Selkirk, MB — Planting Guide
Selkirk is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.
At an elevation of 744 ft, Selkirk receives approximately 13.2 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 70°F with winter lows around 5°F. The predominant soil type is Black Chernozem.
🌡️ Zone
4b (-25°F to -20°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
May 9
🍂 First Frost
October 3
📅 Growing Season
147 days
⛰️ Elevation
744 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
13.2 in
Monthly Watering Calendar for Selkirk
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
Quick context: Watering math is simple: 1 inch of rainfall delivers ~600 gallons to a 1,000 sq ft garden. Selkirk's 13" annual rainfall covers some months entirely; others need a few hours of drip irrigation per week. The calendar tells you which is which.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0.5 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Feb | 0.6 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Mar | 1 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Apr | 1.4 in | 10 days | 2.9 in | High |
| May | 1.4 in | 11 days | 2.9 in | High |
| Jun | 1.5 in | 8 days | 2.8 in | High |
| Jul | 1.5 in | 8 days | 2.8 in | High |
| Aug | 1.5 in | 9 days | 2.8 in | High |
| Sep | 1.1 in | 7 days | 3.2 in | Critical |
| Oct | 1.2 in | 7 days | 3.1 in | Critical |
| Nov | 0.8 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Dec | 0.7 in | 8 days | — | None |
Annual total: 13.2 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.
Selkirk Soil Profile
Soil Type
Black Chernozem
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Gardening Difficulty Score
Selkirk is a very forgiving place to garden. Most plants thrive here with minimal effort.
Local Gardening Help in Selkirk
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 Selkirk's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Selkirk 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 Selkirk
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Selkirk
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Selkirk'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 Selkirk MB" or "garden center Selkirk" 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 Selkirk MB" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Selkirk 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 Selkirk
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Why it matters: Day length is the trigger that tells lettuce, spinach, and cilantro to bolt. In Selkirk, knowing when that day-length threshold arrives helps you plant a final round in time to harvest before it bolts.
Longest Day
16.1 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
7.9 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
10.4 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 | 3.3 hr | Short day |
| February | 9.8 hr | 4.2 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.5 hr | 5.6 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.5 hr | 6.8 hr | Neutral |
| May | 15.2 hr | 9 hr | Long day |
| June | 16.1 hr | 9.9 hr | Long day |
| July | 15.8 hr | 10.4 hr | Long day |
| August | 14.3 hr | 9.1 hr | Long day |
| September | 12.4 hr | 7 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.4 hr | 5.5 hr | Short day |
| November | 8.7 hr | 3.4 hr | Short day |
| December | 7.9 hr | 2.9 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting in Selkirk
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
What this means for you: Soil temperature predicts plant emergence better than calendar dates. Selkirk's spring soil warm-up curve tells you which weeks are safe for direct-sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and corn.
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 | 16°F | 21°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 26°F | 28°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 41°F | 40°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| May | 52°F | 50°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 63°F | 58°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 71°F | 65°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 73°F | 68°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 64°F | 63°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Oct | 53°F | 53°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Nov | 35°F | 42°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 21°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 Selkirk
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
The practical takeaway: Pollinators are the good bugs. Pest pressure is the bad bugs. Selkirk's climate makes both more abundant in warm humid regions, and rarer in cold dry ones — plan habitat to encourage the good while managing the bad.
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 | Low | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Colorado potato beetle | Moderate | Jun, Jul |
| Flea beetles | Low | May, Jun, Jul |
| Slugs | Moderate | 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 Selkirk
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with planting dates calibrated for your area.
What this means for you: 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 11 | Aug 8 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| White clover | Apr 10 | Aug 1 | ✓ 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 5 | — | 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 8 | Apr 25 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Jul 11 | Apr 25 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Aug 20 | Apr 18 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 3 | Apr 25 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jun 26 | Apr 25 | — | Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass |
Wind & Microclimate in Selkirk
Why this matters: Wind affects three things gardeners forget: how fast soil dries (more wind = more watering), whether pollinators can work (calm beats gusty), and whether your trellised crops stay upright. Selkirk sees 8.4 mph on average — a forgiving baseline.
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 12 mph Summer: 8 mph
Fall: 10 mph Winter: 11 mph
Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
5.2/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (170 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting in Selkirk
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
Why this matters: Rainwater is unchlorinated, unfluoridated, and at ambient temperature — plants actually prefer it. Selkirk's 13" annual rainfall means even a small 50-gallon barrel catches enough for a few weeks of garden watering between storms.
Annual Collection
6,578 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
Apr, Jun, Jul, Aug
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
Jan, Feb, Nov, 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 13.2 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 6,578 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 Selkirk
Soil Type
Black Chernozem
Amend with compost each season to maintain fertility and structure.
Watering Needs
With 13.2 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 Selkirk
95 vegetables that grow well in Zone 4b with planting dates for Selkirk.
Show all 95 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 28 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Aug 22 – Sep 26 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 7 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Aug 29 – Oct 17 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jun 13 – Aug 15 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | May 2 | — | Jul 11 | Jun 27 – Jul 25 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Aug 29 – Oct 3 | 110–150 |
| Black Beans | — | May 23 | — | — | Aug 22 – Oct 10 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jun 20 – Jul 25 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jul 11 – Aug 22 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jun 20 – Jul 25 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Aug 8 – Oct 3 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 28 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Aug 29 – Oct 3 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jul 11 – Sep 5 | 60–100 |
| Carrots | — | May 2 | — | Jul 11 | Jul 4 – Aug 8 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jul 4 – Sep 5 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Aug 22 – Sep 26 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Aug 1 – Sep 26 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jul 11 – Aug 22 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jul 4 – Aug 22 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Aug 1 – Sep 12 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jul 11 – Aug 22 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jul 4 – Aug 1 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 7 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Aug 22 – Sep 26 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jul 4 – Sep 5 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 23 | — | — | Jul 25 – Sep 19 | 60–100 |
| Cress | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | May 23 – Jun 13 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 28 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Jul 18 – Aug 15 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | May 2 | — | Jul 11 | Oct 3 – Sep 26 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 28 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 19 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | May 2 | — | Jul 11 | Jun 27 – Jul 25 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 28 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Aug 22 – Sep 26 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 23 | — | — | Aug 8 – Sep 19 | 75–100 |
| Endive | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jun 27 – Aug 1 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jul 4 – Aug 1 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jul 25 – Sep 5 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 7 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Aug 1 – Sep 12 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Aug 22 | Nov 21 – Jan 16 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 23 | — | — | Jul 18 – Sep 12 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 23 | — | Sep 26 – Oct 17 | 120–180 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 28 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Sep 12 – Oct 17 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Mar 28 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Aug 29 – Sep 26 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jun 27 – Jul 25 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jul 4 – Aug 29 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 23 | — | — | Aug 22 – Sep 26 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jun 27 – Aug 1 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jun 13 – Jul 18 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Aug 8 – Oct 3 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Aug 1 – Sep 12 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jun 13 – Aug 22 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 23 | — | — | Jul 25 – Sep 5 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jun 20 – Jul 25 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Mar 28 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Aug 8 – Sep 26 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | May 16 – Jun 13 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 2 | Jul 11 | Jun 27 – Aug 22 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jun 13 – Jul 11 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jun 13 – Aug 15 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jul 4 – Aug 8 | 55–75 |
| Onion | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Aug 8 – Sep 26 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jun 20 – Jul 18 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | May 2 | — | Jul 11 | Aug 15 – Sep 26 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 28 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Jul 18 – Aug 15 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jul 4 – Aug 29 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 21 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Aug 1 – Oct 10 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 7 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 19 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 7 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Aug 8 – Oct 17 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 28 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Aug 29 – Oct 17 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jun 20 – Jul 25 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jul 11 – Aug 15 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | May 2 | — | Jul 11 | May 30 – Jun 20 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Jun 6 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jul 25 – Sep 5 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | May 2 | — | Jul 11 | Jul 25 – Aug 29 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | May 2 | — | Jul 11 | Aug 15 – Sep 26 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jul 18 – Sep 12 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jul 4 – Aug 1 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 7 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Aug 1 – Sep 5 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Aug 8 – Sep 26 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 14 | May 16 | May 30 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 19 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 7 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 19 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jul 4 – Aug 29 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 23 | — | — | Aug 15 – Oct 10 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 28 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Aug 29 – Sep 26 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jun 13 – Aug 15 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 28 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 19 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 28 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Aug 22 – Oct 17 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 23 | — | Sep 12 – Oct 17 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 23 | — | — | Jul 25 – Sep 5 | 60–90 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jun 13 – Jul 18 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 7 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Aug 1 – Oct 10 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 7 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Aug 1 – Oct 10 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | May 2 | — | Jul 11 | Jun 13 – Jul 18 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 11 | Jun 20 – Jul 25 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 28 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Aug 8 – Sep 26 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 23 | — | — | Jul 18 – Sep 12 | 50–65 |
| Zucchini | Mar 28 | May 23 | May 30 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 12 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Selkirk
22 fruits that grow well in Zone 4b with planting dates for Selkirk.
Show all 22 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jun 6 | — | Sep 5 – Oct 31 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Jun 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Jun 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jun 6 | — | Aug 15 – Sep 19 | 70–90 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Jun 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Jun 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Jun 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jun 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Jun 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Jun 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jun 6 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 10 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Jun 6 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jun 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jun 6 | — | Aug 29 – Oct 10 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Jun 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jun 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | Jun 6 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Jun 6 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Jun 6 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Jun 6 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jun 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jun 6 | — | Sep 5 – Oct 31 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Selkirk
30 herbs that grow well in Zone 4b with planting dates for Selkirk.
Show all 30 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 2 | Jul 11 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 2 | Jul 11 | Aug 1 – Sep 26 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 14 | May 16 | May 30 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 26 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 16 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 10 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 2 | Jul 11 | Jun 27 – Aug 15 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 2 | Jul 11 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 19 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 2 | Jul 11 | Jul 4 – Sep 12 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 2 | Jul 11 | Jun 13 – Aug 15 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 26 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 2 | Jul 11 | Jun 13 – Aug 15 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 26 | 60–90 |
| Dill | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 2 | Jul 11 | Jun 13 – Aug 15 | 40–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 2 | Jul 11 | Jul 4 – Sep 12 | 60–90 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 26 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 16 | — | Aug 1 – Sep 26 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 26 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 5 | 60–70 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 26 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 26 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 26 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 2 | Jul 11 | Jul 4 – Sep 5 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 26 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 16 | — | Aug 1 – Sep 26 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 5 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Mar 28 | May 2 | May 2 | Jul 11 | Jun 13 – Aug 15 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 26 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 14 | May 16 | May 30 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 26 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 26 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 16 | — | Sep 19 – Oct 10 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Selkirk
49 flowers that grow well in Zone 4b with planting dates for Selkirk.
Show all 49 flowers with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Mar 21 | May 16 | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 26 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Aug 22 | Sep 26 – Oct 24 | 28–42 |
| Astilbe | Feb 28 | — | May 23 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 10 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Mar 21 | Apr 25 | May 9 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 12 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Feb 21 | — | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 3 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Feb 28 | May 9 | May 23 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 31 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Feb 28 | — | May 23 | — | Jul 18 – Aug 29 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Mar 21 | Apr 25 | May 9 | — | Jun 27 – Sep 12 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Apr 4 | May 23 | May 23 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 10 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Feb 28 | May 23 | May 23 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 5 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Feb 28 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Aug 8 – Oct 31 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Apr 11 | May 16 | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 17 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Aug 22 | Jun 27 – Jul 25 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Aug 22 | Jul 4 – Aug 1 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Apr 11 | May 23 | May 23 | — | Aug 22 – Oct 31 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Feb 28 | — | May 23 | — | Aug 22 – Oct 31 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Mar 7 | Apr 18 | May 2 | — | Jun 20 – Aug 29 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Feb 28 | May 23 | May 23 | — | Aug 22 – Oct 31 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Feb 28 | May 23 | May 23 | — | Jul 18 – Aug 29 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Mar 14 | May 23 | May 23 | — | Aug 1 – Nov 7 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Feb 21 | — | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 3 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | May 16 | May 16 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 24 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Feb 21 | — | May 23 | — | Aug 22 – Oct 31 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Aug 22 | Jul 25 – Aug 15 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Feb 21 | — | May 23 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 17 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Mar 7 | — | May 23 | — | Aug 8 – Oct 10 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | May 23 | — | Jul 18 – Aug 22 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Apr 11 | — | — | Jun 20 – Aug 8 | 60–90 |
| Lilies | — | Division | May 23 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 17 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Feb 28 | — | May 9 | — | Jul 4 – Sep 5 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Feb 28 | May 23 | May 23 | — | Jul 18 – Aug 29 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Mar 28 | May 16 | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 26 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Apr 11 | May 16 | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Oct 3 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Feb 21 | — | May 9 | — | Jul 4 – Aug 22 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | May 23 | — | Aug 1 – Sep 5 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Mar 7 | — | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 10 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Feb 28 | May 23 | May 23 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 24 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Apr 4 | May 23 | May 23 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 26 | 50–70 |
| Roses | Feb 21 | — | May 23 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 31 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Mar 7 | — | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 3 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Feb 28 | — | May 23 | — | Sep 26 – Nov 21 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Feb 28 | — | May 9 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 12 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Apr 18 | May 16 | May 16 | — | Aug 8 – Oct 10 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Mar 21 | May 2 | May 9 | — | Jun 20 – Aug 22 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Mar 28 | Apr 4 | May 9 | — | Aug 1 – Sep 19 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Aug 22 | Jul 18 – Aug 8 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Feb 21 | — | May 23 | — | Aug 1 – Oct 10 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Feb 28 | May 9 | May 23 | — | Aug 8 – Oct 31 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Apr 11 | May 16 | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 10 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Selkirk
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Selkirk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Selkirk, MB?
Selkirk is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. 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 Selkirk, MB?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Selkirk falls around May 9. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Selkirk, MB?
The median first fall frost in Selkirk arrives around October 3. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Is Selkirk a good location for home gardening?
Selkirk 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 Selkirk Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Selkirk (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