What to plant this week in Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City gardeners are in the thick of late spring heat with an average last frost date around March 28, meaning your warm-season crops like okra and sweet corn are ready to go. With minimum temperatures hovering near 5°F at night but days already climbing high enough for beans and melons, focus on getting those transplants into the ground immediately.
The next 7 days
Oklahoma City, OKGrowing in Oklahoma City right now
- The Red River valley clay soils in this area stay wet during spring rains; amend heavy spots with compost before planting bush beans or squash to prevent root rot.
- Even though frost risk is low, keep an eye on wind damage for tall zinnias and sunflowers, as OKC's gusty winds can snap stems easily after a storm.
- Late spring thunderstorms bring humidity that favors fungal issues; water early in the morning to let foliage dry before dusk.
- Native prairie grasses and weeds often invade garden beds, so mulch heavily around harvested potatoes and pumpkins to suppress local weed pressure.
Sow this week
27 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Lima Bean
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
48 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Celery
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Dahlia
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia)
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Habanero Pepper
- Honeydew Melon
- Leek
- Lima Bean
- Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian)
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine
- Parsnip
- Pole Bean
- Potato
- Pumpkin
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Sweet Potato
- Thai Basil
- Tomatillo
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow bush beans and pole beans every two weeks to extend your summer bean harvest.
- Apply a light mulch around newly transplanted squash and watermelons to retain soil moisture as temperatures rise.
- Pinch back the tops of basil plants regularly now that they are established to encourage bushier growth.
- Prepare for a second planting of fast-maturing crops like radishes or lettuce if you missed an earlier window.
Pest & disease watch
- Spider mites are becoming active on French marigolds and cleome as temperatures rise above 70°F, especially in the drier parts of the metro area.
- Cucumber beetles are currently laying eggs on young watermelon and cantaloupe vines; inspect plants daily for yellowing leaves.
- Late-season aphids often cluster on new growth of pole beans and scarlet runner beans before a late frost arrives.
Watering this week
Water deeply at the base of plants each morning to encourage deep roots while preventing fungal diseases on foliage.
Harvest your okra early in the morning when pods are tender, as they become tough and stringy later in the day.
Oklahoma City gardening questions
3When is the safest time to plant my summer squash in Oklahoma City?
With an average last frost around March 28, you can safely transplant yellow summer squash and zucchini now that the soil has warmed up. Wait until nights are consistently above 50°F to avoid shock from any unexpected cool snaps.
My okra plants aren't producing pods yet; is this normal for our climate?
Yes, it is typical for OKC gardeners to see okra take a few weeks after the last frost before flowering heavily due to the long day length and heat buildup. Ensure your soil isn't too compacted, which can delay fruiting in our heavy clay regions.
How do I protect my sweet corn from the common pests here right now?
Install row covers or use floating row fabric immediately after planting to deter cucumber beetles, which are a major threat to young corn silk. Once plants are established and tassel out, hand-pick any remaining beetles you spot by inspection.
Other cities in zone 7b
12See the full zone 7b guide → · Plan your Oklahoma City garden in SproutGuide →