When to Plant in the Oklahoma City Area

 Oklahoma typically has mild winters and an extended growing season. As a result, all types of amazing gardens (whether for fruits, vegetables or flowers) can be grown in the area. The Oklahoma City metro has a temperate humid subtropical climate with frequent variations in weather, both daily and seasonally, except during the consistently hot and humid summer months. Falling as it does in USDA hardiness zone 7a, it is not unusual for OKC’s last frosts to run as late as mid-May. But don't let that fool you because some of the best gardening days are early in the year. 

January - March 

Hardy and semi-hardy plants that can withstand light frosts and cold temperatures, namely hardy vegetables, should be planted in late February or early March. These include cabbage, peas, cauliflower, potatoes, lettuce, carrots and onions. However, beets, broccoli and asparagus should be planted in March, not February. These vegetables thrive in the spring with daily average temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. 

April – June  

Early April is the best time to plant tender vegetables like pumpkin, eggplant, okra, pepper, cucumber, beans, summer squash and even tomatoes, as these can withstand lingering cool temperatures. This is a suitable time to plant spring annuals like snapdragons, petunias and impatiens. Fruit trees can also be planted now or in the fall. However, fruit like cantaloupe and watermelon or more fragile vegetables like southern peas, winter squash and sweet potatoes should be planted between the first of May and mid-June. This is also when you want to plant heat-loving flowers like zinnias and nasturtium. 

July - September 

Vegetables that you will harvest in the fall should be planted mid-July. This includes fresh tomato transplants, eggplant, tomatillo and pepper plants. From mid-July through early August, you can also plant sweet corn, cilantro, pumpkin, beans, cucumber, plus summer and winter squash from seed. Cooler temperatures make September a perfect time to plant your second round of hardy vegetables. Early September is also a great time to plant kohlrabi, broccoli, turnips, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and garlic. 

October - December

Early October, or spring, is the time to plant fruit trees. Mid-October through early November is when you should plant blooming spring annuals like pansies or snapdragons. This is because they thrive in cool weather and add wonderful color to your garden.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's get gardening!