Cowichan Valley, BC — Planting Guide
Cowichan Valley is in Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 250 days.
At an elevation of 45 m, Cowichan Valley receives approximately 1613 mm of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 36°C with winter lows around 8°C. The predominant soil type is Podzolic Loam.
🌡️ Zone
9a (20°F to 25°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
March 5
🍂 First Frost
November 10
📅 Growing Season
250 days
⛰️ Elevation
45 m
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
1613 mm
Cowichan Valley, BC
Long season
250 days
Last Spring Frost
March 5
➔
250 growing days
➔
First Fall Frost
November 10
Cowichan Valley Soil Profile
Soil Type
Podzolic Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Zone 9a
Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: Mar 5
First Frost: Nov 10
Soil & Growing Conditions in Cowichan Valley
Soil Type
Podzolic Loam
Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.
Watering Needs
With 63.5 inches of annual rainfall, supplemental watering is typically only needed during summer dry spells.
Season Tips
250-day frost-free season
Your long season supports multiple successions and heat-demanding crops like melons, sweet potatoes, and peppers. Plant warm-season crops as soon as soil warms.
Free Garden Planner
Plan your entire garden season — organize planting dates, track what you're growing, and know exactly when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest.
Recommended for Your Garden
Garden Shade Cloth
$15-35
Reduce heat stress and sun scorch in hot climates with UV-stabilized shade cloth.
Soil Test Kit
$12-25
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Digital pH Meter
$10-20
Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Cowichan Valley
115 vegetables that grow well in Zone 9a with planting dates for Cowichan Valley.
Show all 115 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Feb 5 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Jun 4 – Jul 9 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Jun 11 – Jul 30 | 90–120 |
| Artichoke | — | — | Mar 19 | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 120–180 |
| Arugula | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 9 – Jun 11 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | Mar 19 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Feb 12 | — | Apr 9 – May 7 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Jun 25 – Aug 20 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | May 14 – Jun 25 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | Mar 12 | — | Jun 11 – Jul 30 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 16 – May 21 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | May 7 – Jun 18 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 16 – May 21 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Jun 4 – Jul 30 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Feb 5 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Jun 11 – Jul 16 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | May 7 – Jul 2 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Jun 4 – Jul 30 | 80–120 |
| Cardoon | — | — | Mar 19 | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 120–150 |
| Carrots | — | Feb 12 | — | Apr 16 – May 21 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 30 – Jul 2 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Jun 18 – Jul 23 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | May 28 – Jul 23 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | May 7 – Jun 18 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 30 – Jun 18 | 50–60 |
| Chayote | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Jul 16 – Sep 24 | 120–180 |
| Chickpeas | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | May 28 – Jul 9 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | May 7 – Jun 18 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 30 – May 28 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Jun 4 – Jul 9 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 30 – Jul 2 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Mar 12 | — | May 14 – Jul 9 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | Mar 12 | — | May 14 – Jun 25 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Mar 19 – Apr 9 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Feb 5 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Apr 30 – May 28 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Feb 12 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 17 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Feb 5 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | May 7 – Jul 2 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Feb 12 | — | Apr 9 – May 7 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Feb 5 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Jun 4 – Jul 9 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | Mar 12 | — | May 28 – Jul 9 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | May 21 – Jul 23 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 23 – May 28 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 30 – May 28 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | May 21 – Jul 2 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | May 14 – Jun 25 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | — | 90–240 |
| Ginger | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Nov 12 – Jan 7 | 240–300 |
| Green Beans | — | Mar 12 | — | May 7 – Jul 2 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | Mar 19 | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | May 21 – Aug 27 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Feb 5 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 | 100–120 |
| Jicama | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Jul 16 – Sep 24 | 120–180 |
| Kabocha | Feb 5 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Jun 11 – Jul 9 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 23 – May 21 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 30 – Jun 25 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Mar 12 | — | Jun 11 – Jul 16 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 23 – May 28 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 9 – May 14 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Jun 4 – Aug 20 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | May 28 – Jul 9 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 9 – Jun 18 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Mar 12 | — | May 14 – Jun 25 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Jun 25 – Aug 27 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Jun 11 – Aug 27 | 90–150 |
| Mache | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 16 – May 21 | 40–60 |
| Malabar Spinach | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | May 7 – Jun 4 | 55–70 |
| Melon | Feb 5 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | May 21 – Jul 9 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 – Apr 9 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Feb 26 | Apr 23 – Jun 18 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 9 – May 7 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 9 – Jun 11 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 30 – Jun 4 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | May 7 – Jun 4 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | May 7 – Jul 2 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Jun 4 – Jul 23 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 16 – May 14 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Feb 12 | — | May 28 – Jul 9 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Feb 5 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Apr 30 – May 28 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 30 – Jun 25 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | May 14 – Jul 23 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | May 7 – Jul 2 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | May 21 – Jul 30 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Feb 5 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Jun 11 – Jul 30 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 16 – May 21 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | May 7 – Jun 11 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Feb 12 | — | Mar 12 – Apr 2 | 22–35 |
| Romanesco | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | May 21 – Jul 2 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Feb 12 | — | May 7 – Jun 11 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Feb 12 | — | May 28 – Jul 9 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | May 14 – Jul 9 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 30 – May 28 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | May 14 – Jun 18 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Jun 4 – Jul 23 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Jan 22 | Mar 12 | Mar 12 | May 7 – Jul 2 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | May 7 – Jul 2 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 30 – Jun 25 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | Mar 12 | — | Jun 4 – Jul 30 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Feb 5 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Jun 11 – Jul 9 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 9 – Jun 11 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Feb 5 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Apr 30 – Jul 2 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Feb 5 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Jun 4 – Jul 30 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | Mar 19 | Jul 9 – Sep 3 | 110–150 |
| Sunflower | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | May 21 – Jul 9 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Mar 12 | — | May 14 – Jun 25 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Jun 11 – Jul 30 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 9 – May 14 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | May 14 – Jul 23 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | May 14 – Jul 23 | 60–85 |
| Turmeric | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Nov 12 – Jan 7 | 240–300 |
| Turnip | — | Feb 12 | — | Mar 26 – Apr 30 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Mar 5 | Apr 16 – May 21 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Feb 5 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | May 21 – Jul 9 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | Mar 12 | — | May 7 – Jul 2 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Jun 11 – Jul 30 | 90–120 |
| Yam | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Sep 10 – Jan 7 | 180–330 |
| Yard Long Beans | Jan 22 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | May 7 – Jun 18 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Feb 5 | Mar 5 | Mar 12 | Apr 30 – Jun 25 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Cowichan Valley
24 fruits that grow well in Zone 9a with planting dates for Cowichan Valley.
Show all 24 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Mar 19 | Jun 18 – Oct 1 | 90–180 |
| Blackberries | — | — | Mar 19 | — | 365–730 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | Mar 19 | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Mar 19 | May 28 – Jul 2 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | Mar 19 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Dragon Fruit | — | — | Mar 19 | — | 365–730 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Mar 19 | — | 730–1095 |
| Figs | — | — | Mar 19 | — | 730–1825 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Mar 19 | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Mar 19 | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Mar 19 | May 28 – Jul 23 | 65–80 |
| Guava | — | — | Mar 19 | — | 365–730 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Mar 19 | Jun 11 – Jul 23 | 80–110 |
| Kiwi | — | — | Mar 19 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Loquat | — | — | Mar 19 | — | 730–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Mar 19 | — | 730–1825 |
| Passion Fruit | — | — | Mar 19 | — | 365–545 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | Mar 19 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Mar 19 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Pomegranate | — | — | Mar 19 | — | 730–1095 |
| Quince | — | — | Mar 19 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Mar 19 | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Mar 19 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Mar 19 | Jun 18 – Jan 14 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Cowichan Valley
40 herbs that grow well in Zone 9a with planting dates for Cowichan Valley.
Show all 40 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anise | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Feb 26 | May 28 – Aug 13 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Jan 22 | Mar 12 | Mar 12 | May 7 – Jul 9 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | Mar 12 | Jun 11 – Aug 27 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Feb 26 | Apr 23 – Jun 11 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Feb 26 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | Mar 12 | May 14 – Jul 16 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Feb 26 | Apr 30 – Jul 9 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Feb 26 | Apr 9 – Jun 11 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | Mar 12 | May 14 – Jul 23 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Feb 26 | Apr 9 – Jun 11 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | Mar 12 | May 14 – Jul 23 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Feb 26 | Jun 11 – Aug 13 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Feb 26 | Apr 9 – Jun 11 | 40–60 |
| Echinacea | — | — | Mar 12 | Jul 16 – Oct 22 | 120–180 |
| Epazote | Jan 22 | Mar 12 | Mar 12 | Apr 30 – Jun 25 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Feb 26 | Apr 30 – Jul 9 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | Mar 12 | Jun 11 – Aug 27 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | Mar 12 | May 14 – Jul 23 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | Mar 12 | May 28 – Jul 23 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | Mar 12 | May 21 – Jul 23 | 70–90 |
| Lavender | — | — | Mar 12 | Jun 11 – Nov 12 | 90–200 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | Mar 12 | May 14 – Jul 2 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | Mar 12 | May 21 – Jul 23 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Verbena | Jan 22 | Mar 12 | Mar 12 | May 14 – Jul 23 | 60–90 |
| Lemongrass | Jan 22 | Mar 12 | Mar 12 | May 28 – Aug 27 | 75–120 |
| Marjoram | — | — | Mar 12 | May 14 – Jul 23 | 60–90 |
| Mint | — | — | Mar 12 | May 14 – Jul 23 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | Mar 12 | May 14 – Jul 23 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Feb 26 | Apr 30 – Jul 2 | 60–80 |
| Rosemary | — | — | Mar 12 | Jun 4 – Oct 22 | 80–180 |
| Rue | — | — | Mar 12 | May 21 – Jul 23 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | Mar 12 | May 28 – Jul 23 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | Mar 12 | May 7 – Jul 2 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Feb 26 | Apr 9 – Jun 11 | 40–60 |
| Stevia | Jan 22 | Mar 12 | Mar 12 | May 14 – Jul 23 | 60–90 |
| Tarragon | — | — | Mar 12 | May 14 – Jul 23 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Jan 22 | Mar 12 | Mar 12 | May 7 – Jul 9 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | Mar 12 | May 21 – Jul 23 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | Mar 12 | Jul 16 – Oct 22 | 120–180 |
| Yarrow | — | — | Mar 12 | Jun 11 – Aug 27 | 90–120 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Cowichan Valley
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Cowichan Valley.
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