What to plant this week in Kansas City, MO
Kansas City gardeners in zone 6b are wrapping up the winter crop cycle this week, with daikon radishes reaching harvest readiness and garlic requiring its final cold exposure before spring. With the average last frost still hovering around April 21, it is too early to move tender perennials or start warm-season seeds indoors for immediate outdoor planting.
The next 7 days
Kansas City, MOGrowing in Kansas City right now
- Kansas City's clay-heavy soil tends to hold moisture well during our humid springs but compacts easily; break up clods gently in raised beds before sowing winter garlic.
- While temperatures rarely dip below -5°F, sudden freeze events can occur after mid-April, so avoid transplanting cool-weather crops like peas or spinach until the ground has fully warmed.
- The city's distinct temperature swings between day and night this time of year help harden off garlic bulbs, ensuring a stronger yield once the spring growth surge begins.
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
- Winter moths are still active in late winter, chewing on the foliage of overwintering garlic and onions; inspect plants regularly for entry holes.
- Rodents may target exposed garlic cloves or young shoots during cold snaps, so consider using hardware cloth tunnels if you have vulnerable patches.
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.
Kansas City gardening questions
3Can I start tomatoes indoors now to beat Kansas City's frost?
Not yet; with the average last frost on April 21, tomato seedlings started this week would likely freeze before they can be safely hardened off and moved outdoors after Memorial Day.
Is it safe to harvest my daikon radishes right now?
Yes, these are ready for immediate harvesting in Kansas City; wait no longer than a few weeks or the roots will become woody as temperatures fluctuate.
Should I plant garlic again this week or wait until next fall?
This is actually your last window to sow hard-neck garlic varieties that need winter chill, so plant them now in well-drained soil for a spring harvest next May.
Other cities in zone 6b
12See the full zone 6b guide → · Plan your Kansas City garden in SproutGuide →