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Hay River, NT — Planting Guide

Hay River is in Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is June 7 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 120 days.

At an elevation of 164 m, Hay River receives approximately 424 mm of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 21°C with winter lows around -22°C. The predominant soil type is Permafrost Soil.

🌡️ Zone

3a (-40°F to -35°F min)

❄️ Last Frost

June 7

🍂 First Frost

October 5

📅 Growing Season

120 days

⛰️ Elevation

164 m

🌧️ Annual Rainfall

424 mm

Hay River, NT Short season
120 days
Last Spring Frost June 7
120 growing days
First Fall Frost October 5

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 18mm Feb 15mm Mar 33mm Apr 46mm +56mm May 53mm +61mm Jun 48mm +58mm Jul 51mm +64mm Aug 46mm +69mm Sep 41mm Oct 30mm Nov 25mm 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 18 mm 8 days None
Feb 15 mm 6 days None
Mar 33 mm 7 days None
Apr 46 mm 9 days None
May 53 mm 11 days 56 mm High
Jun 48 mm 11 days 61 mm High
Jul 51 mm 8 days 58 mm High
Aug 46 mm 8 days 64 mm High
Sep 41 mm 8 days 69 mm High
Oct 30 mm 8 days None
Nov 25 mm 8 days None
Dec 20 mm 7 days None

Annual total: 427 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.

Hay River Soil Profile

Soil Type

Permafrost Soil

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Gardening Difficulty Score

86 Excellent
Frost Timing Risk
0.0/10
Drought Risk
0.0/10
Soil Difficulty
3.0/10
Altitude Challenge
0.0/10
Climate Shift
0.0/10
Rainfall Challenge
5.3/10

Hay River is a very forgiving place to garden. Most plants thrive here with minimal effort.

Zone 3a Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: Jun 7 First Frost: Oct 5

Local Gardening Help in Hay River

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 Hay River's climate and soil.

County Extension Office

Hay River 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 Hay River

Soil testing Pest identification
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Hay River

Why Buy Local

Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Hay River'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 Hay River NT" or "garden center Hay River" 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 Hay River NT" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Hay River Gardeners" or "Northwest Territories 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 Pole Beans (harvest ends Aug 26) 50 days until frost
After Peas (harvest ends Aug 5) 71 days until frost
After Squash (Summer) (harvest ends Aug 26) 50 days until frost
After Kale (harvest ends Aug 5) 71 days until frost
After Tomatoes (harvest ends Sep 9) 36 days until frost
After Zucchini (harvest ends Aug 19) 57 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

18.7 hours

Summer solstice daylight

Shortest Day

5.3 hours

Winter solstice daylight

Peak Sun Hours

12.2 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 6h 11h 15h 20h 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 6.1 hr 2.5 hr Short day
February 8.7 hr 3.9 hr Short day
March 11.3 hr 5.2 hr Short day
April 14.3 hr 7.2 hr Long day
May 17 hr 10.3 hr Long day
June 18.7 hr 11.1 hr Long day
July 18 hr 12.2 hr Long day
August 15.5 hr 9.3 hr Long day
September 12.5 hr 7.5 hr Neutral
October 9.7 hr 5.2 hr Short day
November 6.9 hr 2.7 hr Short day
December 5.3 hr 2.1 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 Jul through Aug.

Best Month to Compost

Jul

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 -14°C -9°C ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks
Feb -15°C -11°C ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks
Mar -7°C -7°C ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks
Apr 2°C -1°C ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks
May 10°C 7°C 🐢 Slow ~24 weeks
Jun 15°C 13°C ♻️ Active ~14 weeks
Jul 20°C 16°C 🔥 Peak ~8 weeks
Aug 20°C 17°C 🔥 Peak ~8 weeks
Sep 16°C 14°C ♻️ Active ~14 weeks
Oct 6°C 9°C 🐢 Slow ~24 weeks
Nov -2°C 3°C ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks
Dec -10°C -5°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 Hay River

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

Insect Pest Pressure

4.7 / 10

Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.

Disease Risk

2.2 / 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 Low 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 Hay River

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 12 Aug 3 Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds
White clover May 11 Jul 27 ✓ 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 21 Sep 7 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 28 May 24 Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed
Winter rye Jul 8 May 24 Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil
Winter wheat Jul 14 May 17 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: 20 km/h   Summer: 15 km/h

Fall: 14 km/h   Winter: 18 km/h

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

Windbreak Benefit

5.5/10

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

Frost Pocket Risk

Low

Relatively flat terrain (25 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

31,692 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 16.8 inches of rain per year
  • A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 8,373 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 Hay River

Soil Type

Permafrost Soil

Amend with compost each season to maintain fertility and structure.

Watering Needs

With 16.7 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 Hay River

87 vegetables that grow well in Zone 3a with planting dates for Hay River.

Show all 87 vegetables with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Acorn Squash Apr 26 Jun 21 Jun 28 Sep 20 – Oct 25 80–100
Amaranth Apr 5 Jun 21 Jun 28 Sep 27 – Nov 1 90–120
Arugula Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Jul 12 – Sep 13 30–50
Asparagus Jun 21 730–1095
Beets May 31 Jul 26 – Aug 23 50–70
Belgian Endive Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Sep 27 – Oct 11 110–150
Black Beans Jun 21 Sep 20 – Oct 25 90–120
Bok Choy Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Jul 19 – Aug 23 40–60
Broccoli Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Aug 9 – Sep 20 60–90
Broccoli Rabe Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Jul 19 – Aug 23 40–60
Brussels Sprouts Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Sep 6 – Oct 11 90–130
Butternut Squash Apr 26 Jun 21 Jun 28 Sep 27 – Nov 1 85–110
Cabbage Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Aug 9 – Oct 4 60–100
Carrots May 31 Aug 2 – Sep 6 60–80
Cauliflower Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Aug 2 – Oct 4 55–100
Celeriac Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Sep 20 – Oct 11 100–120
Celery Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Aug 30 – Oct 11 80–120
Celtuce Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Aug 9 – Sep 20 60–90
Chard Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Aug 2 – Sep 20 50–60
Chickpeas Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Aug 30 – Oct 11 80–110
Chicory Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Aug 9 – Sep 20 60–85
Chinese Cabbage Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Aug 2 – Aug 30 50–70
Collard Greens Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Aug 2 – Oct 4 55–75
Corn Jun 21 Aug 23 – Oct 18 60–100
Cress Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Jun 21 – Jul 12 14–21
Crookneck Squash Apr 26 Jun 21 Jun 28 Aug 16 – Sep 13 45–60
Cucumber Apr 26 Jun 21 Jun 28 Aug 23 – Oct 18 50–70
Daikon May 31 Jul 26 – Aug 23 50–70
Delicata Squash Apr 26 Jun 21 Jun 28 Sep 20 – Oct 25 80–100
Edamame Jun 21 Sep 6 – Oct 18 75–100
Endive Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Jul 26 – Aug 30 45–65
Escarole Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Aug 2 – Aug 30 50–70
Fava Beans Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Aug 23 – Oct 4 75–100
Garlic 90–240
Green Beans Jun 21 Aug 16 – Oct 11 50–65
Horseradish Jun 21 Oct 25 120–180
Hubbard Squash Apr 26 Jun 21 Jun 28 Oct 11 – Nov 1 100–120
Kabocha Apr 26 Jun 21 Jun 28 Sep 27 – Oct 25 85–100
Kai Lan Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Jul 26 – Aug 23 45–60
Kale Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Aug 2 – Sep 27 50–70
Kidney Beans Jun 21 Sep 20 – Oct 25 85–110
Kohlrabi Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Jul 26 – Aug 30 45–65
Komatsuna Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Jul 12 – Aug 16 35–50
Leeks Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Sep 6 – Oct 11 90–150
Lentils Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Aug 30 – Oct 11 80–110
Lettuce Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Jul 12 – Sep 20 30–60
Lima Beans Jun 21 Aug 23 – Oct 4 60–90
Mache Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Jul 19 – Aug 23 40–60
Microgreens Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Jun 14 – Jul 12 7–21
Mizuna Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Jul 12 – Aug 9 30–45
Mustard Greens Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Jul 12 – Sep 13 30–50
Napa Cabbage Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Aug 2 – Sep 6 55–75
Onion Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Sep 6 – Oct 11 90–120
Pac Choi Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Jul 19 – Aug 16 40–55
Parsnip May 31 Sep 13 – Oct 4 100–130
Patty Pan Squash Apr 26 Jun 21 Jun 28 Aug 16 – Sep 13 45–60
Peas Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Aug 2 – Sep 27 55–70
Peppers Mar 22 Jun 21 Jun 28 Aug 30 – Nov 1 60–90
Pole Beans Apr 5 Jun 21 Jun 28 Aug 23 – Oct 18 55–70
Potatoes Apr 5 Jun 21 Jun 28 Sep 6 – Nov 1 70–120
Pumpkin Apr 26 Jun 21 Jun 28 Sep 27 – Nov 1 85–120
Purslane Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Jul 19 – Aug 23 40–60
Radish May 31 Jun 28 – Jul 19 22–35
Rhubarb Jul 5 365–730
Romanesco Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Aug 23 – Oct 4 75–100
Rutabaga May 31 Aug 23 – Sep 27 80–100
Salsify May 31 Sep 13 – Oct 4 100–130
Savoy Cabbage Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Aug 16 – Oct 11 70–110
Scallions Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Aug 2 – Aug 30 50–70
Scarlet Runner Beans Apr 5 Jun 21 Jun 28 Aug 30 – Oct 4 60–80
Shiso Apr 12 Jun 14 Jun 28 Aug 23 – Oct 18 50–70
Snap Peas Apr 5 Jun 21 Jun 28 Aug 23 – Oct 18 55–70
Snow Peas Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Aug 2 – Sep 27 50–65
Soybeans Jun 21 Sep 13 – Oct 25 80–120
Spaghetti Squash Apr 26 Jun 21 Jun 28 Sep 27 – Oct 25 85–100
Spinach Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Jul 12 – Sep 13 35–50
Squash (Summer) Apr 26 Jun 21 Jun 28 Aug 16 – Oct 18 45–65
Squash (Winter) Apr 26 Jun 21 Jun 28 Sep 20 – Nov 1 80–120
Sunchoke Jun 21 Oct 11 – Oct 25 110–150
Sunflower Apr 5 Jun 21 Jun 28 Sep 6 – Oct 25 70–100
Sweet Corn Jun 21 Aug 23 – Oct 4 60–90
Tatsoi Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Jul 12 – Aug 16 35–50
Tomatoes Apr 5 Jun 21 Jun 28 Aug 30 – Nov 1 60–85
Turnip May 31 Jul 12 – Aug 16 40–60
Watercress Apr 26 May 31 Jun 7 Jul 19 – Aug 23 40–60
Wax Beans Jun 21 Aug 16 – Oct 11 50–65
Zucchini Apr 26 Jun 21 Jun 28 Aug 16 – Oct 11 45–60

🍓 Fruits to Grow in Hay River

15 fruits that grow well in Zone 3a with planting dates for Hay River.

Show all 15 fruits with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Alpine Strawberries Jul 5 Oct 4 – Nov 8 90–180
Aronia Jul 5 730–1095
Blueberries Jul 5 730–1095
Cranberries Jul 5 730–1095
Currants Jul 5 730–1095
Elderberries Jul 5 730–1095
Goji Berries Jul 5 730–1095
Gooseberries Jul 5 730–1095
Hardy Kiwi Jul 5 1095–1825
Haskaps Jul 5 730–1095
Jostaberry Jul 5 730–1095
Lingonberries Jul 5 730–1095
Raspberries Jul 5 365–730
Serviceberries Jul 5 730–1095
Strawberries Jul 5 Oct 4 – Nov 8 90–365

🌿 Herbs to Grow in Hay River

22 herbs that grow well in Zone 3a with planting dates for Hay River.

Show all 22 herbs with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Angelica Apr 26 May 31 May 31 365–730
Bee Balm Jun 14 Sep 13 – Oct 18 90–120
Borage Apr 26 May 31 May 31 Jul 26 – Sep 13 50–60
Caraway Apr 26 May 31 May 31 365–450
Catnip Jun 14 Aug 16 – Oct 18 60–80
Chamomile Apr 26 May 31 May 31 Aug 2 – Oct 4 60–90
Chervil Apr 26 May 31 May 31 Jul 12 – Sep 13 40–60
Chives Jun 14 Aug 16 – Oct 18 60–90
Cilantro Apr 26 May 31 May 31 Jul 12 – Sep 13 40–60
Comfrey Jun 14 Aug 16 – Oct 18 60–90
Dill Apr 26 May 31 May 31 Jul 12 – Sep 13 40–60
Echinacea Jun 14 Oct 18 120–180
Garlic Chives Jun 14 Aug 16 – Oct 18 60–90
Horehound Jun 14 Aug 30 – Oct 18 75–90
Hyssop Jun 14 Aug 23 – Oct 18 70–90
Lemon Balm Jun 14 Aug 16 – Oct 4 60–70
Lovage Jun 14 Aug 23 – Oct 18 70–90
Mint Jun 14 Aug 16 – Oct 18 60–90
Parsley Apr 26 May 31 May 31 Aug 2 – Oct 4 60–80
Sorrel Apr 26 May 31 May 31 Jul 12 – Sep 13 40–60
Valerian Jun 14 Oct 18 120–180
Yarrow Jun 14 Sep 13 – Oct 18 90–120

Monthly Planting Guide for Hay River

Gardening Guides & Resources

Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Hay River.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hay River 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.