What to plant this week in Norfolk, VA
With average last frosts behind us by March 1, Norfolk's mild 8b climate is now fully primed for aggressive spring planting. This week marks the ideal window to sow cold-tolerant Daikon radish and ornamental alliums while your summer harvests of melons, squash, and beans begin ripening in the humid coastal air.
The next 7 days
Norfolk, VAGrowing in Norfolk right now
- Norfolk's sandy, acidic coastal soil drains quickly, so mulch heavily around newly sown Daikon and Allium to retain moisture without compacting the roots.
- The region's notorious humidity accelerates rot on heavy crops; ensure your Acorn, Butternut, and Delicata squash vines have ample airflow to prevent blossom end rot.
- Expect sudden temperature spikes in March; cover young transplants with row fabric if a late cold snap threatens before the established frost-free window.
- Rainfall often peaks in this season, making consistent watering less critical but requiring vigilance against waterlogged spots where roots can suffocate.
Sow this week
2 crops- Daikon Radish
- Ornamental Allium
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
44 crops- Acorn Squash
- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Butternut Squash
- Cantaloupe
- Celosia (Cockscomb)
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Delicata Squash
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth)
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Morning Glory
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Pumpkin
- Purslane
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Spaghetti Squash
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow bush beans and cowpeas every two weeks for a continuous harvest through late summer.
- Mulch around heavy feeders like corn, squash, and melons to retain moisture and suppress weeds as temperatures rise.
- Pinch back the tops of basil and borage regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering.
Pest & disease watch
- Spider mites and aphids thrive in Norfolk's warmth, frequently attacking the tender leaves of newly emerged Basil, Borage, and Sunflowers.
- Early-season squash bugs are active on young Cucumbers and Melons; inspect undersides of leaves daily for egg masses before they hatch.
- Slugs and snails remain a major pressure on low-growing Nasturtiums and Purslane in the damp garden beds.
Watering this week
Provide deep, consistent watering at the base of plants every 2-3 days to prevent blossom drop on squash and melons.
Harvest acorn and butternut squash when they have fully ripened and developed a hard rind for best winter storage.
Norfolk gardening questions
3Can I finally plant out my tomatoes and peppers this week?
While March 1 is our average last frost, many hardy vegetables like beans and peas are already listed for immediate sowing or transplanting; wait a bit longer for heat-loving tomatoes to ensure the soil warms sufficiently above 60°F.
My Acorn Squash vines look yellow and stunted—what's causing it?
In Norfolk's humid climate, this is often a sign of root rot or blossom end rot due to inconsistent watering; check soil moisture levels and ensure the plants aren't sitting in waterlogged zones.
How do I manage the slugs eating my Nasturtiums before they flower?
Since slug activity is high right now, hand-pick them at dusk or apply a barrier of diatomaceous earth around the base of the plants to protect your harvest.
Other cities in zone 8b
12See the full zone 8b guide → · Plan your Norfolk garden in SproutGuide →