Peterborough, ON — Planting Guide
Peterborough is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 656 ft, Peterborough receives approximately 40.6 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 81°F with winter lows around 17°F. The predominant soil type is Clay Loam.
🌡️ Zone
6b (-5°F to 0°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
April 13
🍂 First Frost
October 17
📅 Growing Season
187 days
⛰️ Elevation
656 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
40.6 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 | 1.9 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Feb | 1.5 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Mar | 2.8 in | 10 days | 1.5 in | Moderate |
| Apr | 4.3 in | 8 days | — | Low |
| May | 4.5 in | 11 days | — | Low |
| Jun | 5.1 in | 10 days | — | Low |
| Jul | 5 in | 8 days | — | Low |
| Aug | 3.8 in | 8 days | 0.5 in | Low |
| Sep | 3.8 in | 8 days | 0.5 in | Low |
| Oct | 3.1 in | 8 days | 1.2 in | Moderate |
| Nov | 2.4 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Dec | 2.5 in | 8 days | — | None |
Annual total: 40.7 in. Gardens typically need ~1 inch of water per week during the growing season. Months marked "None" for extra water are outside the active growing season for your zone — most gardens are dormant and don't need irrigation during those months.
Peterborough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Gardening Difficulty Score
Peterborough is a very forgiving place to garden. Most plants thrive here with minimal effort.
Local Gardening Help in Peterborough
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 Peterborough's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Peterborough 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 Peterborough
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Peterborough
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Peterborough'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 Peterborough ON" or "garden center Peterborough" 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 Peterborough ON" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Peterborough Gardeners" or "Ontario 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
15.3 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
8.7 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
10.1 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 | 9 hr | 3.8 hr | Short day |
| February | 10.2 hr | 4.5 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.6 hr | 5.3 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.2 hr | 6.9 hr | Neutral |
| May | 14.6 hr | 8.5 hr | Long day |
| June | 15.3 hr | 10 hr | Long day |
| July | 15 hr | 10.1 hr | Long day |
| August | 13.8 hr | 8.2 hr | Neutral |
| September | 12.3 hr | 7.1 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.7 hr | 5.6 hr | Short day |
| November | 9.4 hr | 3.8 hr | Short day |
| December | 8.7 hr | 3.4 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 May through Oct.
Best Month to Compost
Jun
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
7 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 | 33°F | 38°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 29°F | 37°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 39°F | 43°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 52°F | 49°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| May | 62°F | 60°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 74°F | 69°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jul | 82°F | 74°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 81°F | 77°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 76°F | 74°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Oct | 63°F | 66°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Nov | 47°F | 55°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Dec | 39°F | 45°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 Peterborough
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
Moderate — watch for mildew and blight during wet periods.
Seasonal Risk
View 6 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Moderate | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Japanese beetles | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Squash vine borers | Moderate | Jun, Jul |
| Tomato hornworms | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Cucumber beetles | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul |
| Stink bugs | Low | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
Organic pest management tips
- Use row covers on susceptible crops during peak pest months
- Apply neem oil preventatively every 7-14 days during active pest season
- Interplant with strong-scented herbs (basil, marigold) to confuse pests
- Hand-pick larger pests (beetles, caterpillars) in early morning when they're sluggish
- Practice crop rotation — never plant the same family in the same spot within 3 years
Cover Crops for Peterborough
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with county-specific planting dates.
Fall Cover Crops (7 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austrian winter peas | Aug 8 | Mar 30 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, good for heavy clay soils |
| Crimson clover | Aug 13 | Mar 30 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, attracts pollinators in spring |
| Daikon radish | Sep 7 | Mar 30 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Jul 24 | Mar 23 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Sep 13 | Mar 23 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 22 | Mar 23 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jul 25 | Mar 23 | — | Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass |
Spring Cover Crops (3 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | Apr 19 | Aug 15 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| Sorghum-sudan grass | Apr 17 | Aug 8 | — | Massive biomass, breaks compaction, suppresses nematodes |
| White clover | Mar 13 | Aug 15 | ✓ 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 7 | Sep 19 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
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: 9 mph
Fall: 9 mph Winter: 12 mph
Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
5/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (298 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
20,284 gal
Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)
Recommended Setup
6 rain barrels (55 gal each)
For a typical 500 sq ft garden. Serious collectors: consider a 1,500 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, Feb, Nov
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 40.7 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 20,284 gallons annually
- Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
- Stock up on stored water before your dry season (Jan, Feb, Nov)
- Use a first-flush diverter to keep roof debris out of your collection
Soil & Growing Conditions in Peterborough
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Retains moisture well but slow to warm in spring. Amend with compost to improve drainage.
Watering Needs
Moderate rainfall (40.6 in.) — plan to water 1–2 times per week during the growing season.
Season Tips
187-day frost-free season
Plenty of time for warm-season crops. Start heat-lovers indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost to maximise your harvest window.
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
Cedar raised bed kit — ideal for poor soil, clay, or small-space gardening.
Improve drainage and aeration in heavy clay soils with horticultural perlite.
Premium blend of topsoil, compost, and perlite formulated for raised beds.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Peterborough
108 vegetables that grow well in Zone 6b with planting dates for Peterborough.
Show all 108 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jul 20 – Aug 24 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jul 27 – Sep 14 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | May 18 – Jul 20 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | Apr 27 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Mar 30 | — | May 25 – Jun 22 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 3 – Sep 28 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jun 29 – Aug 10 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | Apr 20 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 7 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | May 25 – Jun 29 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 15 – Jul 27 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | May 25 – Jun 29 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 31 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 15 – Aug 10 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jul 20 – Sep 14 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 30 | — | Jun 1 – Jul 6 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 8 – Aug 10 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jul 27 – Aug 31 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 15 – Jul 27 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 8 – Jul 27 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jul 6 – Aug 17 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 15 – Jul 27 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 8 – Jul 6 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jul 20 – Aug 24 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 8 – Aug 10 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 17 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 3 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 – May 18 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jun 15 – Jul 13 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Mar 30 | — | Aug 31 – Oct 12 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jun 22 – Aug 17 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Mar 30 | — | May 25 – Jun 22 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jul 20 – Aug 24 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | Apr 20 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 17 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Feb 2 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jul 6 – Sep 7 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 1 – Jul 6 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 8 – Jul 6 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 29 – Aug 10 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jun 29 – Aug 10 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | — | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 15 – Aug 10 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | Apr 27 | Aug 31 – Nov 9 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Feb 2 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jul 6 – Oct 12 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Aug 10 – Sep 14 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 24 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 1 – Jun 29 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 8 – Aug 3 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Apr 20 | — | Jul 20 – Aug 24 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 1 – Jul 6 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | May 18 – Jun 22 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 28 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jul 6 – Aug 17 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | May 18 – Jul 27 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 3 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Aug 10 – Oct 12 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jul 27 – Oct 12 | 90–150 |
| Mache | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | May 25 – Jun 29 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jul 6 – Aug 24 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Apr 20 – May 18 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | Jun 1 – Jul 27 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | May 18 – Jun 15 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | May 18 – Jul 20 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 8 – Jul 13 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jun 22 – Jul 20 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jun 22 – Aug 17 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jul 13 – Aug 31 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | May 25 – Jun 22 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Mar 30 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 24 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jun 15 – Jul 13 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 8 – Aug 3 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 2 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jun 29 – Sep 7 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jun 22 – Aug 17 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jul 6 – Sep 14 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jul 27 – Sep 14 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | May 25 – Jun 29 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 15 – Jul 20 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Mar 30 | — | Apr 27 – May 18 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | May 4 | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 29 – Aug 10 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Mar 30 | — | Jun 22 – Jul 27 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Mar 30 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 24 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 22 – Aug 17 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 8 – Jul 6 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jun 29 – Aug 3 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jul 13 – Aug 31 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Feb 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jun 22 – Aug 17 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jun 22 – Aug 17 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Jun 8 – Aug 3 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | Apr 20 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 24 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | May 18 – Jul 20 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jun 15 – Aug 17 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jul 20 – Sep 14 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | Apr 27 | Aug 17 – Oct 12 | 110–150 |
| Sunflower | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jul 6 – Aug 24 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 3 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jul 27 – Sep 14 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | May 18 – Jun 22 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jun 29 – Sep 7 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jun 29 – Sep 7 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 30 | — | May 11 – Jun 15 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | May 25 – Jun 29 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jul 6 – Aug 24 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 15 – Aug 10 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jul 27 – Sep 14 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jun 22 – Aug 3 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jun 15 – Aug 10 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Peterborough
27 fruits that grow well in Zone 6b with planting dates for Peterborough.
Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | May 4 | Aug 3 – Nov 16 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | May 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | May 4 | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | May 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | May 4 | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | May 4 | Jul 13 – Aug 17 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | May 4 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | May 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | May 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | May 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | May 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | May 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | May 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | May 4 | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | May 4 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | May 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | May 4 | Jul 27 – Sep 7 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | May 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | May 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | May 4 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | May 4 | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | May 4 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | May 4 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | May 4 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | May 4 | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | May 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | May 4 | Aug 3 – Nov 16 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Peterborough
38 herbs that grow well in Zone 6b with planting dates for Peterborough.
Show all 38 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | Jul 6 – Sep 21 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Feb 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | Apr 20 | Jul 20 – Oct 5 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | Jun 1 – Jul 20 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | Apr 20 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | Jun 8 – Aug 17 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | May 18 – Jul 20 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | Apr 20 | Jun 22 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | May 18 – Jul 20 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | Apr 20 | Jun 22 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | Jul 20 – Sep 21 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | May 18 – Jul 20 | 40–60 |
| Echinacea | — | — | Apr 20 | Aug 24 – Nov 2 | 120–180 |
| Epazote | Feb 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jun 15 – Aug 10 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | Jun 8 – Aug 17 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | Apr 20 | Jul 20 – Oct 5 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | Apr 20 | Jun 22 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | Apr 20 | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | Apr 20 | Jun 29 – Aug 31 | 70–90 |
| Lavender | — | — | Apr 20 | Jul 20 – Nov 2 | 90–200 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | Apr 20 | Jun 22 – Aug 10 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | Apr 20 | Jun 29 – Aug 31 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | Apr 20 | Jun 29 – Aug 31 | 70–90 |
| Marjoram | — | — | Apr 20 | Jun 22 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Mint | — | — | Apr 20 | Jun 22 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | Apr 20 | Jun 22 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | Jun 8 – Aug 10 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | Apr 20 | Jun 29 – Aug 31 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | Apr 20 | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | Apr 20 | Jun 15 – Aug 10 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | May 18 – Jul 20 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | Apr 20 | Jun 22 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Feb 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | Apr 20 | Jun 29 – Aug 31 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | Apr 20 | Aug 24 – Nov 2 | 120–180 |
| Yarrow | — | — | Apr 20 | Jul 20 – Oct 5 | 90–120 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Peterborough
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Peterborough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Peterborough, ON?
Peterborough is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. 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 Peterborough, ON?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Peterborough falls around April 13. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Peterborough, ON?
The median first fall frost in Peterborough arrives around October 17. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Is Peterborough a good location for home gardening?
Peterborough scores 95/100 (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
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