Brandon, MB — Planting Guide
Brandon is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.
At an elevation of 1,341 ft, Brandon receives approximately 15 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 69°F with winter lows around 5°F. The predominant soil type is Black Chernozem.
🌡️ Zone
4a (-30°F to -25°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
May 15
🍂 First Frost
October 2
📅 Growing Season
140 days
⛰️ Elevation
1,341 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
15 in
Monthly Watering Calendar for Brandon
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
For new gardeners: In humid climates, watering is usually about timing (morning, not evening, to prevent disease) more than volume. In dry climates, it's about depth (water deep, less often) more than frequency. Brandon's 15" annual tells you which side you're on.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0.7 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Feb | 0.7 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Mar | 1 in | 9 days | — | None |
| Apr | 1.3 in | 10 days | 3 in | High |
| May | 1.8 in | 11 days | 2.5 in | High |
| Jun | 1.9 in | 10 days | 2.4 in | High |
| Jul | 1.5 in | 8 days | 2.8 in | High |
| Aug | 1.6 in | 8 days | 2.7 in | High |
| Sep | 1.5 in | 8 days | 2.8 in | High |
| Oct | 1.3 in | 7 days | 3 in | High |
| Nov | 1 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Dec | 0.7 in | 8 days | — | None |
Annual total: 15 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.
Brandon Soil Profile
Soil Type
Black Chernozem
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Gardening Difficulty Score
Brandon is a very forgiving place to garden. Most plants thrive here with minimal effort.
Local Gardening Help in Brandon
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 Brandon's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Brandon 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 Brandon
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Brandon
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Brandon'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 Brandon MB" or "garden center Brandon" 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 Brandon MB" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Brandon Gardeners" or "Manitoba 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 Brandon
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
The practical takeaway: Onions are a great example of why day length matters. They "bulb up" only when daylight hits a specific number of hours — plant the wrong variety (short-day in the north, long-day in the south) and you'll get tiny bulbs no matter how well you grow them. Brandon's latitude determines which onion varieties succeed.
Longest Day
16.1 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
7.9 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
10.2 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 | 8.3 hr | 3.4 hr | Short day |
| February | 9.8 hr | 4.1 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.6 hr | 5.6 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.5 hr | 7.3 hr | Neutral |
| May | 15.2 hr | 8.8 hr | Long day |
| June | 16.1 hr | 10.2 hr | Long day |
| July | 15.7 hr | 9.8 hr | Long day |
| August | 14.3 hr | 8.9 hr | Long day |
| September | 12.4 hr | 7.2 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.5 hr | 5.5 hr | Short day |
| November | 8.8 hr | 3.5 hr | Short day |
| December | 7.9 hr | 3 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting in Brandon
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
What this means for you: Cold soil = stunted starts. A bean seed planted in 55°F soil rots before it germinates. Same seed in 65°F soil sprouts in 5 days. Brandon's soil temperature pattern shows you the difference month to month.
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 | 14°F | 20°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 15°F | 22°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 24°F | 28°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 38°F | 38°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 53°F | 49°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 63°F | 58°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 70°F | 64°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 72°F | 66°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 66°F | 63°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Oct | 52°F | 53°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Nov | 34°F | 42°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 19°F | 30°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 Brandon
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
The practical takeaway: Pest score isn't pass/fail. It's a planning input. Higher scores mean: more compost (resilient plants), wider spacing (air circulation), resistant varieties (built-in defense), and inspection (catch issues at egg stage).
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 | Moderate | 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 Brandon
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with planting dates calibrated for your area.
The practical takeaway: Bare soil is wasted soil — it loses nutrients to rain, dries out, compacts, and gets taken over by weeds. Cover crops (clovers, ryegrass, vetch, peas) are the "between seasons" trick that makes soil better every year. In Brandon, you can fit a cover crop into the gaps.
Spring Cover Crops (2 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | May 21 | Jul 24 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| White clover | Apr 19 | Jul 31 | ✓ 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 27 | Sep 11 | — | 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 22 | May 1 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Jul 18 | Apr 24 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Aug 22 | Apr 24 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 13 | May 1 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jun 30 | May 1 | — | Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass |
Wind & Microclimate in Brandon
Why it matters: Wind shapes the garden you don't think about: bee paths, evaporation, structural stress on tomato cages. Brandon's 8.1 mph background level is a baseline you should know before placing the tallest crops (sunflowers, pole beans, sweet corn).
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 13 mph Summer: 8 mph
Fall: 10 mph Winter: 13 mph
Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
6.9/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (241 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting in Brandon
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
Why it matters: A 1,000 sq ft roof captures about 600 gallons from a single 1" rainfall. Brandon gets 15" of rain a year — a couple of well-placed rain barrels can cover most summer watering. In dry climates the math's even better: every captured gallon is one you don't buy.
Annual Collection
7,476 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 2,250 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 15.0 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 7,476 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 Brandon
Soil Type
Black Chernozem
Amend with compost each season to maintain fertility and structure.
Watering Needs
With 15 inches annually, regular irrigation is essential. Drip systems and heavy mulching conserve water.
Season Tips
140-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 Brandon
95 vegetables that grow well in Zone 4a with planting dates for Brandon.
Show all 95 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Aug 28 – Oct 2 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 13 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Sep 4 – Oct 23 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | May 8 | — | Jul 10 | Jul 3 – Jul 31 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Sep 4 – Oct 9 | 110–150 |
| Black Beans | — | May 29 | — | — | Aug 28 – Oct 16 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Aug 14 – Oct 9 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Sep 4 – Oct 9 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 60–100 |
| Carrots | — | May 8 | — | Jul 10 | Jul 10 – Aug 14 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Aug 28 – Oct 2 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Aug 7 – Oct 2 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 10 – Aug 28 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Aug 7 – Sep 18 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 10 – Aug 7 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 13 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Aug 28 – Oct 2 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 29 | — | — | Jul 31 – Sep 25 | 60–100 |
| Cress | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | May 29 – Jun 19 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Jul 24 – Aug 21 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | May 8 | — | Jul 10 | Oct 9 – Oct 2 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Jul 31 – Sep 25 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | May 8 | — | Jul 10 | Jul 3 – Jul 31 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Aug 28 – Oct 2 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 29 | — | — | Aug 14 – Sep 25 | 75–100 |
| Endive | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 3 – Aug 7 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 10 – Aug 7 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 31 – Sep 11 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 13 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Aug 7 – Sep 18 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Aug 21 | Nov 20 – Jan 15 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 29 | — | — | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 29 | — | Oct 2 – Oct 23 | 120–180 |
| Hubbard Squash | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Sep 18 – Oct 23 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Sep 4 – Oct 2 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 3 – Jul 31 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 29 | — | — | Aug 28 – Oct 2 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 3 – Aug 7 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Aug 14 – Oct 9 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Aug 7 – Sep 18 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jun 19 – Aug 28 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 29 | — | — | Jul 31 – Sep 11 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Aug 14 – Oct 2 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | May 22 – Jun 19 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | Jul 10 | Jul 3 – Aug 28 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jun 19 – Jul 17 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 10 – Aug 14 | 55–75 |
| Onion | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Aug 14 – Oct 2 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jun 26 – Jul 24 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | May 8 | — | Jul 10 | Aug 21 – Oct 2 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Jul 24 – Aug 21 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 27 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 16 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 13 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Jul 31 – Sep 25 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 13 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Aug 14 – Oct 23 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Sep 4 – Oct 23 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 17 – Aug 21 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | May 8 | — | Jul 10 | Jun 5 – Jun 26 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Jun 12 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 31 – Sep 11 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | May 8 | — | Jul 10 | Jul 31 – Sep 4 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | May 8 | — | Jul 10 | Aug 21 – Oct 2 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 10 – Aug 7 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 13 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Aug 7 – Sep 11 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Aug 14 – Oct 2 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 20 | May 22 | Jun 5 | — | Jul 31 – Sep 25 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 13 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Jul 31 – Sep 25 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 29 | — | — | Aug 21 – Oct 16 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Sep 4 – Oct 2 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 25 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Aug 28 – Oct 23 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 29 | — | Sep 18 – Oct 23 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 29 | — | — | Jul 31 – Sep 11 | 60–90 |
| Tatsoi | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 13 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 16 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 13 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 16 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | May 8 | — | Jul 10 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Aug 14 – Oct 2 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 29 | — | — | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 50–65 |
| Zucchini | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Brandon
22 fruits that grow well in Zone 4a with planting dates for Brandon.
Show all 22 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jun 12 | — | Sep 11 – Nov 6 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Jun 12 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Jun 12 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jun 12 | — | Aug 21 – Sep 25 | 70–90 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Jun 12 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Jun 12 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Jun 12 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jun 12 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Jun 12 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Jun 12 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jun 12 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 16 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Jun 12 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jun 12 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jun 12 | — | Sep 4 – Oct 16 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Jun 12 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jun 12 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | Jun 12 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Jun 12 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Jun 12 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Jun 12 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jun 12 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jun 12 | — | Sep 11 – Nov 6 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Brandon
30 herbs that grow well in Zone 4a with planting dates for Brandon.
Show all 30 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | Jul 10 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | Jul 10 | Aug 7 – Oct 2 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 20 | May 22 | Jun 5 | — | Jul 31 – Oct 2 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 22 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 16 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | Jul 10 | Jul 3 – Aug 21 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | Jul 10 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 22 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 25 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | Jul 10 | Jul 10 – Sep 18 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | Jul 10 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 22 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 2 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | Jul 10 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 22 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 2 | 60–90 |
| Dill | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | Jul 10 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 40–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | Jul 10 | Jul 10 – Sep 18 | 60–90 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 22 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 2 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 22 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 2 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 22 | — | Jul 31 – Oct 2 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 22 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 11 | 60–70 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 22 | — | Jul 31 – Oct 2 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 22 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 2 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 22 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 2 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | Jul 10 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 22 | — | Jul 31 – Oct 2 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 22 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 2 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 22 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | Jul 10 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 22 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 2 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 20 | May 22 | Jun 5 | — | Jul 31 – Oct 2 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 22 | — | Jul 31 – Oct 2 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 22 | — | Sep 25 – Oct 16 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Brandon
49 flowers that grow well in Zone 4a with planting dates for Brandon.
Show all 49 flowers with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Mar 20 | May 22 | May 22 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 25 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Aug 21 | Oct 2 – Oct 23 | 28–42 |
| Astilbe | Mar 6 | — | May 29 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 16 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Mar 27 | May 1 | May 15 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 18 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Feb 27 | — | May 29 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 9 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Mar 6 | May 15 | May 29 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 30 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Mar 6 | — | May 29 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 4 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Mar 27 | May 1 | May 15 | — | Jul 3 – Sep 18 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Apr 3 | May 29 | May 29 | — | Jul 31 – Oct 16 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Mar 6 | May 29 | May 29 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 4 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Mar 6 | May 22 | May 29 | — | Aug 14 – Oct 30 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Apr 17 | May 22 | May 22 | — | Jul 31 – Oct 16 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Aug 21 | Jun 26 – Jul 17 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Aug 21 | Jul 3 – Jul 24 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Apr 17 | May 29 | May 29 | — | Aug 28 – Oct 30 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Mar 6 | — | May 29 | — | Aug 28 – Oct 30 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Mar 13 | Apr 24 | May 8 | — | Jun 26 – Aug 28 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Mar 6 | May 29 | May 29 | — | Aug 28 – Oct 30 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Mar 6 | May 29 | May 29 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 4 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Mar 20 | May 29 | May 29 | — | Aug 7 – Nov 6 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Feb 27 | — | May 29 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 9 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | May 22 | May 22 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 23 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Feb 27 | — | May 29 | — | Aug 28 – Oct 30 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Aug 21 | Jul 24 – Aug 14 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Feb 27 | — | May 29 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 16 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Mar 13 | — | May 29 | — | Aug 14 – Oct 9 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | May 29 | — | Jul 24 – Aug 21 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Apr 10 | — | — | Jun 19 – Jul 31 | 60–90 |
| Lilies | — | Division | May 29 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 23 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Mar 6 | — | May 15 | — | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Mar 6 | May 29 | May 29 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 4 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Apr 3 | May 29 | May 29 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 9 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Apr 17 | May 29 | May 29 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 9 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Feb 27 | — | May 15 | — | Jul 10 – Aug 28 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | May 29 | — | Aug 7 – Sep 11 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Mar 13 | — | May 29 | — | Aug 14 – Oct 16 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Mar 6 | May 29 | May 29 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 23 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Apr 3 | May 29 | May 29 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 25 | 50–70 |
| Roses | Feb 27 | — | May 29 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 30 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Mar 6 | — | May 29 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 9 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Mar 6 | — | May 29 | — | Oct 2 – Nov 20 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Feb 27 | — | May 15 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Apr 24 | May 29 | May 29 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 16 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Mar 20 | May 8 | May 15 | — | Jun 26 – Aug 28 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | May 15 | — | Aug 7 – Sep 18 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Aug 21 | Jul 17 – Aug 7 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Feb 27 | — | May 29 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 9 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Mar 6 | May 15 | May 29 | — | Aug 14 – Oct 30 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Apr 17 | May 29 | May 29 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 16 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Brandon
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Brandon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Brandon, MB?
Brandon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. 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 Brandon, MB?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Brandon falls around May 15. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Brandon, MB?
The median first fall frost in Brandon arrives around October 2. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Is Brandon a good location for home gardening?
Brandon 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.
Your Brandon Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Brandon (Zone 4a). 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