What to plant this week in Tacoma, WA
With the average last frost date already passed on March 1, Tacoma gardeners this week are in full swing, harvesting summer squash and basil while sowing daikon radishes directly into the cool Pacific Northwest soil. The extended growing season allows for late sowings of ornamental alliums and a massive harvest window extending well into winter.
The next 7 days
Tacoma, WAGrowing in Tacoma right now
- Tacoma's heavy clay loam retains moisture well during our wet winters but can become waterlogged in spring; amend beds with coarse sand or compost before sowing daikon radishes to ensure rapid germination without rotting.
- Take advantage of the city's mild December 1st first frost date by planting cold-hardy winter crops like garlic and winter squash now for a harvest next fall, utilizing the long frost-free window typical of Pierce County.
- Be mindful of our unique rainfall pattern which shifts from heavy coastal rain to drier periods in late summer; mulch heavily around acorn and butternut squash plants to conserve moisture during these dry spells.
- The local terrain often features steep river slopes prone to erosion; secure newly planted ornamental alliums with stakes or cages immediately, as our gusty Puget Sound breezes can easily topple lightweight stems.
Sow this week
2 crops- Daikon Radish
- Ornamental Allium
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
44 crops- Acorn Squash
- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Butternut Squash
- Cantaloupe
- Celosia (Cockscomb)
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Delicata Squash
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth)
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Morning Glory
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Pumpkin
- Purslane
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Spaghetti Squash
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow bush beans and cowpeas every two weeks for a continuous harvest through late summer.
- Mulch around heavy feeders like corn, squash, and melons to retain moisture and suppress weeds as temperatures rise.
- Pinch back the tops of basil and borage regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for aphids clustering on the undersides of basil and zinnia leaves, which thrive in Tacoma's humid microclimates during this week.
- Monitor bean plants (pole and bush varieties) for early signs of powdery mildew or bean leaf beetles as temperatures remain cool but nights stay warm.
- Check the base of cucumbers and melons for root-knot nematodes, a common issue in our clay-heavy soils that thrives when soil moisture is inconsistent.
Watering this week
Provide deep, consistent watering at the base of plants every 2-3 days to prevent blossom drop on squash and melons.
Harvest acorn and butternut squash when they have fully ripened and developed a hard rind for best winter storage.
Tacoma gardening questions
3Can I plant tomatoes now even though transplant lists are empty?
While no tomatoes are listed for immediate transplanting this week due to lingering cool nights, you can start seeds indoors if your lights are strong enough. Wait until late spring when soil temperatures consistently reach 60°F before moving them outside.
My acorn squash is ripening but the skin feels soft; how do I tell if it's ready?
In Tacoma, wait until the rind hardens significantly and the vine begins to dry out near the fruit base. Once you can scratch the skin with a thumbnail without leaving an impression, cut it off the plant before a heavy rain.
Is it safe to sow daikon radishes in my raised bed this week?
Yes, daikon radishes are specifically listed for sowing now and they tolerate our cool spring temperatures well. Ensure your raised beds have excellent drainage since Tacoma's clay soil can compact easily if over-watered.
Other cities in zone 8b
12See the full zone 8b guide → · Plan your Tacoma garden in SproutGuide →