What to plant this week in Richmond, VA
With average last frost still a week away on March 28, Richmond gardeners should hold fire on transplanting cool-weather crops into the open ground this week. Focus your energy indoors on starting garlic cloves for fall planting or tending to any overwintered beds as temperatures hover near freezing.
The next 7 days
Richmond, VAGrowing in Richmond right now
- Richmond's heavy clay soils in the James River valley need frequent aeration and organic matter addition before spring rains soften them further.
- The city's notorious microclimates mean north-facing slopes on the Peninsula may stay frozen longer, delaying work compared to south-facing sites.
- Expect unpredictable rain showers typical of the Piedmont region; cover tender seedlings if heavy downpours are forecasted this week.
- Since no plants are transplantable now, use this time to prepare raised beds or install drip irrigation systems before the soil warms up.
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 early spring aphids colonizing emerging broccoli and cabbage in home gardens as temperatures rise above 50°F.
- Monitor for overwintering Japanese beetles beginning to feed on oak leaves, which can drop prematurely under Richmond's humid canopy conditions.
- Check container plants for root rot due to the city's high humidity and potential for poor drainage in older brick foundation areas.
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.
Richmond gardening questions
3Can I plant garlic now in Richmond?
Yes, this is the ideal time to sow hardneck garlic varieties immediately after a light frost or even while soil is still cool. Plant cloves 2 inches deep with the pointed end up and water sparingly until growth resumes.
When should I stop watering my newly planted daikon radish?
You can begin harvesting your daikon radish soon if they have been in the ground long enough to reach full size, typically when shoulders are plump. Water lightly only after harvest to prevent the roots from splitting or rotting before you pull them.
Is it safe to put out my tomato stakes now?
While you can set up support structures this week, do not plant your transplants until after March 28 when the risk of hard frost passes. Tomato seedlings are extremely sensitive to cold winds and soil temperatures below 50°F common in Richmond's early spring.
Other cities in zone 7b
12See the full zone 7b guide → · Plan your Richmond garden in SproutGuide →