What to plant this week in Richmond, VA
With Richmond's last frost averaging late March, you are currently in a brief but critical waiting window before the ground fully warms enough for spring sowing. While your calendar lists several warm-season crops to start this week, practical soil temperatures in our lowland valley suggest holding off on direct seeding until mid-April to avoid the chill that can stunt germination.
The next 7 days
Richmond, VAGrowing in Richmond right now
- Our clay-heavy soils in the Richmond basin retain moisture well but pack easily; till only if necessary and consider adding compost to improve drainage for squash and melons.
- Be mindful of our typical wet springs; ensure raised beds or mounded rows are used for okra, beans, and corn to prevent root rot during heavy April rains.
- Although transplant lists are empty this week, start planning your hardening-off schedule now so you can move seedlings out safely by the expected frost-free date around March 28.
- Take advantage of our mild evenings to water early-morning sowings if you must plant immediately, as rapid temperature swings between day and night are common in our zone.
Sow this week
2 crops- Yellow Summer Squash
- 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 bush beans every two weeks to ensure a continuous harvest through late August.
- Thin seedlings early on okra and watermelon plants to allow remaining specimens room to spread their vines.
- Apply a light layer of compost around established summer squash and zucchini to feed heavy fruiting plants.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for early aphid colonies on emerging bean vines and nasturtiums; spray with insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs before populations explode.
- Monitor garlic plants closely for onion thrips which can damage the bulbs if left unchecked during this active growth phase.
- Keep an eye out for squash vine borers appearing in summer squash and zucchini, especially after the first warm rain cycle.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the early morning to keep soil moist without wetting foliage, especially when fruit sets in.
Harvest zucchini and summer squash every two days to prevent them from becoming tough and bitter.
Richmond gardening questions
3Can I plant yellow summer squash or zucchini directly into my Richmond garden right now?
While the zone facts list these as sowable, our local clay soil is likely still too cold for reliable germination. Wait until mid-April when soil temperatures consistently hit 60°F to ensure strong seedling emergence.
I see basil and borage listed for harvest soon; how do I get them ready if they aren't in the ground yet?
Since transplant lists are empty this week, these herbs must have been started indoors or purchased as starts from a local nursery. Focus your energy on acclimating those existing plants to outdoor conditions rather than new sowings.
My okra and cowpeas seem slow; is this normal for Richmond right now?
Yes, our valley's cool spring mornings can delay germination even if the air feels warm. Provide row covers or black plastic mulch to warm your soil beds and speed up growth until the heat of late April arrives.
Other cities in zone 7b
12See the full zone 7b guide → · Plan your Richmond garden in SproutGuide →