What to plant this week in Omaha, NE
With a last frost date averaging around April 21, Omaha gardeners are now in the final countdown before safely moving cold-tender crops outdoors. While your soil is still too chilly for spring sowings this week, it is the perfect time to prepare beds and plan your early harvests.
The next 7 days
Omaha, NEGrowing in Omaha right now
- Soil temperatures in our glacial till landscape are likely below 40°F; wait until mid-April before attempting to transplant any seedlings to avoid shock.
- Omaha's frequent wind can dry out spring soil quickly, so apply a thin layer of organic mulch or straw once frost danger passes to retain moisture for your upcoming garlic harvest.
- Expect variable rainfall this week due to passing fronts; check drainage in low-lying areas near the Missouri River floodplain before planting heavy-rooted crops.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
2 crops- Daikon Radish
- Garlic
Seasonal tips
- Apply fresh mulch now to retain soil moisture as temperatures rise.
- Test soil pH before adding any compost or amendments for new transplants.
- Keep a close eye on emerging seedlings to protect them from late spring fluctuations.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for early spring aphids colonizing overwintering garlic leaves as temperatures rise above freezing.
- Monitor for cutworms beginning to emerge from soil cracks where they will target any transplanted seedlings in April.
Watering this week
Water deeply but less frequently now that the soil is warming up, encouraging strong root development.
Harvest Daikon Radish promptly before the heat sets in to ensure the best crunch and flavor.
Omaha gardening questions
3When can I finally pull my overwintered Daikon Radish?
You can begin harvesting your Daikon Radish soon, as the tops should be showing significant growth and the roots are nearing market size by now.
Is it safe to plant garlic bulbs this week?
No, planting garlic should wait until after the last frost date of April 21 to prevent rot from soil freeze-thaw cycles.
How do I protect my garlic from winter injury?
While our zone 6a lows of -10°F usually allow garlic to survive, applying a light mulch of straw over planted bulbs helps buffer against extreme cold snaps.
Other cities in zone 6a
12See the full zone 6a guide → · Plan your Omaha garden in SproutGuide →