Lethbridge, AB — Planting Guide
Lethbridge is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 2,985 ft, Lethbridge receives approximately 23.7 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 74°F with winter lows around 10°F. The predominant soil type is Dark Brown Chernozem.
🌡️ Zone
5a (-20°F to -15°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
May 5
🍂 First Frost
October 12
📅 Growing Season
160 days
⛰️ Elevation
2,985 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
23.7 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 | 7 days | — | None |
| Feb | 1 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Mar | 1.8 in | 9 days | — | None |
| Apr | 2.4 in | 9 days | 1.9 in | High |
| May | 3.1 in | 12 days | 1.2 in | Moderate |
| Jun | 2.8 in | 11 days | 1.5 in | Moderate |
| Jul | 2.4 in | 8 days | 1.9 in | High |
| Aug | 2.3 in | 8 days | 2 in | High |
| Sep | 2.1 in | 6 days | 2.2 in | High |
| Oct | 2.1 in | 7 days | 2.2 in | High |
| Nov | 1.5 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Dec | 1.4 in | 8 days | — | None |
Annual total: 23.8 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.
Lethbridge Soil Profile
Soil Type
Dark Brown Chernozem
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Gardening Difficulty Score
Lethbridge is a very forgiving place to garden. Most plants thrive here with minimal effort.
Local Gardening Help in Lethbridge
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 Lethbridge's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Lethbridge 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 Lethbridge
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Lethbridge
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Lethbridge'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 Lethbridge AB" or "garden center Lethbridge" 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 Lethbridge AB" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Lethbridge 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
16.1 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
7.9 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
10.3 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 | 8.4 hr | 3.2 hr | Short day |
| February | 9.8 hr | 4.2 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.6 hr | 5.4 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.5 hr | 6.8 hr | Neutral |
| May | 15.2 hr | 9.1 hr | Long day |
| June | 16.1 hr | 10 hr | Long day |
| July | 15.7 hr | 10.3 hr | Long day |
| August | 14.2 hr | 8.7 hr | Long day |
| September | 12.3 hr | 7.4 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.5 hr | 5.7 hr | Short day |
| November | 8.8 hr | 3.5 hr | Short day |
| December | 7.9 hr | 3.1 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 60°F+
Soil warm enough from Jun through Sep.
Best Month to Compost
Jul
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
6 months
Solid season. Piles go dormant in winter.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Soil 4" Deep | Soil 8" Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13°F | 22°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 14°F | 21°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 25°F | 27°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 38°F | 36°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 52°F | 48°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 60°F | 57°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 67°F | 63°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 69°F | 65°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 63°F | 60°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Oct | 51°F | 52°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Nov | 33°F | 42°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 23°F | 31°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 Lethbridge
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 5 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Japanese beetles | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Squash bugs | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Tomato hornworms | Moderate | Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage loopers | 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
Cover Crops for Lethbridge
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with county-specific planting dates.
Spring Cover Crops (3 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | May 13 | Aug 3 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| Sorghum-sudan grass | May 18 | Aug 3 | — | Massive biomass, breaks compaction, suppresses nematodes |
| White clover | Apr 6 | Aug 17 | ✓ 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 | May 30 | Sep 28 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
Fall Cover Crops (6 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austrian winter peas | Aug 11 | Apr 14 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, good for heavy clay soils |
| Daikon radish | Aug 24 | Apr 21 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Aug 3 | Apr 21 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Sep 5 | Apr 14 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 10 | Apr 21 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jul 22 | Apr 14 | — | 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: 11 mph Summer: 8 mph
Fall: 9 mph Winter: 11 mph
Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
5.3/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (197 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
11,861 gal
Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)
Recommended Setup
7 rain barrels (55 gal each)
For a typical 500 sq ft garden. Serious collectors: consider a 1,000 gal 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
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 23.8 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 11,861 gallons annually
- Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
- Use a first-flush diverter to keep roof debris out of your collection
Soil & Growing Conditions in Lethbridge
Soil Type
Dark Brown Chernozem
Amend with compost each season to maintain fertility and structure.
Watering Needs
With 23.7 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.
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 Lethbridge
106 vegetables that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Lethbridge.
Show all 106 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | Aug 11 – Sep 15 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | Aug 18 – Oct 6 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 19 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 21 | — | Jun 16 – Jul 14 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Aug 25 – Oct 20 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | May 12 | — | Aug 11 – Sep 29 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 7 – Aug 18 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Aug 4 – Sep 29 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | Aug 11 – Oct 6 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 21 | — | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 30 – Sep 1 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 28 – Sep 22 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 7 – Aug 18 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 30 – Aug 18 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 7 – Aug 18 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 30 – Jul 28 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | Aug 11 – Sep 15 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 30 – Sep 1 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 12 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | May 12 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | May 19 – Jun 9 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 7 – Aug 4 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 21 | — | Sep 22 – Oct 6 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 21 | — | Jun 16 – Jul 14 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | Aug 11 – Sep 15 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 12 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Feb 24 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 28 – Sep 29 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 30 – Jul 28 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | — | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 12 | — | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 19 | Sep 22 – Nov 3 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Feb 24 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 28 – Nov 3 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | Sep 1 – Oct 6 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | Aug 18 – Sep 15 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 23 – Jul 21 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 30 – Aug 25 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 12 | — | Aug 11 – Sep 15 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 9 – Jul 14 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Aug 4 – Oct 20 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 9 – Aug 18 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 12 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 28 – Sep 15 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | May 12 – Jun 9 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jun 23 – Aug 18 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 9 – Jul 7 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 30 – Aug 4 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 14 – Aug 11 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Aug 4 – Sep 22 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 16 – Jul 14 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 21 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 15 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 7 – Aug 4 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 30 – Aug 25 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 24 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 28 – Oct 6 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | Aug 18 – Oct 6 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 7 – Aug 11 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 21 | — | May 19 – Jun 9 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | May 26 | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 21 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 18 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 21 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 15 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 30 – Jul 28 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 21 – Aug 25 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Aug 4 – Sep 22 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 17 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 30 – Aug 25 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 12 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 29 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | Aug 18 – Sep 15 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 7 – Sep 8 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | Aug 11 – Oct 6 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 19 | Sep 8 – Nov 3 | 110–150 |
| Sunflower | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 28 – Sep 15 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 12 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | Aug 18 – Oct 6 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 9 – Jul 14 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 21 | — | Jun 2 – Jul 7 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 28 – Sep 15 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 12 | — | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | Aug 18 – Oct 6 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Lethbridge
27 fruits that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Lethbridge.
Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | May 26 | Aug 25 – Nov 10 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | May 26 | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | May 26 | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | May 26 | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | May 26 | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | May 26 | Aug 4 – Sep 8 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | May 26 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | May 26 | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | May 26 | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | May 26 | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | May 26 | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | May 26 | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | May 26 | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | May 26 | Aug 4 – Sep 29 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | May 26 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | May 26 | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | May 26 | Aug 18 – Sep 29 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | May 26 | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | May 26 | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | May 26 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | May 26 | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | May 26 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | May 26 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | May 26 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | May 26 | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | May 26 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | May 26 | Aug 25 – Nov 10 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Lethbridge
37 herbs that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Lethbridge.
Show all 37 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jul 28 – Oct 13 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 17 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 14 – Sep 15 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 12 | Aug 11 – Oct 27 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jun 23 – Aug 11 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 12 | Jul 14 – Sep 15 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jun 30 – Sep 8 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 12 | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 12 | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Aug 11 – Oct 13 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 40–60 |
| Echinacea | — | — | May 12 | Sep 15 – Oct 27 | 120–180 |
| Epazote | Mar 17 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jun 30 – Sep 8 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | May 12 | Aug 11 – Oct 27 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 12 | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 12 | Jul 28 – Sep 22 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 12 | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 70–90 |
| Lavender | — | — | May 12 | Aug 11 – Oct 27 | 90–200 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 12 | Jul 14 – Sep 1 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | May 12 | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 12 | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 12 | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 12 | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jun 30 – Sep 1 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 12 | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 12 | Jul 28 – Sep 22 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 12 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 12 | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 17 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 14 – Sep 15 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 12 | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 12 | Sep 15 – Oct 27 | 120–180 |
| Yarrow | — | — | May 12 | Aug 11 – Oct 27 | 90–120 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Lethbridge
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Lethbridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Lethbridge, AB?
Lethbridge is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. 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 Lethbridge, AB?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Lethbridge falls around May 5. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Lethbridge, AB?
The median first fall frost in Lethbridge arrives around October 12. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Is Lethbridge a good location for home gardening?
Lethbridge scores 84/100 (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 Lethbridge gardeners in Zone 5a 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.
