess moisture and encourage fungal issues in young roots.
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 maggots around garlic plots where organic matter has been left on the soil surface during winter decomposition.
- Early season flea beetles may emerge soon after frost dates pass; keep transplants hardened off and ready to move if temps stay above 50°F.
- Monitor for powdery mildew on any existing brassicas, as our humid spring mornings create perfect conditions for spore spread.
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.
Indianapolis gardening questions
3When exactly should I plant my garlic cloves in Indianapolis?
Plant immediately after the soil can be worked without freezing, targeting mid-to-late February for zone 6b. Ensure cloves are planted point-up about 2 inches deep to survive our minimum temperature of -5°F.
Can I transplant tomatoes or peppers this week in Indianapolis?
No, wait until after the average last frost date of April 21 to avoid shock from our cold snaps. Hardening off seedlings for two weeks before mid-April is essential given our variable spring weather patterns.
How do I know when my Daikon radishes are ready to harvest soon?
Pull a test root gently; it's ready when the top 2-3 inches of the white bulb swells and skin slips easily from fingers. Leave them in the ground for up to three weeks after maturity if you need more storage space.
Other cities in zone 6b
12See the full zone 6b guide → · Plan your Indianapolis garden in SproutGuide →