What to plant this week in New York, NY
In New York's brisk 7b climate, this week marks the official start of your winter garlic planting season, with ground temps hovering just above freezing. While you wait for the last frost to clear late in March, focus on getting those cloves into the soil before the November freeze sets in.
The next 7 days
New York, NYGrowing in New York right now
- New York City soils are often heavy and clay-rich; amend your beds generously with compost or leaf mold to improve drainage for the upcoming garlic crop.
- Expect unpredictable wind chills from the Hudson River and East River that can damage tender seedlings, so prioritize hardening off any future transplants in early spring.
- The city's urban heat island effect may delay frost by a week compared to rural upstate areas, but do not risk planting cold-sensitive crops before mid-March.
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
- Finish harvesting cool-season crops like Daikon radish before temperatures drop too low.
- Plant cover crops or winter rye now to protect soil structure during the dormant season.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch around garlic plants to insulate bulbs from freezing ground.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for overwintering aphids on emerging perennials as temperatures rise above 40°F late this month.
- Monitor garlic cloves stored indoors for sprouting too early or signs of mold if humidity is high in your apartment.
- Check young spring shoots for cutworms once soil warms up enough to encourage germination next season.
Watering this week
Water garlic lightly and only when the soil is dry, avoiding wetting the bulbs directly to prevent rot.
Store your freshly harvested Daikon radishes in a cool, humid place like a crisper drawer or sand-filled bin.
New York gardening questions
3When exactly should I plant my garlic cloves in New York?
You should plant your hardneck and softneck garlic varieties now, targeting the window between late October and mid-November. Aim to get them in the ground before the average first frost date of November 15th to ensure proper root establishment.
How deep should I plant garlic cloves in New York City clay soil?
Plant your cloves pointy-side up about two inches deep, spacing them four to six inches apart depending on variety. In NYC's dense clay, consider making holes with a trowel rather than just dropping seeds on top to ensure they aren't smothered by heavy wet earth.
Can I harvest any vegetables from my garden this week?
Yes, you can pull your daikon radishes if the greens have bolted or are too large for winter storage. These root crops can be dug up carefully and stored in a cool, dark place with high humidity to last through the winter.
Other cities in zone 7b
12See the full zone 7b guide → · Plan your New York garden in SproutGuide →