What to plant this week in Manchester, NH
With average last frost still lingering around April 21, Manchester gardeners are in the final holding pattern before spring planting kicks into high gear. Focus your energy now on finishing cold-weather crops and preparing the soil for the warm season that arrives shortly.
The next 7 days
Manchester, NHGrowing in Manchester right now
- Our heavy clay-loam soils here freeze deeply in winter, so ensure drainage paths are clear to prevent waterlogging once thaws arrive.
- With an average first frost of October 17, plan your summer succession plantings carefully to avoid crop loss before the hard freeze.
- Manchester's unpredictable spring storms can wash away seeds; use row covers or mulch heavily to protect early sowings from wind and rain.
- Take advantage of the cool nights typical of late March to extend the harvest window for cold-tolerant root vegetables.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
2 crops- Daikon Radish
- Garlic
Seasonal tips
- Apply fresh mulch now to retain soil moisture as temperatures rise.
- Test soil pH before adding any compost or amendments for new transplants.
- Keep a close eye on emerging seedlings to protect them from late spring fluctuations.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for cutworms emerging as soil temperatures rise, which are a common threat to any transplanted seedlings this time of year.
- Monitor garlic plants for overwintering mites and fungal rots as temperatures fluctuate around the freezing mark.
- Keep an eye on voles in snow-covered yards; they often target garlic bulbs stored outdoors or planted in raised beds.
Watering this week
Water deeply but less frequently now that the soil is warming up, encouraging strong root development.
Harvest Daikon Radish promptly before the heat sets in to ensure the best crunch and flavor.
Manchester gardening questions
3Can I plant tomatoes now in Manchester?
No, with our average last frost date of April 21, it is too risky to plant heat-loving tomatoes outside this early. Wait until mid-to-late May when the soil has fully warmed and the danger of frost has passed.
When should I harvest my winter garlic?
If you planted hardneck garlic, check for bulbs starting to swell in late October; however, with our first frost date of October 17, it is best to wait until after the ground freezes to dig them up and let them cure.
Is there anything I can sow directly right now?
While the list of 'sow now' items is empty for this specific week, you can still plant hardy Daikon radish seeds if they are available, as they tolerate the current cool soil temperatures.
Other cities in zone 6a
12See the full zone 6a guide → · Plan your Manchester garden in SproutGuide →