Blog

Labrador City, NL — Planting Guide

Labrador City is in Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 29 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 120 days.

At an elevation of 530 m, Labrador City receives approximately 389 mm of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 18°C with winter lows around -20°C. The predominant soil type is Podzol.

🌡️ Zone

3a (-40°F to -35°F min)

❄️ Last Frost

May 29

🍂 First Frost

September 26

📅 Growing Season

120 days

⛰️ Elevation

530 m

🌧️ Annual Rainfall

389 mm

Labrador City, NL Short season
120 days
Last Spring Frost May 29
120 growing days
First Fall Frost September 26

Monthly Watering Calendar

When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~25 mm/week most gardens need.

25mm/wk 0mm 33mm 64mm 97mm 127mm Jan 15mm Feb 18mm Mar 30mm Apr 41mm +66mm May 43mm +61mm Jun 48mm +66mm Jul 43mm +71mm Aug 38mm +79mm Sep 30mm Oct 33mm Nov 28mm Dec 20mm
Rainfall sufficient Supplemental water needed Heavy watering required - - - 1"/week garden need
View detailed monthly data
MonthAvg RainfallRainy DaysExtra Water NeededWatering Effort
Jan 15 mm 6 days None
Feb 18 mm 6 days None
Mar 30 mm 10 days None
Apr 41 mm 9 days None
May 43 mm 11 days 66 mm High
Jun 48 mm 10 days 61 mm High
Jul 43 mm 8 days 66 mm High
Aug 38 mm 9 days 71 mm High
Sep 30 mm 7 days 79 mm Critical
Oct 33 mm 7 days None
Nov 28 mm 8 days None
Dec 20 mm 7 days None

Annual total: 389 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.

Labrador City Soil Profile

Soil Type

Podzol

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Gardening Difficulty Score

83 Excellent
Frost Timing Risk
0.0/10
Drought Risk
0.0/10
Soil Difficulty
3.0/10
Altitude Challenge
1.5/10
Climate Shift
0.0/10
Rainfall Challenge
5.9/10

Labrador City is a very forgiving place to garden. Most plants thrive here with minimal effort.

Zone 3a Frost Countdown
--
Loading...
Last Frost: May 29 First Frost: Sep 26

Local Gardening Help in Labrador City

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 Labrador City's climate and soil.

County Extension Office

Labrador City 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 Labrador City

Soil testing Pest identification
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Labrador City

Why Buy Local

Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Labrador City'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 Labrador City NL" or "garden center Labrador City" 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 Labrador City NL" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Labrador City Gardeners" or "Newfoundland and Labrador 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
After Tomatoes (harvest ends Sep 9) 36 days until frost
After Potatoes (harvest ends Sep 9) 36 days until frost
After Cauliflower (harvest ends Aug 12) 64 days until frost
After Squash (Summer) (harvest ends Aug 26) 50 days until frost
After Snap Peas (harvest ends Aug 26) 50 days until frost
After Carrots (harvest ends Jul 22) 85 days until frost

Sunlight & Day Length

Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.

Longest Day

16.6 hours

Summer solstice daylight

Shortest Day

7.4 hours

Winter solstice daylight

Peak Sun Hours

10.8 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.

14hr 12hr 1h 5h 10h 14h 18h Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Daylight hours (sunrise to sunset) Peak sun hours (direct sunlight after cloud cover) ▪ Gold zone = long day (14+ hr) ▪ Blue zone = short day (<12 hr)

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
MonthDaylight HoursPeak Sun HoursDay Length
January 7.9 hr 3.1 hr Short day
February 9.6 hr 4 hr Short day
March 11.5 hr 5.5 hr Short day
April 13.7 hr 7 hr Neutral
May 15.6 hr 9.5 hr Long day
June 16.6 hr 10.8 hr Long day
July 16.2 hr 10.7 hr Long day
August 14.5 hr 9 hr Long day
September 12.4 hr 7 hr Neutral
October 10.3 hr 5.4 hr Short day
November 8.4 hr 3.4 hr Short day
December 7.4 hr 2.9 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 Jul through Aug.

Best Month to Compost

Jun

Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.

Active Composting

4 months

Short season — insulate pile or use indoor vermicomposting.

16°C 21°C -18° -7° 16° 27° Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
10 cm depth 20 cm depth - - - 16°C (corn, beans) - - - 21°C (tomatoes, peppers)
View detailed monthly data
MonthSoil 10cm DeepSoil 20cm DeepCompost ActivityTime to Finish
Jan -16°C -11°C ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks
Feb -15°C -11°C ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks
Mar -8°C -7°C ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks
Apr 1°C -1°C ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks
May 8°C 6°C 🐢 Slow ~24 weeks
Jun 14°C 12°C ♻️ Active ~14 weeks
Jul 18°C 14°C ♻️ Active ~14 weeks
Aug 18°C 17°C ♻️ Active ~14 weeks
Sep 13°C 13°C ♻️ Active ~14 weeks
Oct 7°C 7°C 🐢 Slow ~24 weeks
Nov -2°C 2°C ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks
Dec -11°C -6°C ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks

Highlighted rows = soil 16°C+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.

Pest & Disease Pressure in Labrador City

Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.

Insect Pest Pressure

4.3 / 10

Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.

Disease Risk

1.6 / 10

Low disease risk — dry conditions reduce fungal problems.

Seasonal Risk

Spring Low
Summer Moderate
Fall Low
Winter Low
View 4 common pests in your area
PestRisk LevelPeak Months
Aphids Low Jun, Jul, Aug
Cabbage worms Low Jun, Jul, Aug
Flea beetles Low May, Jun, Jul
Slugs Moderate May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Organic pest management tips
  • Maintain healthy soil with regular compost additions to build natural pest resistance
  • Practice crop rotation annually to break pest cycles
  • Encourage beneficial insects with flowering herbs like dill, fennel, and yarrow

Cover Crops for Labrador City

Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with county-specific planting dates.

Spring Cover Crops (2 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
Crop Plant By Terminate N-Fixing Soil Benefit
Buckwheat Jun 6 Aug 1 Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds
White clover May 2 Jul 25 ✓ 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 Jun 26 Aug 29 Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects
Fall Cover Crops (3 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
Crop Plant By Terminate N-Fixing Soil Benefit
Oats Aug 18 May 8 Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed
Winter rye Jun 20 May 15 Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil
Winter wheat Jun 27 May 8 Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass

Wind & Microclimate

Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.

Seasonal Wind Speed

Spring: 19 km/h   Summer: 13 km/h

Fall: 16 km/h   Winter: 19 km/h

Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.

Windbreak Benefit

5.4/10

Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.

Frost Pocket Risk

Low

Relatively flat terrain (88 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

28,861 L

Per 93 m² of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)

Recommended Setup

8 rain barrels (208 L each)

For a typical 46 m² garden. Serious collectors: consider a 8,516 L tank.

Legal Status

Unrestricted

Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state with no restrictions.

Best Collection Months

Apr, May, Jun, Jul

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 15.3 inches of rain per year
  • A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 7,625 gallons annually
  • Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
  • In your dry climate, every drop counts — consider a larger cistern system
  • Position collection tanks in shade to reduce evaporation and algae growth

Soil & Growing Conditions in Labrador City

Soil Type

Podzol

Amend with compost each season to maintain fertility and structure.

Watering Needs

With 15.3 inches annually, regular irrigation is essential. Drip systems and heavy mulching conserve water.

Season Tips

120-day frost-free season

A short season means indoor starts are critical for warm-season crops. Prioritise cold-hardy, fast-maturing varieties and use row covers to extend autumn harvests.

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.

Get My Free Planner →

Recommended for Your Garden

🧪
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.

🍂
Organic Compost $8-30

Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.

🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Labrador City

87 vegetables that grow well in Zone 3a with planting dates for Labrador City.

Show all 87 vegetables with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Acorn Squash Apr 17 Jun 12 Jun 19 Sep 11 – Oct 16 80–100
Amaranth Mar 27 Jun 12 Jun 19 Sep 18 – Oct 23 90–120
Arugula Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 3 – Sep 4 30–50
Asparagus Jun 12 730–1095
Beets May 22 Jul 17 – Aug 14 50–70
Belgian Endive Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Sep 18 – Oct 2 110–150
Black Beans Jun 12 Sep 11 – Oct 16 90–120
Bok Choy Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 10 – Aug 14 40–60
Broccoli Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 31 – Sep 11 60–90
Broccoli Rabe Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 10 – Aug 14 40–60
Brussels Sprouts Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Aug 28 – Oct 2 90–130
Butternut Squash Apr 17 Jun 12 Jun 19 Sep 18 – Oct 23 85–110
Cabbage Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 31 – Sep 25 60–100
Carrots May 22 Jul 24 – Aug 28 60–80
Cauliflower Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 24 – Sep 25 55–100
Celeriac Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Sep 11 – Oct 2 100–120
Celery Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Aug 21 – Oct 2 80–120
Celtuce Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 31 – Sep 11 60–90
Chard Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 24 – Sep 11 50–60
Chickpeas Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Aug 21 – Oct 2 80–110
Chicory Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 31 – Sep 11 60–85
Chinese Cabbage Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 24 – Aug 21 50–70
Collard Greens Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 24 – Sep 25 55–75
Corn Jun 12 Aug 14 – Oct 9 60–100
Cress Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jun 12 – Jul 3 14–21
Crookneck Squash Apr 17 Jun 12 Jun 19 Aug 7 – Sep 4 45–60
Cucumber Apr 17 Jun 12 Jun 19 Aug 14 – Oct 9 50–70
Daikon May 22 Jul 17 – Aug 14 50–70
Delicata Squash Apr 17 Jun 12 Jun 19 Sep 11 – Oct 16 80–100
Edamame Jun 12 Aug 28 – Oct 9 75–100
Endive Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 17 – Aug 21 45–65
Escarole Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 24 – Aug 21 50–70
Fava Beans Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Aug 14 – Sep 25 75–100
Garlic 90–240
Green Beans Jun 12 Aug 7 – Oct 2 50–65
Horseradish Jun 12 Oct 16 120–180
Hubbard Squash Apr 17 Jun 12 Jun 19 Oct 2 – Oct 23 100–120
Kabocha Apr 17 Jun 12 Jun 19 Sep 18 – Oct 16 85–100
Kai Lan Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 17 – Aug 14 45–60
Kale Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 24 – Sep 18 50–70
Kidney Beans Jun 12 Sep 11 – Oct 16 85–110
Kohlrabi Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 17 – Aug 21 45–65
Komatsuna Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 3 – Aug 7 35–50
Leeks Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Aug 28 – Oct 2 90–150
Lentils Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Aug 21 – Oct 2 80–110
Lettuce Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 3 – Sep 11 30–60
Lima Beans Jun 12 Aug 14 – Sep 25 60–90
Mache Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 10 – Aug 14 40–60
Microgreens Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jun 5 – Jul 3 7–21
Mizuna Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 3 – Jul 31 30–45
Mustard Greens Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 3 – Sep 4 30–50
Napa Cabbage Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 24 – Aug 28 55–75
Onion Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Aug 28 – Oct 2 90–120
Pac Choi Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 10 – Aug 7 40–55
Parsnip May 22 Sep 4 – Sep 25 100–130
Patty Pan Squash Apr 17 Jun 12 Jun 19 Aug 7 – Sep 4 45–60
Peas Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 24 – Sep 18 55–70
Peppers Mar 13 Jun 12 Jun 19 Aug 21 – Oct 23 60–90
Pole Beans Mar 27 Jun 12 Jun 19 Aug 14 – Oct 9 55–70
Potatoes Mar 27 Jun 12 Jun 19 Aug 28 – Oct 23 70–120
Pumpkin Apr 17 Jun 12 Jun 19 Sep 18 – Oct 23 85–120
Purslane Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 10 – Aug 14 40–60
Radish May 22 Jun 19 – Jul 10 22–35
Rhubarb Jun 26 365–730
Romanesco Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Aug 14 – Sep 25 75–100
Rutabaga May 22 Aug 14 – Sep 18 80–100
Salsify May 22 Sep 4 – Sep 25 100–130
Savoy Cabbage Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Aug 7 – Oct 2 70–110
Scallions Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 24 – Aug 21 50–70
Scarlet Runner Beans Mar 27 Jun 12 Jun 19 Aug 21 – Sep 25 60–80
Shiso Apr 3 Jun 5 Jun 19 Aug 14 – Oct 9 50–70
Snap Peas Mar 27 Jun 12 Jun 19 Aug 14 – Oct 9 55–70
Snow Peas Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 24 – Sep 18 50–65
Soybeans Jun 12 Sep 4 – Oct 16 80–120
Spaghetti Squash Apr 17 Jun 12 Jun 19 Sep 18 – Oct 16 85–100
Spinach Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 3 – Sep 4 35–50
Squash (Summer) Apr 17 Jun 12 Jun 19 Aug 7 – Oct 9 45–65
Squash (Winter) Apr 17 Jun 12 Jun 19 Sep 11 – Oct 23 80–120
Sunchoke Jun 12 Oct 2 – Oct 16 110–150
Sunflower Mar 27 Jun 12 Jun 19 Aug 28 – Oct 16 70–100
Sweet Corn Jun 12 Aug 14 – Sep 25 60–90
Tatsoi Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 3 – Aug 7 35–50
Tomatoes Mar 27 Jun 12 Jun 19 Aug 21 – Oct 23 60–85
Turnip May 22 Jul 3 – Aug 7 40–60
Watercress Apr 17 May 22 May 29 Jul 10 – Aug 14 40–60
Wax Beans Jun 12 Aug 7 – Oct 2 50–65
Zucchini Apr 17 Jun 12 Jun 19 Aug 7 – Oct 2 45–60

🍓 Fruits to Grow in Labrador City

15 fruits that grow well in Zone 3a with planting dates for Labrador City.

Show all 15 fruits with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Alpine Strawberries Jun 26 Sep 25 – Oct 30 90–180
Aronia Jun 26 730–1095
Blueberries Jun 26 730–1095
Cranberries Jun 26 730–1095
Currants Jun 26 730–1095
Elderberries Jun 26 730–1095
Goji Berries Jun 26 730–1095
Gooseberries Jun 26 730–1095
Hardy Kiwi Jun 26 1095–1825
Haskaps Jun 26 730–1095
Jostaberry Jun 26 730–1095
Lingonberries Jun 26 730–1095
Raspberries Jun 26 365–730
Serviceberries Jun 26 730–1095
Strawberries Jun 26 Sep 25 – Oct 30 90–365

🌿 Herbs to Grow in Labrador City

22 herbs that grow well in Zone 3a with planting dates for Labrador City.

Show all 22 herbs with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Angelica Apr 17 May 22 May 22 365–730
Bee Balm Jun 5 Sep 4 – Oct 9 90–120
Borage Apr 17 May 22 May 22 Jul 17 – Sep 4 50–60
Caraway Apr 17 May 22 May 22 365–450
Catnip Jun 5 Aug 7 – Oct 9 60–80
Chamomile Apr 17 May 22 May 22 Jul 24 – Sep 25 60–90
Chervil Apr 17 May 22 May 22 Jul 3 – Sep 4 40–60
Chives Jun 5 Aug 7 – Oct 9 60–90
Cilantro Apr 17 May 22 May 22 Jul 3 – Sep 4 40–60
Comfrey Jun 5 Aug 7 – Oct 9 60–90
Dill Apr 17 May 22 May 22 Jul 3 – Sep 4 40–60
Echinacea Jun 5 Oct 9 120–180
Garlic Chives Jun 5 Aug 7 – Oct 9 60–90
Horehound Jun 5 Aug 21 – Oct 9 75–90
Hyssop Jun 5 Aug 14 – Oct 9 70–90
Lemon Balm Jun 5 Aug 7 – Sep 25 60–70
Lovage Jun 5 Aug 14 – Oct 9 70–90
Mint Jun 5 Aug 7 – Oct 9 60–90
Parsley Apr 17 May 22 May 22 Jul 24 – Sep 25 60–80
Sorrel Apr 17 May 22 May 22 Jul 3 – Sep 4 40–60
Valerian Jun 5 Oct 9 120–180
Yarrow Jun 5 Sep 4 – Oct 9 90–120

Monthly Planting Guide for Labrador City

Gardening Guides & Resources

Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Labrador City.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Labrador City gardeners in Zone 3a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Level Up Your Garden

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates represent 50% probability averages; local conditions vary by elevation and microclimate. Last updated: April 2026.