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Bathurst, NB — Planting Guide

Bathurst is in Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.

At an elevation of 40 m, Bathurst receives approximately 701 mm of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 23°C with winter lows around -9°C. The predominant soil type is Gray-Brown Podzol.

🌡️ Zone

5a (-20°F to -15°F min)

❄️ Last Frost

May 3

🍂 First Frost

October 10

📅 Growing Season

160 days

⛰️ Elevation

40 m

🌧️ Annual Rainfall

701 mm

Bathurst, NB Moderate season
160 days
Last Spring Frost May 3
160 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Bathurst Soil Profile

Soil Type

Gray-Brown Podzol

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Zone 5a Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: May 3 First Frost: Oct 10

Soil & Growing Conditions in Bathurst

Soil Type

Gray-Brown Podzol

Amend with compost each season to maintain fertility and structure.

Watering Needs

With 27.6 inches annually, regular irrigation is essential. Drip systems and heavy mulching conserve water.

Season Tips

160-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.

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.

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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 Bathurst

106 vegetables that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Bathurst.

Show all 106 vegetables with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Acorn Squash Mar 29 May 10 May 17 Aug 9 – Sep 13 80–100
Amaranth Mar 8 May 10 May 17 Aug 16 – Oct 4 90–120
Arugula Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 7 – Aug 9 30–50
Asparagus May 17 730–1095
Beets Apr 19 Jun 14 – Jul 12 50–70
Belgian Endive Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Aug 23 – Oct 18 110–150
Bitter Melon Mar 8 May 10 May 17 Jul 19 – Aug 30 60–90
Black Beans May 10 Aug 9 – Sep 27 90–120
Bok Choy Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 14 – Jul 19 40–60
Broccoli Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jul 5 – Aug 16 60–90
Broccoli Rabe Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 14 – Jul 19 40–60
Brussels Sprouts Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Aug 2 – Sep 27 90–130
Butternut Squash Mar 29 May 10 May 17 Aug 16 – Sep 20 85–110
Cabbage Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jul 5 – Aug 30 60–100
Calabash Mar 8 May 10 May 17 Aug 9 – Oct 4 80–120
Carrots Apr 19 Jun 21 – Jul 26 60–80
Cauliflower Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 28 – Aug 30 55–100
Celeriac Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Aug 16 – Sep 20 100–120
Celery Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jul 26 – Sep 20 80–120
Celtuce Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jul 5 – Aug 16 60–90
Chard Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 28 – Aug 16 50–60
Chickpeas Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jul 26 – Sep 6 80–110
Chicory Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jul 5 – Aug 16 60–85
Chinese Cabbage Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 28 – Jul 26 50–70
Christmas Lima Beans Mar 8 May 10 May 17 Aug 9 – Sep 13 80–100
Collard Greens Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 28 – Aug 30 55–75
Corn May 10 Jul 12 – Sep 6 60–100
Cowpeas May 10 Jul 12 – Aug 23 60–90
Cress Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 May 17 – Jun 7 14–21
Crookneck Squash Mar 29 May 10 May 17 Jul 5 – Aug 2 45–60
Crosne Apr 19 Sep 20 – Oct 4 150–200
Cucumber Mar 29 May 10 May 17 Jul 12 – Sep 6 50–70
Daikon Apr 19 Jun 14 – Jul 12 50–70
Delicata Squash Mar 29 May 10 May 17 Aug 9 – Sep 13 80–100
Edamame May 10 Jul 26 – Sep 6 75–100
Eggplant Feb 22 May 10 May 17 Jul 26 – Sep 27 65–85
Endive Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 21 – Jul 26 45–65
Escarole Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 28 – Jul 26 50–70
Fava Beans Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jul 19 – Aug 30 75–100
Fennel Mar 8 May 10 May 17 Jul 19 – Aug 30 60–90
Garlic 90–240
Green Beans May 10 Jul 5 – Aug 30 50–65
Horseradish May 17 Sep 20 – Nov 1 120–180
Hot Peppers Feb 22 May 10 May 17 Jul 26 – Nov 1 70–120
Hubbard Squash Mar 29 May 10 May 17 Aug 30 – Oct 4 100–120
Kabocha Mar 29 May 10 May 17 Aug 16 – Sep 13 85–100
Kai Lan Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 21 – Jul 19 45–60
Kale Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 28 – Aug 23 50–70
Kidney Beans May 10 Aug 9 – Sep 13 85–110
Kohlrabi Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 21 – Jul 26 45–65
Komatsuna Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 7 – Jul 12 35–50
Leeks Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Aug 2 – Oct 18 90–150
Lentils Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jul 26 – Sep 6 80–110
Lettuce Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 7 – Aug 16 30–60
Lima Beans May 10 Jul 12 – Aug 23 60–90
Mache Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 14 – Jul 19 40–60
Melon Mar 29 May 10 May 17 Jul 26 – Sep 13 70–100
Microgreens Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 May 10 – Jun 7 7–21
Mitsuba Mar 29 Apr 19 Apr 26 Jun 21 – Aug 16 50–70
Mizuna Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 7 – Jul 5 30–45
Mustard Greens Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 7 – Aug 9 30–50
Napa Cabbage Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 28 – Aug 2 55–75
New Zealand Spinach Mar 8 May 10 May 17 Jul 12 – Aug 9 55–70
Okra Mar 8 May 10 May 17 Jul 12 – Sep 6 50–65
Onion Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Aug 2 – Sep 20 90–120
Pac Choi Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 14 – Jul 12 40–55
Parsnip Apr 19 Aug 2 – Sep 13 100–130
Patty Pan Squash Mar 29 May 10 May 17 Jul 5 – Aug 2 45–60
Peas Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 28 – Aug 23 55–70
Peppers Feb 22 May 10 May 17 Jul 19 – Sep 27 60–90
Pole Beans Mar 8 May 10 May 17 Jul 12 – Sep 6 55–70
Potatoes Mar 8 May 10 May 17 Jul 26 – Oct 4 70–120
Pumpkin Mar 29 May 10 May 17 Aug 16 – Oct 4 85–120
Purslane Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 14 – Jul 19 40–60
Radicchio Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jul 5 – Aug 9 60–80
Radish Apr 19 May 17 – Jun 7 22–35
Rhubarb May 24 365–730
Romanesco Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jul 19 – Aug 30 75–100
Rutabaga Apr 19 Jul 12 – Aug 16 80–100
Salsify Apr 19 Aug 2 – Sep 13 100–130
Savoy Cabbage Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jul 12 – Sep 6 70–110
Scallions Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 28 – Jul 26 50–70
Scarlet Runner Beans Mar 8 May 10 May 17 Jul 19 – Aug 23 60–80
Shallot Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Aug 2 – Sep 20 90–120
Shiso Mar 15 May 10 May 17 Jul 12 – Sep 6 50–70
Snap Peas Mar 8 May 10 May 17 Jul 12 – Sep 6 55–70
Snow Peas Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 28 – Aug 23 50–65
Soybeans May 10 Aug 2 – Sep 27 80–120
Spaghetti Squash Mar 29 May 10 May 17 Aug 16 – Sep 13 85–100
Spinach Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 7 – Aug 9 35–50
Squash (Summer) Mar 29 May 10 May 17 Jul 5 – Sep 6 45–65
Squash (Winter) Mar 29 May 10 May 17 Aug 9 – Oct 4 80–120
Sunchoke May 17 Sep 6 – Nov 1 110–150
Sunflower Mar 8 May 10 May 17 Jul 26 – Sep 13 70–100
Sweet Corn May 10 Jul 12 – Aug 23 60–90
Sweet Potatoes Mar 8 May 10 May 17 Aug 16 – Oct 4 90–120
Tatsoi Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 7 – Jul 12 35–50
Tomatillo Mar 8 May 10 May 17 Jul 19 – Sep 27 60–85
Tomatoes Mar 8 May 10 May 17 Jul 19 – Sep 27 60–85
Turnip Apr 19 May 31 – Jul 5 40–60
Watercress Mar 29 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 14 – Jul 19 40–60
Watermelon Mar 29 May 10 May 17 Jul 26 – Sep 13 70–100
Wax Beans May 10 Jul 5 – Aug 30 50–65
Winter Melon Mar 8 May 10 May 17 Aug 16 – Oct 4 90–120
Yard Long Beans Mar 8 May 10 May 17 Jul 12 – Aug 23 55–80
Zucchini Mar 29 May 10 May 17 Jul 5 – Aug 30 45–60

🍓 Fruits to Grow in Bathurst

27 fruits that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Bathurst.

Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Alpine Strawberries May 24 Aug 23 – Nov 8 90–180
Aronia May 24 730–1095
Blackberries May 24 365–730
Blueberries May 24 730–1095
Boysenberries May 24 365–730
Cantaloupe May 24 Aug 2 – Sep 6 70–90
Che Fruit May 24 1095–1825
Cranberries May 24 730–1095
Currants May 24 730–1095
Elderberries May 24 730–1095
Goji Berries May 24 730–1095
Gooseberries May 24 730–1095
Grapes May 24 730–1095
Ground Cherry May 24 Aug 2 – Sep 27 65–80
Hardy Kiwi May 24 1095–1825
Haskaps May 24 730–1095
Honeydew May 24 Aug 16 – Sep 27 80–110
Jostaberry May 24 730–1095
Lingonberries May 24 730–1095
Medlar May 24 1095–1825
Mulberries May 24 730–1825
Pawpaw May 24 1095–2555
Persimmon May 24 1095–2555
Quince May 24 1095–1825
Raspberries May 24 365–730
Serviceberries May 24 730–1095
Strawberries May 24 Aug 23 – Nov 8 90–365

🌿 Herbs to Grow in Bathurst

37 herbs that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Bathurst.

Show all 37 herbs with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Angelica Mar 29 Apr 19 Apr 26 365–730
Anise Mar 29 Apr 19 Apr 26 Jul 26 – Oct 11 90–120
Basil Mar 15 May 10 May 17 Jul 12 – Sep 13 50–75
Bee Balm May 10 Aug 9 – Oct 25 90–120
Borage Mar 29 Apr 19 Apr 26 Jun 21 – Aug 9 50–60
Caraway Mar 29 Apr 19 Apr 26 365–450
Catnip May 10 Jul 12 – Sep 13 60–80
Chamomile Mar 29 Apr 19 Apr 26 Jun 28 – Sep 6 60–90
Chervil Mar 29 Apr 19 Apr 26 Jun 7 – Aug 9 40–60
Chives May 10 Jul 12 – Sep 20 60–90
Cilantro Mar 29 Apr 19 Apr 26 Jun 7 – Aug 9 40–60
Comfrey May 10 Jul 12 – Sep 20 60–90
Cumin Mar 29 Apr 19 Apr 26 Aug 9 – Oct 11 100–120
Dill Mar 29 Apr 19 Apr 26 Jun 7 – Aug 9 40–60
Echinacea May 10 Sep 13 – Oct 25 120–180
Epazote Mar 15 May 10 May 17 Jul 5 – Aug 30 45–60
Fennel (herb) Mar 29 Apr 19 Apr 26 Jun 28 – Sep 6 60–90
Feverfew May 10 Aug 9 – Oct 25 90–120
Garlic Chives May 10 Jul 12 – Sep 20 60–90
Horehound May 10 Jul 26 – Sep 20 75–90
Hyssop May 10 Jul 19 – Sep 20 70–90
Lavender May 10 Aug 9 – Oct 25 90–200
Lemon Balm May 10 Jul 12 – Aug 30 60–70
Lemon Thyme May 10 Jul 19 – Sep 20 70–90
Lovage May 10 Jul 19 – Sep 20 70–90
Mint May 10 Jul 12 – Sep 20 60–90
Oregano May 10 Jul 12 – Sep 20 60–90
Parsley Mar 29 Apr 19 Apr 26 Jun 28 – Aug 30 60–80
Rue May 10 Jul 19 – Sep 20 70–90
Sage May 10 Jul 26 – Sep 20 75–90
Savory May 10 Jul 5 – Aug 30 50–70
Sorrel Mar 29 Apr 19 Apr 26 Jun 7 – Aug 9 40–60
Tarragon May 10 Jul 12 – Sep 20 60–90
Thai Basil Mar 15 May 10 May 17 Jul 12 – Sep 13 50–75
Thyme May 10 Jul 19 – Sep 20 70–90
Valerian May 10 Sep 13 – Oct 25 120–180
Yarrow May 10 Aug 9 – Oct 25 90–120

Monthly Planting Guide for Bathurst

Gardening Guides & Resources

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

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Bathurst gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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.