What to plant this week in Nashville, TN
With average last frost dates around March 28, Nashville gardeners are well into the spring bloom phase where heat-loving crops like basil and okra are ready to harvest. This week marks a critical transition as early summer varieties such as yellow summer squash, zucchini, and bush beans begin producing in our humid Zone 7b climate.
The next 7 days
Nashville, TNGrowing in Nashville right now
- Our clay-heavy soils around the Cumberland River retain moisture well but require added organic matter for root penetration during these warmer weeks.
- Watch for rapid heat buildup by late April; use shade cloth on tender seedlings like cosmos and zinnia to prevent scorching before the official summer season hits.
- Take advantage of our typical April rainfall spikes to water deeply rather than frequently, encouraging deep root systems in our native loess soil layers.
- Prepare containers or raised beds now for garlic harvest later this month if planted early enough for a fall crop next year.
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
- Spider mites are becoming active in the rising temperatures and dry patches common on Nashville rooftops and pavers.
- Aphid colonies may form quickly on the new growth of basil, borage, and nasturtiums as we move past the final frost risk.
- Watch for squash vine borers attacking the emerging yellow summer squash and zucchini plants this week.
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.
Nashville gardening questions
3Can I still plant tomatoes or peppers in Nashville right now?
No, current transplant lists are empty because soil temperatures need to be consistently above 60°F before moving cold-sensitive crops outdoors. Wait until late May when the threat of a return freeze after March 28 is completely gone.
When should I harvest my basil and okra?
You can pick fresh leaves from your basil plants today, but wait for the flower buds to appear before harvesting heavy crops like okra to ensure maximum yield.
How do I prepare my garden beds for the upcoming summer heat?
Incorporate compost into our local clay soil now to improve drainage and prevent compaction during heavy spring rains.
Other cities in zone 7b
12See the full zone 7b guide → · Plan your Nashville garden in SproutGuide →