What to plant this week in Trenton, NJ
Trenton gardeners are wrapping up the final push for winter storage, with garlic ready to lift now that the soil has stabilized in our humid Valley. While the average last frost falls around April 3, a few lingering cold snaps can still trick late bloomers into thinking spring is over.
The next 7 days
Trenton, NJGrowing in Trenton right now
- Our sandy loam soils near the Delaware River drain quickly after rain, so avoid foot traffic on wet paths to prevent compaction this week.
- High humidity in Mercer County creates a perfect breeding ground for fungal issues; ensure garlic crowns are lifted and cured immediately before storage.
- Trenton's urban heat island effect can cause micro-climates where late-planted radishes bolt faster than the surrounding rural gardens.
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 garlic cloves now to ensure a strong spring harvest next year.
- Apply winter mulch around perennials once the soil has frozen solid to protect roots from heaving.
- Divide biennial plants like sweet Williams if they have finished flowering this season.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for aphids clustering on new growth as temperatures hover near 45°F, which is ideal for their reproduction cycle.
- Leaf miners are becoming active in our mild winter pockets, creating silvery trails through garlic and early spring greens.
Watering this week
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between sessions to prevent root rot in cool, damp conditions.
Mark your sown garlic spots clearly now so you won't forget where they are when digging for spring onions later!
Trenton gardening questions
3Can I transplant anything else right now besides the garlic?
No, with average lows near 0°F this week, tender perennials like pansies or lettuce would freeze hard. Wait until after April 3 for most transplants to avoid frost damage to roots.
How long should I cure my harvested daikon radish before storing it?
Since the Daikon is harvest soon according to local conditions, let the tops wilt slightly for a day or two in a cool garage before wrapping roots individually.
Why do my garlic bulbs feel soft when I pull them?
If the soil feels soggy, you may have pulled too early due to rain saturation common in our winter months. Check for firm cloves inside; if they are mushy, regrow from the remaining root system or compost.
Other cities in zone 7a
12See the full zone 7a guide → · Plan your Trenton garden in SproutGuide →