Greater Vancouver, BC — Planting Guide
Greater Vancouver is in Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 250 days.
At an elevation of 10 m, Greater Vancouver receives approximately 1796 mm of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 36°C with winter lows around 11°C. The predominant soil type is Podzolic Loam.
🌡️ Zone
9a (20°F to 25°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
March 6
🍂 First Frost
November 11
📅 Growing Season
250 days
⛰️ Elevation
10 m
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
1796 mm
Monthly Watering Calendar
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~25 mm/week most gardens need.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 76 mm | 8 days | — | None |
| Feb | 81 mm | 7 days | 28 mm | Moderate |
| Mar | 107 mm | 9 days | 3 mm | Low |
| Apr | 165 mm | 11 days | — | Low |
| May | 201 mm | 10 days | — | Low |
| Jun | 201 mm | 10 days | — | Low |
| Jul | 198 mm | 10 days | — | Low |
| Aug | 208 mm | 9 days | — | Low |
| Sep | 175 mm | 7 days | — | Low |
| Oct | 147 mm | 8 days | — | Low |
| Nov | 130 mm | 7 days | — | Low |
| Dec | 104 mm | 8 days | — | None |
Annual total: 1793 mm. Water needs vary by crop — tomatoes need ~1.2"/week while herbs like rosemary need only 0.3"/week. Check individual plant pages for crop-specific water budgets that factor in your county's rainfall and soil drainage.
Greater Vancouver Soil Profile
Soil Type
Podzolic Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Gardening Difficulty Score
Greater Vancouver offers good growing conditions. A little planning around frost dates goes a long way.
Local Gardening Help in Greater Vancouver
Free expert help is closer than you think. Your county's cooperative extension office connects you with trained gardeners, soil testing labs, and local programs — all specific to Greater Vancouver's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Greater Vancouver Extension Office
Extension offices are run by land-grant universities and funded by the USDA. Their advice is free, research-based, and tailored to your county's specific conditions.
Master Gardener Program
Free gardening help from trained volunteers
Master Gardeners are community volunteers who complete 40–60 hours of university horticultural training. They answer gardening questions, diagnose plant problems, and offer workshops — all free.
Many extension offices run a Master Gardener hotline where you can call or email with photos of plant problems for free diagnosis.
Soil Testing
Available through your extension office
Before amending your soil, get it tested. Your extension office offers soil testing (typically $10–$25) that tells you exact pH, nutrient levels, and amendment recommendations specific to what you want to grow.
Services Available in Greater Vancouver
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Greater Vancouver
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Greater Vancouver's soil and climate that big-box stores can't. Plants from local growers are typically hardier because they're already acclimated to your zone.
How to Find Them
Search for "nurseries near Greater Vancouver BC" or "garden center Greater Vancouver" on Google Maps. Also check with your extension office — they often maintain lists of reputable local nurseries and plant sales.
Community gardens & gardening groups
Community gardens are a great way to learn from experienced gardeners in your area, especially if you're limited on space. Search "community garden Greater Vancouver BC" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Greater Vancouver Gardeners" or "British Columbia Gardening" are also excellent for local advice and plant swaps.
What to Plant After Your Harvest
After your first crops finish, use the remaining frost-free days to grow a second round.
Show 6 more succession options
Sunlight & Day Length
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Longest Day
16 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
8 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
10.1 hr/day peak (summer)
Peak sun hours (green dashed line below) account for cloud cover — this is the usable direct sunlight your garden actually receives. Most vegetables need 6+ peak sun hours.
Onion tip: Your long summer days (14+ hours) support long-day onion varieties like Walla Walla, Sweet Spanish, and Ailsa Craig.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Daylight Hours | Peak Sun Hours | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8.4 hr | 3.4 hr | Short day |
| February | 9.9 hr | 4.5 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.6 hr | 5.7 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.5 hr | 7.2 hr | Neutral |
| May | 15.1 hr | 8.4 hr | Long day |
| June | 16 hr | 10.1 hr | Long day |
| July | 15.6 hr | 10.1 hr | Long day |
| August | 14.2 hr | 9.2 hr | Long day |
| September | 12.3 hr | 7.1 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.5 hr | 5.3 hr | Short day |
| November | 8.8 hr | 3.4 hr | Short day |
| December | 8 hr | 3.1 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting Calendar
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Plant Warm Crops When
Soil reaches 16°C+
Soil warm enough from Apr through Nov.
Best Month to Compost
May
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
11 months
Nearly year-round composting.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Soil 10cm Deep | Soil 20cm Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 10°C | 14°C | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Feb | 11°C | 13°C | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Mar | 13°C | 16°C | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Apr | 18°C | 19°C | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| May | 23°C | 22°C | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jun | 28°C | 27°C | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jul | 33°C | 31°C | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 35°C | 32°C | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 32°C | 30°C | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Oct | 26°C | 27°C | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Nov | 19°C | 21°C | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Dec | 13°C | 16°C | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
Highlighted rows = soil 16°C+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.
Pest & Disease Pressure in Greater Vancouver
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
Insect Pest Pressure
High — expect multiple pest generations. Preventative measures essential.
Disease Risk
High fungal/bacterial risk. Space plants for airflow, water at soil level.
Seasonal Risk
View 6 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | High | Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Whiteflies | High | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Spider mites | High | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Fire ants | High | Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Thrips | Moderate | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Leaf miners | Moderate | Mar, Apr, May, Jun |
Organic pest management tips
- Install physical barriers: floating row covers, copper tape for slugs, mesh netting
- Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for caterpillar control — safe for beneficial insects
- Use kaolin clay spray to deter a wide range of insects on fruiting crops
- Release beneficial insects: ladybugs for aphids, parasitic wasps for caterpillars
- Apply neem oil weekly during high-pressure months
- Mulch heavily (3-4 inches) to reduce soil-borne disease splash
Cover Crops for Greater Vancouver
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with county-specific planting dates.
Spring Cover Crops (4 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | Mar 13 | Sep 2 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| Cowpeas (southern peas) | Mar 14 | Sep 9 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer for warm climates, edible |
| Sorghum-sudan grass | Mar 14 | Sep 2 | — | Massive biomass, breaks compaction, suppresses nematodes |
| White clover | Feb 7 | Sep 9 | ✓ Yes | Living mulch, fixes nitrogen, permanent ground cover |
Summer Cover Crops (1 options) — Fill gaps and suppress weeds between plantings
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflowers | Mar 20 | Oct 14 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
Fall Cover Crops (4 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austrian winter peas | Sep 8 | Feb 20 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, good for heavy clay soils |
| Crimson clover | Sep 4 | Feb 20 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, attracts pollinators in spring |
| Daikon radish | Sep 26 | Feb 20 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Aug 21 | Feb 13 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
Wind & Microclimate
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 20 km/h Summer: 16 km/h
Fall: 17 km/h Winter: 21 km/h
Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
6.6/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (73 m range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting Potential
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
Annual Collection
133,183 L
Per 93 m² of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)
Recommended Setup
6 rain barrels (208 L each)
For a typical 46 m² garden. Serious collectors: consider a 2,839 L tank.
Legal Status
Unrestricted
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state with no restrictions.
Best Collection Months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
Jan, Feb, Dec
Dry months when you'll rely on stored water — size your storage for this gap.
Rainwater collection tips for your area
- Your county receives approximately 70.6 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 35,187 gallons annually
- Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
- Your area gets ample rainfall — even small barrels make a big difference
- Consider a rain garden to handle overflow during heavy rainfall months
Soil & Growing Conditions in Greater Vancouver
Soil Type
Podzolic Loam
Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.
Watering Needs
With 70.7 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
Reduce heat stress and sun scorch in hot climates with UV-stabilized shade cloth.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Greater Vancouver
115 vegetables that grow well in Zone 9a with planting dates for Greater Vancouver.
Show all 115 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Feb 6 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | Jun 5 – Jul 10 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | Jun 12 – Jul 31 | 90–120 |
| Artichoke | — | — | Mar 20 | Jul 24 – Oct 2 | 120–180 |
| Arugula | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Apr 10 – Jun 12 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | Mar 20 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Feb 13 | — | Apr 10 – May 8 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Jun 26 – Aug 21 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 15 – Jun 26 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | Mar 13 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 31 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Apr 17 – May 22 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 8 – Jun 19 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Apr 17 – May 22 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Jun 5 – Jul 31 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Feb 6 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 8 – Jul 3 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | Jun 5 – Jul 31 | 80–120 |
| Cardoon | — | — | Mar 20 | Jul 24 – Sep 4 | 120–150 |
| Carrots | — | Feb 13 | — | Apr 17 – May 22 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 1 – Jul 3 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 29 – Jul 24 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 8 – Jun 19 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 1 – Jun 19 | 50–60 |
| Chayote | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | Jul 17 – Sep 25 | 120–180 |
| Chickpeas | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 29 – Jul 10 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 8 – Jun 19 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 1 – May 29 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | Jun 5 – Jul 10 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 1 – Jul 3 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Mar 13 | — | May 15 – Jul 10 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | Mar 13 | — | May 15 – Jun 26 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Feb 6 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 1 – May 29 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Feb 13 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 18 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Feb 6 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 8 – Jul 3 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Feb 13 | — | Apr 10 – May 8 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Feb 6 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | Jun 5 – Jul 10 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | Mar 13 | — | May 29 – Jul 10 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 22 – Jul 24 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Apr 24 – May 29 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 1 – May 29 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 22 – Jul 3 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 15 – Jun 26 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | — | 90–240 |
| Ginger | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | Nov 13 – Jan 8 | 240–300 |
| Green Beans | — | Mar 13 | — | May 8 – Jul 3 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | Mar 20 | Jul 24 – Oct 2 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 22 – Aug 28 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Feb 6 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 100–120 |
| Jicama | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | Jul 17 – Sep 25 | 120–180 |
| Kabocha | Feb 6 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | Jun 12 – Jul 10 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Apr 24 – May 22 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 1 – Jun 26 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Mar 13 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 17 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Apr 24 – May 29 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Apr 10 – May 15 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Jun 5 – Aug 21 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 29 – Jul 10 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Apr 10 – Jun 19 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Mar 13 | — | May 15 – Jun 26 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | Jun 12 – Aug 28 | 90–150 |
| Mache | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Apr 17 – May 22 | 40–60 |
| Malabar Spinach | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 8 – Jun 5 | 55–70 |
| Melon | Feb 6 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 22 – Jul 10 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 – Apr 10 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Feb 27 | Apr 24 – Jun 19 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Apr 10 – May 8 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Apr 10 – Jun 12 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 1 – Jun 5 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 8 – Jun 5 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 8 – Jul 3 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Jun 5 – Jul 24 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Apr 17 – May 15 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Feb 13 | — | May 29 – Jul 10 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Feb 6 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 1 – May 29 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 1 – Jun 26 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 15 – Jul 24 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 8 – Jul 3 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 22 – Jul 31 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Feb 6 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | Jun 12 – Jul 31 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Apr 17 – May 22 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 8 – Jun 12 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Feb 13 | — | Mar 13 – Apr 3 | 22–35 |
| Romanesco | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 22 – Jul 3 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Feb 13 | — | May 8 – Jun 12 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Feb 13 | — | May 29 – Jul 10 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 15 – Jul 10 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 1 – May 29 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 15 – Jun 19 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Jun 5 – Jul 24 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Jan 23 | Mar 13 | Mar 13 | May 8 – Jul 3 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 8 – Jul 3 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | May 1 – Jun 26 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | Mar 13 | — | Jun 5 – Jul 31 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Feb 6 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | Jun 12 – Jul 10 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Apr 10 – Jun 12 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Feb 6 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 1 – Jul 3 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Feb 6 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | Jun 5 – Jul 31 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | Mar 20 | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 110–150 |
| Sunflower | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 22 – Jul 10 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Mar 13 | — | May 15 – Jun 26 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | Jun 12 – Jul 31 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Apr 10 – May 15 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 15 – Jul 24 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 15 – Jul 24 | 60–85 |
| Turmeric | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | Nov 13 – Jan 8 | 240–300 |
| Turnip | — | Feb 13 | — | Mar 27 – May 1 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Apr 17 – May 22 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Feb 6 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 22 – Jul 10 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | Mar 13 | — | May 8 – Jul 3 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | Jun 12 – Jul 31 | 90–120 |
| Yam | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | Sep 11 – Jan 8 | 180–330 |
| Yard Long Beans | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 8 – Jun 19 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Feb 6 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 1 – Jun 26 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Greater Vancouver
24 fruits that grow well in Zone 9a with planting dates for Greater Vancouver.
Show all 24 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Mar 20 | Jun 19 – Oct 2 | 90–180 |
| Blackberries | — | — | Mar 20 | — | 365–730 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | Mar 20 | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Mar 20 | May 29 – Jul 3 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | Mar 20 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Dragon Fruit | — | — | Mar 20 | — | 365–730 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Mar 20 | — | 730–1095 |
| Figs | — | — | Mar 20 | — | 730–1825 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Mar 20 | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Mar 20 | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Mar 20 | May 29 – Jul 24 | 65–80 |
| Guava | — | — | Mar 20 | — | 365–730 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Mar 20 | Jun 12 – Jul 24 | 80–110 |
| Kiwi | — | — | Mar 20 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Loquat | — | — | Mar 20 | — | 730–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Mar 20 | — | 730–1825 |
| Passion Fruit | — | — | Mar 20 | — | 365–545 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | Mar 20 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Mar 20 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Pomegranate | — | — | Mar 20 | — | 730–1095 |
| Quince | — | — | Mar 20 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Mar 20 | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Mar 20 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Mar 20 | Jun 19 – Jan 15 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Greater Vancouver
40 herbs that grow well in Zone 9a with planting dates for Greater Vancouver.
Show all 40 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anise | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Feb 27 | May 29 – Aug 14 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Jan 23 | Mar 13 | Mar 13 | May 8 – Jul 10 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | Mar 13 | Jun 12 – Aug 28 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Feb 27 | Apr 24 – Jun 12 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Feb 27 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | Mar 13 | May 15 – Jul 17 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Feb 27 | May 1 – Jul 10 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Feb 27 | Apr 10 – Jun 12 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | Mar 13 | May 15 – Jul 24 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Feb 27 | Apr 10 – Jun 12 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | Mar 13 | May 15 – Jul 24 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Feb 27 | Jun 12 – Aug 14 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Feb 27 | Apr 10 – Jun 12 | 40–60 |
| Echinacea | — | — | Mar 13 | Jul 17 – Oct 23 | 120–180 |
| Epazote | Jan 23 | Mar 13 | Mar 13 | May 1 – Jun 26 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Feb 27 | May 1 – Jul 10 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | Mar 13 | Jun 12 – Aug 28 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | Mar 13 | May 15 – Jul 24 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | Mar 13 | May 29 – Jul 24 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | Mar 13 | May 22 – Jul 24 | 70–90 |
| Lavender | — | — | Mar 13 | Jun 12 – Nov 13 | 90–200 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | Mar 13 | May 15 – Jul 3 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | Mar 13 | May 22 – Jul 24 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Verbena | Jan 23 | Mar 13 | Mar 13 | May 15 – Jul 24 | 60–90 |
| Lemongrass | Jan 23 | Mar 13 | Mar 13 | May 29 – Aug 28 | 75–120 |
| Marjoram | — | — | Mar 13 | May 15 – Jul 24 | 60–90 |
| Mint | — | — | Mar 13 | May 15 – Jul 24 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | Mar 13 | May 15 – Jul 24 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Feb 27 | May 1 – Jul 3 | 60–80 |
| Rosemary | — | — | Mar 13 | Jun 5 – Oct 23 | 80–180 |
| Rue | — | — | Mar 13 | May 22 – Jul 24 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | Mar 13 | May 29 – Jul 24 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | Mar 13 | May 8 – Jul 3 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Feb 6 | Feb 13 | Feb 27 | Apr 10 – Jun 12 | 40–60 |
| Stevia | Jan 23 | Mar 13 | Mar 13 | May 15 – Jul 24 | 60–90 |
| Tarragon | — | — | Mar 13 | May 15 – Jul 24 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Jan 23 | Mar 13 | Mar 13 | May 8 – Jul 10 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | Mar 13 | May 22 – Jul 24 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | Mar 13 | Jul 17 – Oct 23 | 120–180 |
| Yarrow | — | — | Mar 13 | Jun 12 – Aug 28 | 90–120 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Greater Vancouver
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Greater Vancouver.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Greater Vancouver gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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