Edmonton, AB — Planting Guide
Edmonton is in Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.
At an elevation of 668 m, Edmonton receives approximately 442 mm of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 21°C with winter lows around -14°C. The predominant soil type is Dark Brown Chernozem.
🌡️ Zone
4b (-25°F to -20°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
May 13
🍂 First Frost
October 7
📅 Growing Season
147 days
⛰️ Elevation
668 m
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
442 mm
Monthly Watering Calendar for Edmonton
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~25 mm/week most gardens need.
Why it matters: Watering by the calendar wastes water. Watering by the soil moisture (or by a free rain gauge) cuts your water use 30%+ and produces healthier roots. Edmonton's 17" annual baseline is the starting point.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 15 mm | 7 days | — | None |
| Feb | 20 mm | 7 days | — | None |
| Mar | 30 mm | 8 days | — | None |
| Apr | 41 mm | 8 days | 69 mm | High |
| May | 48 mm | 11 days | 61 mm | High |
| Jun | 53 mm | 8 days | 56 mm | High |
| Jul | 51 mm | 9 days | 58 mm | High |
| Aug | 53 mm | 7 days | 56 mm | High |
| Sep | 33 mm | 7 days | 76 mm | High |
| Oct | 33 mm | 6 days | 76 mm | High |
| Nov | 30 mm | 8 days | — | None |
| Dec | 28 mm | 8 days | — | None |
Annual total: 437 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.
Edmonton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Dark Brown Chernozem
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Gardening Difficulty Score
Edmonton is a very forgiving place to garden. Most plants thrive here with minimal effort.
Local Gardening Help in Edmonton
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 Edmonton's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Edmonton 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 Edmonton
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Edmonton
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Edmonton'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 Edmonton AB" or "garden center Edmonton" 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 Edmonton AB" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Edmonton Gardeners" or "Alberta 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 in Edmonton
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Why this matters: Lettuce and cilantro "bolt" (go to seed) when days lengthen. Knowing your day-length curve helps you time spring plantings to harvest before the bolting trigger hits. Edmonton's daylight ranges shape the planting calendar.
Longest Day
16.8 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
7.2 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
10.5 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 | 7.8 hr | 3 hr | Short day |
| February | 9.5 hr | 4.1 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.5 hr | 5.6 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.7 hr | 7.3 hr | Neutral |
| May | 15.7 hr | 9.1 hr | Long day |
| June | 16.8 hr | 10.3 hr | Long day |
| July | 16.3 hr | 10.5 hr | Long day |
| August | 14.6 hr | 8.7 hr | Long day |
| September | 12.4 hr | 7.1 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.2 hr | 5.4 hr | Short day |
| November | 8.3 hr | 3.3 hr | Short day |
| December | 7.2 hr | 2.6 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting in Edmonton
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Quick context: Soil temperature is a leading indicator. A black plastic mulch can warm soil 5-10°F faster than bare ground — meaningful in Edmonton's spring if you're trying to plant tomatoes earlier.
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 | -8°C | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | -11°C | -8°C | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | -6°C | -5°C | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 2°C | 1°C | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 9°C | 8°C | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Jun | 15°C | 12°C | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 20°C | 16°C | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 21°C | 17°C | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 14°C | 15°C | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Oct | 8°C | 9°C | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Nov | 0°C | 3°C | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | -8°C | -3°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 Edmonton
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
Why it matters: Pest and disease pressure is the X-factor most beginners under-plan for. Edmonton's climate determines whether you can mostly "plant and see" or whether you need a pest-management routine from the first seedling.
Insect Pest Pressure
Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.
Disease Risk
Low disease risk — dry conditions reduce fungal problems.
Seasonal Risk
View 5 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage worms | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Colorado potato beetle | Low | Jun, Jul |
| Flea beetles | Low | May, Jun, Jul |
| Slugs | Low | May, 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 Edmonton
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with planting dates calibrated for your area.
The practical takeaway: The "chop and drop" approach to cover crops: cut them down right before flowering, let them lay on the surface as mulch, plant your vegetables through the mulch. Less work, healthier soil.
Spring Cover Crops (2 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | May 26 | Jul 29 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| White clover | Apr 12 | Aug 12 | ✓ 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 12 | Sep 9 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
Fall Cover Crops (5 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daikon radish | Aug 11 | Apr 22 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Jul 13 | Apr 29 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Sep 8 | Apr 22 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 12 | Apr 29 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jul 3 | Apr 22 | — | Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass |
Wind & Microclimate in Edmonton
Why it matters: Pollinators avoid windy days. Edmonton's 8.4 mph average wind isn't enough to stop bees and butterflies — but plant fruiting crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) in protected microclimates and you'll see noticeably better fruit set.
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 18 km/h Summer: 14 km/h
Fall: 17 km/h Winter: 20 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 (48 m range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting in Edmonton
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
Why this matters: Rainwater scales linearly with roof area. A 2,000 sq ft roof in Edmonton captures ~1,200 gallons per 1" of rain — given 17" annual rainfall, that's thousands of gallons a year if you have storage to hold it.
Annual Collection
32,445 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
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
Jan, Feb
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 17.2 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 8,572 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 Edmonton
Soil Type
Dark Brown Chernozem
Amend with compost each season to maintain fertility and structure.
Watering Needs
With 17.4 inches annually, regular irrigation is essential. Drip systems and heavy mulching conserve water.
Season Tips
147-day frost-free season
Start warm-season crops indoors and focus on short-season varieties. Cold frames extend your season by 3–4 weeks in fall.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
Plan every bed, every planting, every harvest — in one place. This 22-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 Edmonton
95 vegetables that grow well in Zone 4b with planting dates for Edmonton.
Show all 95 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Apr 1 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Aug 26 – Sep 30 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 11 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Sep 2 – Oct 21 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 27 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | May 6 | — | Jul 15 | Jul 1 – Jul 29 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Sep 2 – Oct 7 | 110–150 |
| Black Beans | — | May 27 | — | — | Aug 26 – Oct 14 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 15 – Aug 26 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Aug 12 – Oct 7 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 1 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Sep 2 – Oct 7 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 15 – Sep 9 | 60–100 |
| Carrots | — | May 6 | — | Jul 15 | Jul 8 – Aug 12 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 8 – Sep 9 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Aug 26 – Sep 30 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Aug 5 – Sep 30 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 15 – Aug 26 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 8 – Aug 26 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Aug 5 – Sep 16 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 15 – Aug 26 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 8 – Aug 5 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 11 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Aug 26 – Sep 30 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 8 – Sep 9 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 27 | — | — | Jul 29 – Sep 23 | 60–100 |
| Cress | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | May 27 – Jun 17 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Apr 1 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Jul 22 – Aug 19 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | May 6 | — | Jul 15 | Oct 7 – Sep 30 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Apr 1 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 23 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | May 6 | — | Jul 15 | Jul 1 – Jul 29 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Apr 1 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Aug 26 – Sep 30 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 27 | — | — | Aug 12 – Sep 23 | 75–100 |
| Endive | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 1 – Aug 5 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 8 – Aug 5 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 29 – Sep 9 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 11 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Aug 5 – Sep 16 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Nov 25 – Jan 20 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 27 | — | — | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 27 | — | Sep 30 – Oct 21 | 120–180 |
| Hubbard Squash | Apr 1 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Sep 16 – Oct 21 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Apr 1 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Sep 2 – Sep 30 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 1 – Jul 29 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 8 – Sep 2 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 27 | — | — | Aug 26 – Sep 30 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 1 – Aug 5 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jun 17 – Jul 22 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Aug 12 – Oct 7 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Aug 5 – Sep 16 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jun 17 – Aug 26 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 27 | — | — | Jul 29 – Sep 9 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Apr 1 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Aug 12 – Sep 30 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | May 20 – Jun 17 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 6 | Jul 15 | Jul 1 – Aug 26 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jun 17 – Jul 15 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 8 – Aug 12 | 55–75 |
| Onion | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Aug 12 – Sep 30 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jun 24 – Jul 22 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | May 6 | — | Jul 15 | Aug 19 – Sep 30 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Apr 1 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Jul 22 – Aug 19 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 8 – Sep 2 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 25 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Aug 5 – Oct 14 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 11 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 23 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 11 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Aug 12 – Oct 21 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 1 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Sep 2 – Oct 21 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 15 – Aug 19 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | May 6 | — | Jul 15 | Jun 3 – Jun 24 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Jun 10 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 29 – Sep 9 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | May 6 | — | Jul 15 | Jul 29 – Sep 2 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | May 6 | — | Jul 15 | Aug 19 – Sep 30 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 8 – Aug 5 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 11 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Aug 5 – Sep 9 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Aug 12 – Sep 30 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 18 | May 20 | Jun 3 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 23 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 11 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 23 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jul 8 – Sep 2 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 27 | — | — | Aug 19 – Oct 14 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 1 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Sep 2 – Sep 30 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Apr 1 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 23 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Apr 1 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Aug 26 – Oct 21 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 27 | — | Sep 16 – Oct 21 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 27 | — | — | Jul 29 – Sep 9 | 60–90 |
| Tatsoi | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jun 17 – Jul 22 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 11 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Aug 5 – Oct 14 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 11 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Aug 5 – Oct 14 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | May 6 | — | Jul 15 | Jun 17 – Jul 22 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Apr 1 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Aug 12 – Sep 30 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 27 | — | — | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 50–65 |
| Zucchini | Apr 1 | May 27 | Jun 3 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Edmonton
22 fruits that grow well in Zone 4b with planting dates for Edmonton.
Show all 22 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jun 10 | — | Sep 9 – Nov 4 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Jun 10 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Jun 10 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jun 10 | — | Aug 19 – Sep 23 | 70–90 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Jun 10 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Jun 10 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Jun 10 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jun 10 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Jun 10 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Jun 10 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jun 10 | — | Aug 19 – Oct 14 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Jun 10 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jun 10 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jun 10 | — | Sep 2 – Oct 14 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Jun 10 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jun 10 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | Jun 10 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Jun 10 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Jun 10 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Jun 10 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jun 10 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jun 10 | — | Sep 9 – Nov 4 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Edmonton
30 herbs that grow well in Zone 4b with planting dates for Edmonton.
Show all 30 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 6 | Jul 15 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 6 | Jul 15 | Aug 5 – Sep 30 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 18 | May 20 | Jun 3 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 30 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 20 | — | Aug 19 – Oct 14 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 6 | Jul 15 | Jul 1 – Aug 19 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 6 | Jul 15 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 23 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 6 | Jul 15 | Jul 8 – Sep 16 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 6 | Jul 15 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 30 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 6 | Jul 15 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 30 | 60–90 |
| Dill | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 6 | Jul 15 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 | 40–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 6 | Jul 15 | Jul 8 – Sep 16 | 60–90 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 30 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 20 | — | Aug 5 – Sep 30 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 30 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 9 | 60–70 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 30 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 30 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 30 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 6 | Jul 15 | Jul 8 – Sep 9 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 30 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 20 | — | Aug 5 – Sep 30 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 15 – Sep 9 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Apr 1 | May 6 | May 6 | Jul 15 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 30 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 18 | May 20 | Jun 3 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 30 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 30 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 20 | — | Sep 23 – Oct 14 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Edmonton
49 flowers that grow well in Zone 4b with planting dates for Edmonton.
Show all 49 flowers with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 20 | — | Jul 15 – Sep 30 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Sep 30 – Oct 28 | 28–42 |
| Astilbe | Mar 4 | — | May 27 | — | Aug 19 – Oct 14 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 13 | — | Jul 15 – Sep 16 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Feb 25 | — | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Oct 7 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Mar 4 | May 13 | May 27 | — | Aug 19 – Nov 4 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Mar 4 | — | May 27 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 2 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 13 | — | Jul 1 – Sep 16 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Apr 8 | May 27 | May 27 | — | Jul 29 – Oct 14 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Mar 4 | May 27 | May 27 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 9 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Mar 4 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Aug 12 – Nov 4 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Oct 21 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Jul 1 – Jul 29 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Jul 8 – Aug 5 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Apr 15 | May 27 | May 27 | — | Aug 26 – Nov 4 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Mar 4 | — | May 27 | — | Aug 26 – Nov 4 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Mar 11 | Apr 22 | May 6 | — | Jun 24 – Sep 2 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Mar 4 | May 27 | May 27 | — | Aug 26 – Nov 4 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Mar 4 | May 27 | May 27 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 2 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Mar 18 | May 27 | May 27 | — | Aug 5 – Nov 11 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Feb 25 | — | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Oct 7 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | May 20 | May 20 | — | Aug 19 – Oct 28 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Feb 25 | — | May 27 | — | Aug 26 – Nov 4 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Jul 29 – Aug 19 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Feb 25 | — | May 27 | — | Aug 19 – Oct 21 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Mar 11 | — | May 27 | — | Aug 12 – Oct 14 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | May 27 | — | Jul 22 – Aug 26 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Apr 15 | — | — | Jun 24 – Aug 12 | 60–90 |
| Lilies | — | Division | May 27 | — | Aug 19 – Oct 21 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Mar 4 | — | May 13 | — | Jul 8 – Sep 9 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Mar 4 | May 27 | May 27 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 2 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Apr 1 | May 20 | May 20 | — | Jul 15 – Sep 30 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 20 | — | Jul 15 – Oct 7 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Feb 25 | — | May 13 | — | Jul 8 – Aug 26 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | May 27 | — | Aug 5 – Sep 9 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Mar 11 | — | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Oct 14 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Mar 4 | May 27 | May 27 | — | Aug 19 – Oct 28 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Apr 8 | May 27 | May 27 | — | Jul 15 – Sep 30 | 50–70 |
| Roses | Feb 25 | — | May 27 | — | Aug 19 – Nov 4 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Mar 11 | — | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Oct 7 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Mar 4 | — | May 27 | — | Sep 30 – Nov 25 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Mar 4 | — | May 13 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Apr 22 | May 20 | May 20 | — | Aug 12 – Oct 14 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Mar 25 | May 6 | May 13 | — | Jun 24 – Aug 26 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | May 13 | — | Aug 5 – Sep 23 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Jul 22 – Aug 12 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Feb 25 | — | May 27 | — | Aug 5 – Oct 14 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Mar 4 | May 13 | May 27 | — | Aug 12 – Nov 4 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Oct 14 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Edmonton
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Edmonton.
Your Edmonton Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Edmonton (Zone 4b). 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