What to plant this week in Wilmington, NC
With the average last frost date of March 1 behind us, Wilmington is now fully in its long, humid growing season where you can immediately sow warm-weather giants like watermelon and okra. This week marks a peak harvest window for your early bush beans and cucumbers before the intense August heat sets in.
The next 7 days
Wilmington, NCGrowing in Wilmington right now
- Wilmington's sandy coastal soil drains quickly but lacks organic matter; mix compost into beds before planting squash or corn to boost moisture retention.
- The city experiences frequent afternoon thunderstorms that can cause root rot; ensure raised beds have excellent drainage when transplanting seedlings later this month.
- High humidity in the Cape Fear region fosters rapid fungal spread; space sunflowers and zinnias at least two feet apart for maximum airflow.
- Salt spray from nearby rivers can damage sensitive flowers like cosmos and French marigolds; rinse foliage with fresh water weekly during wind events.
Sow this week
30 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
39 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia)
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian)
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Pumpkin
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Sweet Potato
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow bush beans and pole beans every two weeks for continuous harvests.
- Mulch around young summer squash and watermelons to retain soil moisture as temperatures rise.
- Pinch back the tips of zinnias and cosmos to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
Pest & disease watch
- Corn earworms are currently active on sweet corn and pole beans; apply organic spinosad or hand-pick larvae at dusk.
- Aphid populations surge rapidly in our humid climate on shiso and basil, often requiring early morning sprays of insecticidal soap.
- Powdery mildew thrives on cucumbers during dry spells between storms; dust leaves with neem oil before humidity rises.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the morning to keep roots hydrated and reduce evaporation during hot afternoons.
Harvest bush beans when pods are tender but before they begin to flower or turn woody.
Wilmington gardening questions
3Can I still plant corn this week or is it too late?
Absolutely, sweet corn and flour corn are listed as sowable now in Wilmington's 8b zone. Plant them immediately in full sun to catch the rest of the summer season before fall frosts.
What should I do about my wilting cucumbers after last week's heavy rain?
Check for root rot caused by waterlogged soil, as our sandy terrain can still hold moisture too long near low-lying areas. Trim any yellowing leaves and ensure the base of the plant is not sitting in standing water.
Is it safe to harvest my garlic now even though it's technically a cool-season crop?
Yes, garlic is listed as ready for harvest soon in Wilmington this week, signaling that our typical December first frost has passed and bulbs have matured. Lift the plants carefully and let them cure in a dry, shaded spot for two weeks before storing.
Other cities in zone 8b
12See the full zone 8b guide → · Plan your Wilmington garden in SproutGuide →