Yellowknife, NT — Planting Guide
Yellowknife is in Zone 2b. The average last spring frost is June 17 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 107 days.
At an elevation of 206 m, Yellowknife receives approximately 333 mm of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 18°C with winter lows around -28°C. The predominant soil type is Permafrost Soil.
🌡️ Zone
2b (-45°F to -40°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
June 17
🍂 First Frost
October 2
📅 Growing Season
107 days
⛰️ Elevation
206 m
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
333 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 | 15 mm | 8 days | — | None |
| Feb | 13 mm | 7 days | — | None |
| Mar | 20 mm | 9 days | — | None |
| Apr | 36 mm | 11 days | — | None |
| May | 43 mm | 12 days | 66 mm | High |
| Jun | 38 mm | 8 days | 71 mm | High |
| Jul | 36 mm | 9 days | 74 mm | High |
| Aug | 33 mm | 8 days | 76 mm | High |
| Sep | 30 mm | 7 days | 79 mm | Critical |
| Oct | 28 mm | 9 days | — | None |
| Nov | 20 mm | 7 days | — | None |
| Dec | 18 mm | 9 days | — | None |
Annual total: 330 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.
Yellowknife Soil Profile
Soil Type
Permafrost Soil
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Gardening Difficulty Score
Yellowknife is a very forgiving place to garden. Most plants thrive here with minimal effort.
Local Gardening Help in Yellowknife
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 Yellowknife's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Yellowknife 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 Yellowknife
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Yellowknife
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Yellowknife'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 Yellowknife NT" or "garden center Yellowknife" 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 Yellowknife NT" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Yellowknife 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
Sunlight & Day Length
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Longest Day
19.4 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
4.6 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
12.3 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 | 5.6 hr | 2.3 hr | Short day |
| February | 8.4 hr | 3.8 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.3 hr | 5.2 hr | Short day |
| April | 14.5 hr | 7.7 hr | Long day |
| May | 17.4 hr | 9.7 hr | Long day |
| June | 19.4 hr | 12.3 hr | Long day |
| July | 18.5 hr | 12.3 hr | Long day |
| August | 15.7 hr | 10.1 hr | Long day |
| September | 12.6 hr | 7.5 hr | Neutral |
| October | 9.5 hr | 5.1 hr | Short day |
| November | 6.4 hr | 2.5 hr | Short day |
| December | 4.6 hr | 1.7 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.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Soil 10cm Deep | Soil 20cm Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -14°C | -9°C | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | -16°C | -10°C | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | -9°C | -7°C | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 1°C | 1°C | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 9°C | 7°C | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Jun | 14°C | 11°C | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 19°C | 16°C | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 19°C | 16°C | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 15°C | 14°C | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Oct | 7°C | 9°C | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Nov | -3°C | 2°C | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | -10°C | -4°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 Yellowknife
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 3 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Low | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage worms | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| 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
Wind & Microclimate
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 21 km/h Summer: 15 km/h
Fall: 14 km/h Winter: 20 km/h
Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
4.6/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (71 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
24,523 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, Mar, Nov, 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 13.0 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 6,479 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 Yellowknife
Soil Type
Permafrost Soil
Amend with compost each season to maintain fertility and structure.
Watering Needs
With 13.1 inches annually, regular irrigation is essential. Drip systems and heavy mulching conserve water.
Season Tips
107-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.
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 Yellowknife
38 vegetables that grow well in Zone 2b with planting dates for Yellowknife.
Show all 38 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amaranth | Apr 15 | Jul 1 | Jul 8 | Oct 7 – Nov 25 | 90–120 |
| Beets | — | Jun 10 | — | Aug 5 – Sep 2 | 50–70 |
| Bok Choy | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Jul 29 – Sep 2 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 19 – Sep 30 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Jul 29 – Sep 2 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Sep 16 – Nov 11 | 90–130 |
| Cabbage | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 19 – Oct 14 | 60–100 |
| Cauliflower | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 12 – Oct 14 | 55–100 |
| Celery | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Sep 9 – Nov 4 | 80–120 |
| Chard | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 12 – Sep 30 | 50–60 |
| Chinese Cabbage | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 12 – Sep 9 | 50–70 |
| Collard Greens | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 12 – Oct 14 | 55–75 |
| Cress | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Jul 1 – Jul 22 | 14–21 |
| Daikon | — | Jun 10 | — | Aug 5 – Sep 2 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Sep 2 – Oct 14 | 75–100 |
| Kai Lan | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 5 – Sep 2 | 45–60 |
| Kale | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 12 – Oct 7 | 50–70 |
| Kohlrabi | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 5 – Sep 9 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Jul 22 – Aug 26 | 35–50 |
| Lentils | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Sep 9 – Oct 21 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Jul 22 – Sep 30 | 30–60 |
| Mache | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Jul 29 – Sep 2 | 40–60 |
| Microgreens | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Jun 24 – Jul 22 | 7–21 |
| Mustard Greens | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Jul 22 – Sep 23 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 12 – Sep 16 | 55–75 |
| Pac Choi | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Jul 29 – Aug 26 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Jun 10 | — | Sep 23 – Nov 4 | 100–130 |
| Peas | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 12 – Oct 7 | 55–70 |
| Purslane | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Jul 29 – Sep 2 | 40–60 |
| Radish | — | Jun 10 | — | Jul 8 – Jul 29 | 22–35 |
| Rutabaga | — | Jun 10 | — | Sep 2 – Oct 7 | 80–100 |
| Savoy Cabbage | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 26 – Oct 21 | 70–110 |
| Snap Peas | Apr 15 | Jul 1 | Jul 8 | Sep 2 – Oct 28 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 12 – Oct 7 | 50–65 |
| Spinach | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Jul 22 – Sep 23 | 35–50 |
| Sunflower | Apr 15 | Jul 1 | Jul 8 | Sep 16 – Nov 4 | 70–100 |
| Tatsoi | May 6 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Jul 22 – Aug 26 | 35–50 |
| Turnip | — | Jun 10 | — | Jul 22 – Aug 26 | 40–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Yellowknife
4 fruits that grow well in Zone 2b with planting dates for Yellowknife.
Show all 4 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cranberries | — | — | Jul 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jul 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jul 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jul 15 | — | 730–1095 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Yellowknife
3 herbs that grow well in Zone 2b with planting dates for Yellowknife.
Monthly Planting Guide for Yellowknife
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Yellowknife.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Yellowknife gardeners in Zone 2b 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.
