St. John's, NL — Planting Guide
St. John's is in Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 75 m, St. John's receives approximately 795 mm of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 26°C with winter lows around -6°C. The predominant soil type is Podzol.
🌡️ Zone
6a (-10°F to -5°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
April 23
🍂 First Frost
October 20
📅 Growing Season
180 days
⛰️ Elevation
75 m
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
795 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 | 28 mm | 7 days | — | None |
| Feb | 33 mm | 7 days | — | None |
| Mar | 56 mm | 9 days | 53 mm | High |
| Apr | 74 mm | 8 days | 36 mm | Moderate |
| May | 102 mm | 10 days | 8 mm | Low |
| Jun | 97 mm | 10 days | 13 mm | Low |
| Jul | 91 mm | 7 days | 18 mm | Moderate |
| Aug | 86 mm | 9 days | 23 mm | Moderate |
| Sep | 64 mm | 7 days | 46 mm | High |
| Oct | 69 mm | 8 days | 41 mm | High |
| Nov | 48 mm | 7 days | — | None |
| Dec | 51 mm | 7 days | — | None |
Annual total: 798 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.
St. John's Soil Profile
Soil Type
Podzol
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Gardening Difficulty Score
St. John's is a very forgiving place to garden. Most plants thrive here with minimal effort.
Local Gardening Help in St. John's
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 St. John's's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
St. John's 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 St. John's
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in St. John's
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to St. John's'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 St. John's NL" or "garden center St. John's" 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 St. John's NL" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "St. John's 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
Sunlight & Day Length
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Longest Day
15.7 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
8.2 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
10 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 | 8.6 hr | 3.3 hr | Short day |
| February | 10 hr | 4.3 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.6 hr | 5.5 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.4 hr | 7.2 hr | Neutral |
| May | 14.9 hr | 8.6 hr | Long day |
| June | 15.7 hr | 10 hr | Long day |
| July | 15.4 hr | 9.8 hr | Long day |
| August | 14.1 hr | 8.4 hr | Long day |
| September | 12.3 hr | 7.4 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.6 hr | 5.4 hr | Short day |
| November | 9 hr | 3.6 hr | Short day |
| December | 8.2 hr | 3.2 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 May through Oct.
Best Month to Compost
Jun
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
6 months
Solid season. Piles go dormant in winter.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Soil 10cm Deep | Soil 20cm Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -2°C | 3°C | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | -1°C | 3°C | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 3°C | 6°C | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 10°C | 9°C | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| May | 17°C | 14°C | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 22°C | 20°C | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jul | 27°C | 23°C | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 28°C | 25°C | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 23°C | 23°C | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Oct | 18°C | 18°C | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Nov | 8°C | 12°C | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Dec | 3°C | 7°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 St. John's
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
Insect Pest Pressure
Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.
Disease Risk
Low disease risk — dry conditions reduce fungal problems.
Seasonal Risk
View 6 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Moderate | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Japanese beetles | High | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Squash vine borers | Moderate | Jun, Jul |
| Tomato hornworms | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Cucumber beetles | Low | May, Jun, Jul |
| Stink bugs | Low | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
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 St. John's
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with county-specific planting dates.
Spring Cover Crops (3 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | Apr 25 | Aug 11 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| Sorghum-sudan grass | May 5 | Aug 11 | — | Massive biomass, breaks compaction, suppresses nematodes |
| White clover | Mar 27 | Aug 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 | May 16 | Oct 6 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
Fall Cover Crops (7 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austrian winter peas | Aug 23 | Apr 2 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, good for heavy clay soils |
| Crimson clover | Aug 15 | Apr 2 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, attracts pollinators in spring |
| Daikon radish | Aug 25 | Apr 2 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Jul 29 | Apr 2 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Sep 24 | Apr 9 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 14 | Apr 2 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jul 13 | Apr 9 | — | 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: 17 km/h Summer: 14 km/h
Fall: 15 km/h Winter: 21 km/h
Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
5/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (75 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
59,231 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 6,624 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, Nov
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 31.4 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 15,649 gallons annually
- Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
- Stock up on stored water before your dry season (Jan, Feb, Nov)
- Use a first-flush diverter to keep roof debris out of your collection
Soil & Growing Conditions in St. John's
Soil Type
Podzol
Amend with compost each season to maintain fertility and structure.
Watering Needs
Moderate rainfall (31.3 in.) — plan to water 1–2 times per week during the growing season.
Season Tips
180-day frost-free season
Plenty of time for warm-season crops. Start heat-lovers indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost to maximise your harvest window.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
Plan every bed, every planting, every harvest — in one place. This 24-page printable includes your zone's planting calendar, a month-by-month task list, a seed inventory tracker, a harvest log, and succession-planting charts. Built to print, write in, and actually use all season.
Recommended for Your Garden
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.
Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in St. John's
108 vegetables that grow well in Zone 6a with planting dates for St. John's.
Show all 108 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 19 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 30 – Sep 3 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 6 – Sep 24 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | May 28 – Jul 30 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 7 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 9 | — | Jun 4 – Jul 2 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Aug 13 – Oct 8 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 9 – Aug 20 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | Apr 30 | — | Jul 30 – Sep 17 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 4 – Jul 9 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 25 – Aug 6 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 4 – Jul 9 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 19 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 6 – Sep 10 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 25 – Aug 20 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 30 – Sep 24 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 9 | — | Jun 11 – Jul 16 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Aug 6 – Sep 10 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jul 16 – Sep 10 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 25 – Aug 6 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 18 – Aug 6 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jul 16 – Aug 27 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 25 – Aug 6 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 18 – Jul 16 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 30 – Sep 3 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Apr 30 | — | Jul 2 – Aug 27 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | Apr 30 | — | Jul 2 – Aug 13 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | May 7 – May 28 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 19 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jun 25 – Jul 23 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 9 | — | Sep 10 – Oct 22 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 19 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 2 – Aug 27 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 9 | — | Jun 4 – Jul 2 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 19 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 30 – Sep 3 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | Apr 30 | — | Jul 16 – Aug 27 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Feb 12 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 16 – Sep 17 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 11 – Jul 16 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 18 – Jul 16 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jul 9 – Aug 20 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 9 – Aug 20 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | — | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | Apr 30 | — | Jun 25 – Aug 20 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 7 | Sep 10 – Nov 19 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Feb 12 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 16 – Oct 22 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 19 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 20 – Sep 24 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Mar 19 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 6 – Sep 3 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 11 – Jul 9 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 18 – Aug 13 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Apr 30 | — | Jul 30 – Sep 3 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 11 – Jul 16 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | May 28 – Jul 2 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jul 23 – Oct 8 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jul 16 – Aug 27 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | May 28 – Aug 6 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Apr 30 | — | Jul 2 – Aug 13 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 20 – Oct 22 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 6 – Oct 22 | 90–150 |
| Mache | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 4 – Jul 9 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Mar 19 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 16 – Sep 3 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Apr 30 – May 28 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 16 | Jun 11 – Aug 6 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | May 28 – Jun 25 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | May 28 – Jul 30 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 18 – Jul 23 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 2 – Jul 30 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 2 – Aug 27 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jul 23 – Sep 10 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 4 – Jul 2 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 9 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 19 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jun 25 – Jul 23 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 18 – Aug 13 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 12 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 9 – Sep 17 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 2 – Aug 27 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 16 – Sep 24 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 19 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 6 – Sep 24 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 4 – Jul 9 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 9 | — | May 7 – May 28 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | May 14 | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jul 9 – Aug 20 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 9 | — | Jul 2 – Aug 6 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 9 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jul 2 – Aug 27 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 18 – Jul 16 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 9 – Aug 13 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jul 23 – Sep 10 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 5 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 2 – Aug 27 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 2 – Aug 27 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 18 – Aug 13 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | Apr 30 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 19 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 6 – Sep 3 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | May 28 – Jul 30 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 19 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jun 25 – Aug 27 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 19 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 30 – Sep 24 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 7 | Aug 27 – Oct 22 | 110–150 |
| Sunflower | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 16 – Sep 3 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Apr 30 | — | Jul 2 – Aug 13 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 6 – Sep 24 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | May 28 – Jul 2 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 9 – Sep 17 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 9 – Sep 17 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 9 | — | May 21 – Jun 25 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | Jun 4 – Jul 9 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 19 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 16 – Sep 3 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | Apr 30 | — | Jun 25 – Aug 20 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 6 – Sep 24 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 2 – Aug 13 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Mar 19 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jun 25 – Aug 20 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in St. John's
27 fruits that grow well in Zone 6a with planting dates for St. John's.
Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | May 14 | Aug 13 – Nov 26 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | May 14 | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | May 14 | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | May 14 | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | May 14 | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | May 14 | Jul 23 – Aug 27 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | May 14 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | May 14 | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | May 14 | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | May 14 | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | May 14 | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | May 14 | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | May 14 | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | May 14 | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | May 14 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | May 14 | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | May 14 | Aug 6 – Sep 17 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | May 14 | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | May 14 | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | May 14 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | May 14 | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | May 14 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | May 14 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | May 14 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | May 14 | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | May 14 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | May 14 | Aug 13 – Nov 26 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in St. John's
38 herbs that grow well in Zone 6a with planting dates for St. John's.
Show all 38 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 16 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 16 | Jul 16 – Oct 1 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 5 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 2 – Sep 3 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | Apr 30 | Jul 30 – Oct 15 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 16 | Jun 11 – Jul 30 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 16 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | Apr 30 | Jul 2 – Sep 3 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 16 | Jun 18 – Aug 27 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 16 | May 28 – Jul 30 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | Apr 30 | Jul 2 – Sep 10 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 16 | May 28 – Jul 30 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | Apr 30 | Jul 2 – Sep 10 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 16 | Jul 30 – Oct 1 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 16 | May 28 – Jul 30 | 40–60 |
| Echinacea | — | — | Apr 30 | Sep 3 – Nov 12 | 120–180 |
| Epazote | Mar 5 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jun 25 – Aug 20 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 16 | Jun 18 – Aug 27 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | Apr 30 | Jul 30 – Oct 15 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | Apr 30 | Jul 2 – Sep 10 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | Apr 30 | Jul 16 – Sep 10 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | Apr 30 | Jul 9 – Sep 10 | 70–90 |
| Lavender | — | — | Apr 30 | Jul 30 – Nov 12 | 90–200 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | Apr 30 | Jul 2 – Aug 20 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | Apr 30 | Jul 9 – Sep 10 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | Apr 30 | Jul 9 – Sep 10 | 70–90 |
| Marjoram | — | — | Apr 30 | Jul 2 – Sep 10 | 60–90 |
| Mint | — | — | Apr 30 | Jul 2 – Sep 10 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | Apr 30 | Jul 2 – Sep 10 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 16 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | Apr 30 | Jul 9 – Sep 10 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | Apr 30 | Jul 16 – Sep 10 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | Apr 30 | Jun 25 – Aug 20 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 16 | May 28 – Jul 30 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | Apr 30 | Jul 2 – Sep 10 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 5 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 2 – Sep 3 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | Apr 30 | Jul 9 – Sep 10 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | Apr 30 | Sep 3 – Nov 12 | 120–180 |
| Yarrow | — | — | Apr 30 | Jul 30 – Oct 15 | 90–120 |
Monthly Planting Guide for St. John's
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in St. John's.
Your St. John's Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for St. John's (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Composting Guide for Homesteaders
Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that actually feeds the garden — instead of a pile that smells, attracts pests, and never breaks down.
- 14 sections on composting methods, soil science, and troubleshooting
- The 7-step hot-compost system from start to finish
- Bonus tools: troubleshooting chart, safety guide, monitoring log