What to plant this week in Wichita, KS
With average last frost dates around April 3, Wichita gardeners are now deep into the harvest window for cool-season crops like parsnips and garlic while simultaneously sowing heat-loving staples such as okra and Malabar spinach in our Zone 7a climate. Our semi-arid terrain demands diligent watering during these transition months to protect tender seedlings from rapid evaporation.
The next 7 days
Wichita, KSGrowing in Wichita right now
- Our clay-heavy soils retain moisture well but require heavy organic matter amendments before planting bush beans or squash to ensure proper root penetration.
- With rainfall often concentrated in brief summer storms, install drip irrigation or soaker hoses now for your newly sown cucumbers and yellow summer squash rather than relying on overhead sprinklers.
- The intense afternoon sun typical of the Arkansas River valley can scorch young transplants; use temporary shade cloth until seedlings establish their leaf structure.
- Monitor soil moisture closely as the dry spring winds common in Wichita can quickly desiccate newly sown borage and nasturtium seeds.
Sow this week
18 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cucumber
- French Marigold
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
49 crops- Basil
- Beefsteak Tomato
- Bell Pepper
- Borage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Celery
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Dahlia
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia)
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Habanero Pepper
- Honeydew Melon
- Leek
- Lima Bean
- Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian)
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine
- Parsnip
- Pole Bean
- Potato
- Pumpkin
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Sweet Potato
- Thai Basil
- Tomatillo
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Start succession planting bush beans and pole beans every two weeks for a continuous harvest throughout summer.
- Apply a light layer of compost around heavy feeders like okra and squash to boost nutrient availability.
- Pinch back the tips of young zinnias and marigolds to encourage branching and fuller blooms.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for spider mites on French marigolds and zinnias, which thrive in our hot, dry summer conditions and can cause stippling damage to leaves.
- Early blight is likely appearing on your existing beefsteak tomatoes and bell peppers; inspect leaf undersides and practice crop rotation if symptoms worsen.
- Cutworms are active near the soil line of your pole beans and sweet corn seedlings, so check plants daily for notched stems or cut stalks.
Watering this week
Provide deep watering every 2-3 days to keep soil consistently moist but not soggy during this active growth phase.
Harvest your basil frequently by snipping off flower buds now to prevent seeding, which ensures continued leaf production and stronger flavor.
Wichita gardening questions
3When is the best time to harvest my garlic in Wichita?
Since our first frost averages around November 6, you should dig your garlic bulbs about three weeks before this date, typically mid-October, when the tops begin to brown and fall over. Wait no longer than a week after digging to allow the bulbs to cure properly in a dry, ventilated area.
Can I start seeds for okra or Malabar spinach indoors right now?
No, because these plants are extremely sensitive to cold and should only be sown directly into the warm ground once soil temperatures consistently exceed 70°F. In Wichita's current climate, waiting until after the last frost date of April 3 is crucial for successful germination.
How much water do my newly planted cucumbers need during this week?
Given our semi-arid conditions and low humidity, aim for about one to two inches of water per week, applied deeply every other day rather than frequent light sprinklings. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially since clay soils can become hydrophobic if allowed to dry out completely.
Other cities in zone 7a
12See the full zone 7a guide → · Plan your Wichita garden in SproutGuide →