What to plant this week in Jackson, MS
With Jackson's last frost now officially behind us on March 1, week two of spring is the perfect time to push seedlings outdoors and start warm-season favorites like okra and Malabar spinach. The high humidity that defines our Delta climate means you can sow heat-loving crops immediately, but you must be ready to manage rapid weed growth and potential rain delays.
The next 7 days
Jackson, MSGrowing in Jackson right now
- Jackson's clay-heavy soil warms up slowly; incorporate plenty of compost or pine straw into planting beds to improve drainage before sowing bush beans or zucchini this week.
- The region is prone to sudden afternoon thunderstorms in the spring, so use lightweight row covers for delicate transplants like basil and French marigolds if a storm threatens.
- Because frost dates are tight here, do not delay starting your sweet corn or squash; missing these two weeks in March can push harvests well into July when pests peak.
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
- Monitor for early-season aphids on new Basil and Sunflower seedlings, which thrive in our humid spring air before natural predators fully arrive.
- Watch the soil for cutworms targeting low-growing transplants like Nasturtium and Summer Squash as they emerge from late winter dormancy.
- Check seedling leaves for spider mites early, as Jackson's dry spells between rain events can trigger infestations on stressed plants.
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.
Jackson gardening questions
3When is the best time to plant Okra in Jackson this week?
Since our last frost average is March 1 and temperatures are rising fast, you can start planting Okra directly into the garden now for an early harvest. Ensure you water deeply after setting them out to help roots establish before the summer heat hits.
Can I plant Malabar Spinach outdoors now or must it wait?
Malabar spinach is a warm-season annual that loves our Mississippi climate and can be sown directly in the ground this week without fear of frost damage. It thrives in the full sun and humidity we experience, making it an excellent choice for Jackson gardens right now.
Why are my Bush Beans growing slowly despite good weather?
Jackson's native clay soil often retains too much moisture or dries out quickly during heat waves, which can stunt bean growth if drainage isn't managed. Adding organic matter like compost around the base of your plants will help regulate water flow and encourage faster pod production.
Other cities in zone 8b
12See the full zone 8b guide → · Plan your Jackson garden in SproutGuide →