Fort McMurray, AB — Planting Guide
Fort McMurray is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 27 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 127 days.
At an elevation of 1,213 ft, Fort McMurray receives approximately 18.1 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 64°F with winter lows around -4°F. The predominant soil type is Dark Brown Chernozem.
🌡️ Zone
3b (-35°F to -30°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
May 27
🍂 First Frost
October 1
📅 Growing Season
127 days
⛰️ Elevation
1,213 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
18.1 in
Monthly Watering Calendar
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0.9 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Feb | 0.8 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Mar | 1.3 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Apr | 1.6 in | 11 days | — | None |
| May | 2.3 in | 12 days | 2 in | High |
| Jun | 2 in | 8 days | 2.3 in | High |
| Jul | 1.9 in | 8 days | 2.4 in | High |
| Aug | 1.8 in | 8 days | 2.5 in | High |
| Sep | 1.8 in | 7 days | 2.5 in | High |
| Oct | 1.6 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Nov | 1.2 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Dec | 0.9 in | 8 days | — | None |
Annual total: 18.1 in. 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.
Fort McMurray Soil Profile
Soil Type
Dark Brown Chernozem
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Gardening Difficulty Score
Fort McMurray is a very forgiving place to garden. Most plants thrive here with minimal effort.
Local Gardening Help in Fort McMurray
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 Fort McMurray's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Fort McMurray 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 Fort McMurray
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Fort McMurray
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Fort McMurray'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 Fort McMurray AB" or "garden center Fort McMurray" 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 Fort McMurray AB" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Fort McMurray 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
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Longest Day
17.5 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
6.5 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
10.7 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 | 7.2 hr | 3 hr | Short day |
| February | 9.2 hr | 3.9 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.4 hr | 5.4 hr | Short day |
| April | 14 hr | 7.4 hr | Long day |
| May | 16.2 hr | 9.6 hr | Long day |
| June | 17.5 hr | 10.5 hr | Long day |
| July | 16.9 hr | 10.7 hr | Long day |
| August | 14.9 hr | 9.6 hr | Long day |
| September | 12.5 hr | 7.5 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10 hr | 5.4 hr | Short day |
| November | 7.7 hr | 3 hr | Short day |
| December | 6.5 hr | 2.4 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 60°F+
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 4" Deep | Soil 8" Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7°F | 14°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 6°F | 14°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 18°F | 19°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 33°F | 33°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 49°F | 45°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Jun | 58°F | 52°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 66°F | 59°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 67°F | 62°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 60°F | 57°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Oct | 46°F | 46°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Nov | 29°F | 35°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 13°F | 24°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
Highlighted rows = soil 60°F+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.
Pest & Disease Pressure in Fort McMurray
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 4 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Low | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage worms | Moderate | 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 Fort McMurray
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 1 | Jul 30 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| White clover | Apr 26 | Jul 23 | ✓ 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 8 | Sep 10 | — | 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 18 | May 6 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 7 | May 6 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jun 28 | May 6 | — | 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: 14 mph Summer: 8 mph
Fall: 10 mph Winter: 13 mph
Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
7.2/10
Strongly recommended — a windbreak (fence, hedge, or row of tall crops like corn or sunflowers) will significantly improve garden yields.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (122 ft 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
9,021 gal
Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)
Recommended Setup
8 rain barrels (55 gal each)
For a typical 500 sq ft garden. Serious collectors: consider a 2,000 gal 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, 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 18.1 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 9,021 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 Fort McMurray
Soil Type
Dark Brown Chernozem
Amend with compost each season to maintain fertility and structure.
Watering Needs
With 18.1 inches annually, regular irrigation is essential. Drip systems and heavy mulching conserve water.
Season Tips
127-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 Fort McMurray
87 vegetables that grow well in Zone 3b with planting dates for Fort McMurray.
Show all 87 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Apr 15 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Sep 9 – Oct 14 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 25 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Sep 16 – Oct 21 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 1 – Sep 2 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | Jun 10 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | May 20 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 12 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Sep 16 – Sep 30 | 110–150 |
| Black Beans | — | Jun 10 | — | Sep 9 – Oct 14 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 8 – Aug 12 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 29 – Sep 9 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 8 – Aug 12 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 26 – Sep 30 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 15 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Sep 16 – Oct 21 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 29 – Sep 23 | 60–100 |
| Carrots | — | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Aug 26 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 22 – Sep 23 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Sep 9 – Sep 30 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 19 – Sep 30 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 29 – Sep 9 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 22 – Sep 9 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 19 – Sep 30 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 29 – Sep 9 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 22 – Aug 19 | 50–70 |
| Collard Greens | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 22 – Sep 23 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Jun 10 | — | Aug 12 – Oct 7 | 60–100 |
| Cress | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jun 10 – Jul 1 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Apr 15 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 5 – Sep 2 | 45–60 |
| Cucumber | Apr 15 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 12 – Oct 7 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | May 20 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 12 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Apr 15 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Sep 9 – Oct 14 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | Jun 10 | — | Aug 26 – Oct 7 | 75–100 |
| Endive | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 15 – Aug 19 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 22 – Aug 19 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 12 – Sep 23 | 75–100 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | — | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | Jun 10 | — | Aug 5 – Sep 30 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | Jun 10 | Oct 14 | 120–180 |
| Hubbard Squash | Apr 15 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Sep 30 – Oct 21 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Apr 15 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Sep 16 – Oct 14 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 15 – Aug 12 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Jun 10 | — | Sep 9 – Oct 14 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 15 – Aug 19 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 1 – Aug 5 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 26 – Sep 30 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 19 – Sep 30 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 1 – Sep 9 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Jun 10 | — | Aug 12 – Sep 23 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 8 – Aug 12 | 40–60 |
| Microgreens | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jun 3 – Jul 1 | 7–21 |
| Mizuna | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 1 – Jul 29 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 1 – Sep 2 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 22 – Aug 26 | 55–75 |
| Onion | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 26 – Sep 30 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 8 – Aug 5 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | May 20 | — | Sep 2 – Sep 23 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Apr 15 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 5 – Sep 2 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Mar 11 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 19 – Oct 21 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 25 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 12 – Oct 7 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 25 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 26 – Oct 21 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 15 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Sep 16 – Oct 21 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 8 – Aug 12 | 40–60 |
| Radish | — | May 20 | — | Jun 17 – Jul 8 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Jun 24 | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 12 – Sep 23 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | May 20 | — | Aug 12 – Sep 16 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | May 20 | — | Sep 2 – Sep 23 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 5 – Sep 30 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 22 – Aug 19 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 25 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 19 – Sep 23 | 60–80 |
| Shiso | Apr 1 | Jun 3 | Jun 17 | Aug 12 – Oct 7 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 25 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 12 – Oct 7 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | Jun 10 | — | Sep 2 – Oct 14 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 15 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Sep 16 – Oct 14 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 1 – Sep 2 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Apr 15 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 5 – Oct 7 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Apr 15 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Sep 9 – Oct 21 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | Jun 10 | Sep 30 – Oct 14 | 110–150 |
| Sunflower | Mar 25 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 26 – Oct 14 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Jun 10 | — | Aug 12 – Sep 23 | 60–90 |
| Tatsoi | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 1 – Aug 5 | 35–50 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 25 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 19 – Oct 21 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | May 20 | — | Jul 1 – Aug 5 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 8 – Aug 12 | 40–60 |
| Wax Beans | — | Jun 10 | — | Aug 5 – Sep 30 | 50–65 |
| Zucchini | Apr 15 | Jun 10 | Jun 17 | Aug 5 – Sep 30 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Fort McMurray
15 fruits that grow well in Zone 3b with planting dates for Fort McMurray.
Show all 15 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jun 24 | Sep 23 – Oct 28 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Jun 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Jun 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Jun 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Jun 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Jun 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jun 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Jun 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Jun 24 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jun 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Jun 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jun 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Jun 24 | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jun 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jun 24 | Sep 23 – Oct 28 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Fort McMurray
22 herbs that grow well in Zone 3b with planting dates for Fort McMurray.
Show all 22 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 20 | — | 365–730 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | Jun 3 | Sep 2 – Oct 7 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 20 | Jul 15 – Sep 2 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 20 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | Jun 3 | Aug 5 – Oct 7 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 20 | Jul 22 – Sep 23 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 20 | Jul 1 – Sep 2 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | Jun 3 | Aug 5 – Oct 7 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 20 | Jul 1 – Sep 2 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | Jun 3 | Aug 5 – Oct 7 | 60–90 |
| Dill | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 20 | Jul 1 – Sep 2 | 40–60 |
| Echinacea | — | — | Jun 3 | Oct 7 | 120–180 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | Jun 3 | Aug 5 – Oct 7 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | Jun 3 | Aug 19 – Oct 7 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | Jun 3 | Aug 12 – Oct 7 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | Jun 3 | Aug 5 – Sep 23 | 60–70 |
| Lovage | — | — | Jun 3 | Aug 12 – Oct 7 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | Jun 3 | Aug 5 – Oct 7 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 20 | Jul 22 – Sep 23 | 60–80 |
| Sorrel | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 20 | Jul 1 – Sep 2 | 40–60 |
| Valerian | — | — | Jun 3 | Oct 7 | 120–180 |
| Yarrow | — | — | Jun 3 | Sep 2 – Oct 7 | 90–120 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Fort McMurray
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Fort McMurray.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Fort McMurray, AB?
Fort McMurray is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. This zone classification determines which perennial plants survive winter and sets the baseline for frost timing across the county.
When is the last frost in Fort McMurray, AB?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Fort McMurray falls around May 27. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Fort McMurray, AB?
The median first fall frost in Fort McMurray arrives around October 1. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Is Fort McMurray a good location for home gardening?
Fort McMurray scores 86/100 (Excellent) on our Microclimate Index, which combines frost reliability, drought pressure, soil challenge, elevation risk, and long-term climate trend. This is an above-average location for home gardening with relatively predictable growing conditions.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Fort McMurray gardeners in Zone 3b 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.
