What to plant this week in New Orleans, LA
With the last frost officially behind us on Jan 30, New Orleans gardeners can move immediately into full spring production this week. The humid Gulf climate is already priming for rapid growth, allowing you to direct sow heat-loving staples like okra and Malabar spinach right now while your winter squash matures in the ground.
The next 7 days
New Orleans, LAGrowing in New Orleans right now
- Take advantage of the city's clay-heavy soils by ensuring raised beds have ample organic matter to prevent waterlogging during our frequent afternoon downpours.
- Since we lack a hard freeze, skip waiting for transplant windows; instead, direct sow warm-season crops like zucchini and bush beans today for faster establishment.
- Monitor your irrigation closely as the region shifts from winter dryness to spring humidity, which can cause root rot in container plants if drainage is poor.
- Use French Marigolds and borage immediately around vulnerable seedlings to create a natural barrier against soil-borne pathogens common in our low-lying terrain.
Sow this week
18 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cucumber
- French Marigold
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- 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 fast-maturing varieties like bush beans to extend your harvest window before the first frost in mid-December.
- Mulch around summer squash and pumpkin plants now to retain soil moisture as temperatures begin their annual dip.
- Prune back any leggy tomato or pepper vines if they are still growing, but be gentle with heavy harvest crops.
Pest & disease watch
- Spider mites are beginning to wake up in the humid heat of late January, particularly on Malabar Spinach and Fennel.
- Watch for early-season flea beetle damage on newly sowed bush beans and scarlet runner beans before they establish a strong canopy.
- Slugs and snails will target young Cleome and nasturtium seedlings during overnight rain events common to the city.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the late afternoon to keep soil cool, ensuring consistent moisture for your heavy feeders like okra and cucumbers.
Save seeds from your zinnias and sunflowers now while they are still green to ensure a fresh batch for next year's bloom.
New Orleans gardening questions
3Can I plant my winter squash harvests now, or should I wait?
You can start harvesting your current winter squash crops like pumpkins and yellow summer squash soon, but do not replant them into the same spot immediately. Wait a few weeks to rotate out these heavy feeders before planting another round.
What specific pests should I watch for on my Malabar spinach in this climate?
In New Orleans' humid air, spider mites are the primary threat to Malabar spinach right now; spray with insecticidal soap early if you see stippling on leaves. Additionally, slugs love the tender new growth after heavy spring rains.
Is it safe to direct sow bush beans this week given our climate?
Yes, bush beans are ready for immediate sowing since we have passed the last frost date and soil temperatures are warm enough. Avoid waiting for a transplant window as beans thrive when started directly in the ground here.
Other cities in zone 9b
10See the full zone 9b guide → · Plan your New Orleans garden in SproutGuide →