What to plant this week in Knoxville, TN
With average last frost finally behind us on March 28, Knoxville gardeners are ready to shift from seed-starting indoors to aggressive outdoor sowing for this week. The humid subtropical air is warming up, making it the perfect time to drop seeds directly into the soil for fast-growing summer staples like zucchini and yellow squash.
The next 7 days
Knoxville, TNGrowing in Knoxville right now
- Knoxville's rich clay soils hold moisture well but drain poorly; ensure you're amending planting beds with compost or incorporating organic matter before sowing those heavy-seeded squashes.
- While our heat builds quickly in May, this week's mild temperatures are ideal for sowing warm-weather crops like okra and bush beans that need a long growing season to reach maturity.
- Be mindful of the city's specific microclimates; south-facing slopes along the Cumberland Plateau edge will be significantly warmer than sheltered valleys where cool air settles at night.
Sow this week
2 crops- 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 bush beans every two weeks to ensure a continuous harvest through late August.
- Thin seedlings early on okra and watermelon plants to allow remaining specimens room to spread their vines.
- Apply a light layer of compost around established summer squash and zucchini to feed heavy fruiting plants.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for early-season spider mites on newly transplanted vegetables as humidity levels fluctuate and plant stress increases.
- Monitor squash vine borers closely on any zucchini or cucumber plants you start this week, as egg-laying females are active in the warming weather.
- Check seedlings of bush beans and pole beans for aphids, which can establish populations quickly in our humid spring conditions.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the early morning to keep soil moist without wetting foliage, especially when fruit sets in.
Harvest zucchini and summer squash every two days to prevent them from becoming tough and bitter.
Knoxville gardening questions
3Can I transplant my basil indoors right now if I missed the window?
Since March 28 is your average last frost date, you should wait a few more days to harden off seedlings before moving them outside. Transplanting too early during a late freeze could shock the tender leaves and stunt growth.
My cantaloupe and watermelon seeds are ready; when exactly should I plant them in Knoxville?
This is the ideal week to sow these warm-weather crops directly into your garden beds once soil temperatures hit 70°F. Do not start them indoors yet, as they require weeks of continuous heat after transplanting that our current cool nights won't provide.
How do I protect my harvest-ready garlic from the upcoming spring rains?
Since garlic is listed for harvest soon, ensure your bulbs have good air circulation to prevent rotting during Knoxville's frequent afternoon showers. Gently lift only the fully matured bulbs and allow them to cure in a dry, shaded spot away from direct sun.
Other cities in zone 7b
12See the full zone 7b guide → · Plan your Knoxville garden in SproutGuide →