What to plant this week in Wichita, KS
Wichita gardeners are wrapping up the final harvest of daikon radishes before the soil cools, while serious winter enthusiasts can finally plant garlic cloves in the ground. With an average last frost date around April 3, any lingering warm spells will evaporate quickly as temperatures dip toward our zone 7a minimum of 0°F.
The next 7 days
Wichita, KSGrowing in Wichita right now
- Our heavy clay soils in Sedgwick County retain significant moisture during cold snaps; ensure your garlic planting holes are well-drained to prevent rotting roots.
- The transition from spring warmth to winter chill is abrupt here, so mulch heavily with straw or leaves once temperatures consistently drop below 40°F to protect emerging crops.
- While the forecast shows no immediate transplants for this week, use any remaining warm weather window to finish weeding garden beds before the ground freezes solid in November.
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 overwintering Japanese beetles hiding in mulch or under fallen leaves, as they often emerge in spring and target new foliage.
- Cold frames can harbor aphids during mild spells; check the undersides of lettuce leaves if you are starting any early greens indoors before transplanting next year.
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!
Wichita gardening questions
3When is the perfect time to plant garlic for a Wichita winter crop?
Garlic should be planted in late October through mid-November, giving the bulbs enough time to establish roots before our first frost on November 6th. Plant them about two inches deep with the pointed end facing up for the best spring yield.
Can I plant any vegetables now that the ground is freezing?
No new vegetable transplants are currently viable this week, but this is your last chance to sow garlic which thrives in our cold winters. Wait until after the first frost sets in before attempting to start other cool-season crops from seed outdoors.
How do I protect my garden beds during Wichita's harsh winter lows?
Apply a thick layer of straw mulch over your harvested beds to insulate the soil against our frequent dips toward 0°F. This also helps suppress weed seeds and retains moisture for when you resume gardening in spring.
Other cities in zone 7a
12See the full zone 7a guide → · Plan your Wichita garden in SproutGuide →