What to plant this week in Scranton, PA
Scranton gardeners in Zone 6b are entering a critical late-season window where garlic must be planted immediately while the soil remains workable, as temperatures will soon drop to near -5°F. With an average last frost date of April 21 behind us, the focus now shifts entirely to hardening off fall crops and preparing beds for next spring's harvests. This week marks the final push before winter sets in, offering a narrow but vital opportunity to secure your garlic crop for summer.
The next 7 days
Scranton, PAGrowing in Scranton right now
- Scranton's valley location creates cold air pockets that can freeze soil faster than surrounding hills; ensure garlic is planted deep (3-4 inches) and mulched heavily with straw after the ground thaws slightly if frost hits early. The city's clay-heavy soils retain moisture well in winter but drain poorly during spring thaw; add coarse compost now to improve aeration before planting any future cover crops. Rainfall patterns shift from frequent autumn showers to drier spells by November, so check soil moisture carefully when handling delicate garlic bulbs to prevent rot.
- While most transplanting is paused until after the last frost date of April 21, this week is strictly for sowing hardy cold-season crops like garlic which will establish roots before dormancy. Avoid disturbing exposed earth too much if heavy late frosts are forecast, as the ground can refreeze and damage shallow-rooted seedlings from previous seasons.
- Late autumn in Scranton often brings sudden temperature swings that stress plants; monitor your garlic cloves closely for signs of premature sprouting or chilling injury given the zone's minimum temp of -5°F.
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
- Plant hardy garlic cloves immediately in well-drained soil with tips pointing upward.
- Prepare garden beds by loosening compacted soil to encourage healthy root development for next year's crops.
- Apply a layer of compost around existing perennials to protect emerging plants from late frosts.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for aphid colonies building up on remaining brassicas and alliums as temperatures cool, especially in protected urban microclimates around Scranton. Slugs remain active during damp October nights despite the chill, targeting any late-sown greens or young garlic shoots near the ground.
- Leaf miners may still be present on kale and collards if they escaped earlier controls, leaving distinctive winding tunnels through foliage as the season winds down.
Watering this week
Water garlic cloves lightly after planting, then wait until the soil is moist but not soggy before watering again.
Since Daikon radish will be ready soon, mark those spots now so you can plant a quick succession crop like lettuce once they are harvested.
Scranton gardening questions
3Is it too late to plant garlic in Scranton this week?
Not at all; in fact, this is the ideal time given that garlic requires several weeks of cool weather to establish roots before the ground freezes solid. Aim for mid-November planting to ensure bulbs develop a strong root system without forcing growth before winter dormancy.
How should I prepare my clay-heavy soil around Scranton for garlic?
Incorporate plenty of well-rotted compost and aged manure into the bed now to improve drainage and nutrient availability, which is crucial since our local clays can become waterlogged during winter thaws. Avoid fresh nitrogen sources that might encourage top growth over root development in the cold.
When can I expect my garlic harvest in Scranton?
With proper fall planting now, you should anticipate harvesting your daikon radish and garlic crops around mid-June to early July next year when foliage begins to yellow. Keep an eye on day length indicators, as Scranton's latitude means plants will naturally stop growing a few weeks before the first frost date of October 24.
Other cities in zone 6b
12See the full zone 6b guide → · Plan your Scranton garden in SproutGuide →