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Prince Albert, SK — Planting Guide

Prince Albert is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 127 days.

At an elevation of 1,404 ft, Prince Albert receives approximately 9.4 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 67°F with winter lows around -8°F. The predominant soil type is Dark Brown Chernozem.

🌡️ Zone

3b (-35°F to -30°F min)

❄️ Last Frost

May 22

🍂 First Frost

September 26

📅 Growing Season

127 days

⛰️ Elevation

1,404 ft

🌧️ Annual Rainfall

9.4 in

Prince Albert, SK Short season
127 days
Last Spring Frost May 22
127 growing days
First Fall Frost September 26

Monthly Watering Calendar

When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.

1"/wk 0" 1.3" 2.5" 3.8" 5" Jan 0.3" Feb 0.4" Mar 0.7" Apr 0.9" +3.4" May 0.9" +3.1" Jun 1.2" +3.1" Jul 1.2" +3.4" Aug 0.9" +3.4" Sep 0.9" Oct 0.7" Nov 0.7" Dec 0.5"
Rainfall sufficient Supplemental water needed Heavy watering required - - - 1"/week garden need
View detailed monthly data
MonthAvg RainfallRainy DaysExtra Water NeededWatering Effort
Jan 0.3 in 7 days None
Feb 0.4 in 6 days None
Mar 0.7 in 9 days None
Apr 0.9 in 10 days None
May 0.9 in 10 days 3.4 in Critical
Jun 1.2 in 11 days 3.1 in Critical
Jul 1.2 in 8 days 3.1 in Critical
Aug 0.9 in 8 days 3.4 in Critical
Sep 0.9 in 8 days 3.4 in Critical
Oct 0.7 in 7 days None
Nov 0.7 in 6 days None
Dec 0.5 in 8 days None

Annual total: 9.3 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.

Prince Albert Soil Profile

Soil Type

Dark Brown Chernozem

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Gardening Difficulty Score

80 Excellent
Frost Timing Risk
0.0/10
Drought Risk
0.0/10
Soil Difficulty
3.0/10
Altitude Challenge
0.8/10
Climate Shift
0.0/10
Rainfall Challenge
8.2/10

Prince Albert is a very forgiving place to garden. Most plants thrive here with minimal effort.

Zone 3b Frost Countdown
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Loading...
Last Frost: May 22 First Frost: Sep 26

Local Gardening Help in Prince Albert

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 Prince Albert's climate and soil.

County Extension Office

Prince Albert 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 Prince Albert

Soil testing Pest identification
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Prince Albert

Why Buy Local

Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Prince Albert'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 Prince Albert SK" or "garden center Prince Albert" 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 Prince Albert SK" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Prince Albert Gardeners" or "Saskatchewan 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
After Cabbage (harvest ends Aug 12) 64 days until frost
After Carrots (harvest ends Jul 22) 85 days until frost
After Zucchini (harvest ends Aug 19) 57 days until frost
After Tomatoes (harvest ends Sep 9) 36 days until frost
After Squash (Summer) (harvest ends Aug 26) 50 days until frost
After Squash (Winter) (harvest ends Sep 9) 36 days until frost

Sunlight & Day Length

Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.

Longest Day

16.7 hours

Summer solstice daylight

Shortest Day

7.3 hours

Winter solstice daylight

Peak Sun Hours

10.7 hr/day peak (summer)

Peak sun hours (green dashed line below) account for cloud cover — this is the usable direct sunlight your garden actually receives. Most vegetables need 6+ peak sun hours.

14hr 12hr 1h 5h 10h 14h 18h Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Daylight hours (sunrise to sunset) Peak sun hours (direct sunlight after cloud cover) ▪ Gold zone = long day (14+ hr) ▪ Blue zone = short day (<12 hr)

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
MonthDaylight HoursPeak Sun HoursDay Length
January 7.8 hr 3 hr Short day
February 9.5 hr 4.1 hr Short day
March 11.5 hr 5.3 hr Short day
April 13.7 hr 7 hr Neutral
May 15.6 hr 9.5 hr Long day
June 16.7 hr 10.7 hr Long day
July 16.2 hr 10.5 hr Long day
August 14.6 hr 9.1 hr Long day
September 12.4 hr 6.9 hr Neutral
October 10.3 hr 5.3 hr Short day
November 8.3 hr 3.3 hr Short day
December 7.3 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 Calendar

Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.

Plant Warm Crops When

Soil reaches 60°F+

Soil warm enough from Jul through Sep.

Best Month to Compost

Jul

Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.

Active Composting

4 months

Short season — insulate pile or use indoor vermicomposting.

60°F 70°F 20° 40° 60° 80° Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
4" depth 8" depth - - - 60°F (corn, beans) - - - 70°F (tomatoes, peppers)
View detailed monthly data
MonthSoil 4" DeepSoil 8" DeepCompost ActivityTime to Finish
Jan 3°F 15°F ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks
Feb 5°F 13°F ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks
Mar 19°F 21°F ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks
Apr 33°F 32°F ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks
May 46°F 43°F 🐢 Slow ~24 weeks
Jun 59°F 54°F ♻️ Active ~14 weeks
Jul 68°F 59°F 🔥 Peak ~8 weeks
Aug 66°F 61°F 🔥 Peak ~8 weeks
Sep 60°F 58°F ♻️ Active ~14 weeks
Oct 44°F 47°F 🐢 Slow ~24 weeks
Nov 29°F 34°F ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks
Dec 14°F 24°F ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks

Highlighted rows = soil 60°F+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.

Pest & Disease Pressure in Prince Albert

Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.

Insect Pest Pressure

4.1 / 10

Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.

Disease Risk

1.9 / 10

Low disease risk — dry conditions reduce fungal problems.

Seasonal Risk

Spring Low
Summer Moderate
Fall Low
Winter Low
View 4 common pests in your area
PestRisk LevelPeak Months
Aphids Low Jun, Jul, Aug
Cabbage worms Low Jun, Jul, Aug
Flea beetles Low May, Jun, Jul
Slugs 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 Prince Albert

Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with county-specific planting dates.

Spring Cover Crops (2 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
Crop Plant By Terminate N-Fixing Soil Benefit
Buckwheat May 28 Aug 1 Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds
White clover Apr 26 Jul 25 ✓ Yes Living mulch, fixes nitrogen, permanent ground cover
Summer Cover Crops (1 options) — Fill gaps and suppress weeds between plantings
Crop Plant By Terminate N-Fixing Soil Benefit
Sunflowers Jun 15 Sep 5 Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects
Fall Cover Crops (3 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
Crop Plant By Terminate N-Fixing Soil Benefit
Oats Aug 14 May 8 Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed
Winter rye Jun 17 May 1 Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil
Winter wheat Jul 1 May 1 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: 9 mph

Fall: 9 mph   Winter: 11 mph

Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.

Windbreak Benefit

5.5/10

Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.

Frost Pocket Risk

Low

Relatively flat terrain (268 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

4,635 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, May, Jun, Jul

Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.

Months to Draw From Storage

Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Aug, Sep, Oct, 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 9.3 inches of rain per year
  • A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 4,635 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 Prince Albert

Soil Type

Dark Brown Chernozem

Amend with compost each season to maintain fertility and structure.

Watering Needs

With 9.4 inches annually, regular irrigation is essential. Drip systems and heavy mulching conserve water.

Season Tips

127-day frost-free season

A short season means indoor starts are critical for warm-season crops. Prioritise cold-hardy, fast-maturing varieties and use row covers to extend autumn harvests.

Free Garden Planner

Plan your entire garden season — organize planting dates, track what you're growing, and know exactly when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest.

Get My Free Planner →

Recommended for Your Garden

🧪
Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

📏
Digital pH Meter $10-20

Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.

🍂
Organic Compost $8-30

Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.

🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Prince Albert

87 vegetables that grow well in Zone 3b with planting dates for Prince Albert.

Show all 87 vegetables with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Acorn Squash Apr 10 Jun 5 Jun 12 Sep 4 – Oct 9 80–100
Amaranth Mar 20 Jun 5 Jun 12 Sep 11 – Oct 16 90–120
Arugula Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jun 26 – Aug 28 30–50
Asparagus Jun 5 730–1095
Beets May 15 Jul 10 – Aug 7 50–70
Belgian Endive Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Sep 11 – Sep 25 110–150
Black Beans Jun 5 Sep 4 – Oct 9 90–120
Bok Choy Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 3 – Aug 7 40–60
Broccoli Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 24 – Sep 4 60–90
Broccoli Rabe Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 3 – Aug 7 40–60
Brussels Sprouts Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Aug 21 – Sep 25 90–130
Butternut Squash Apr 10 Jun 5 Jun 12 Sep 11 – Oct 16 85–110
Cabbage Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 24 – Sep 18 60–100
Carrots May 15 Jul 17 – Aug 21 60–80
Cauliflower Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 17 – Sep 18 55–100
Celeriac Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Sep 4 – Sep 25 100–120
Celery Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Aug 14 – Sep 25 80–120
Celtuce Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 24 – Sep 4 60–90
Chard Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 17 – Sep 4 50–60
Chickpeas Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Aug 14 – Sep 25 80–110
Chicory Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 24 – Sep 4 60–85
Chinese Cabbage Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 17 – Aug 14 50–70
Collard Greens Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 17 – Sep 18 55–75
Corn Jun 5 Aug 7 – Oct 2 60–100
Cress Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jun 5 – Jun 26 14–21
Crookneck Squash Apr 10 Jun 5 Jun 12 Jul 31 – Aug 28 45–60
Cucumber Apr 10 Jun 5 Jun 12 Aug 7 – Oct 2 50–70
Daikon May 15 Jul 10 – Aug 7 50–70
Delicata Squash Apr 10 Jun 5 Jun 12 Sep 4 – Oct 9 80–100
Edamame Jun 5 Aug 21 – Oct 2 75–100
Endive Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 10 – Aug 14 45–65
Escarole Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 17 – Aug 14 50–70
Fava Beans Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Aug 7 – Sep 18 75–100
Garlic 90–240
Green Beans Jun 5 Jul 31 – Sep 25 50–65
Horseradish Jun 5 Oct 9 120–180
Hubbard Squash Apr 10 Jun 5 Jun 12 Sep 25 – Oct 16 100–120
Kabocha Apr 10 Jun 5 Jun 12 Sep 11 – Oct 9 85–100
Kai Lan Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 10 – Aug 7 45–60
Kale Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 17 – Sep 11 50–70
Kidney Beans Jun 5 Sep 4 – Oct 9 85–110
Kohlrabi Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 10 – Aug 14 45–65
Komatsuna Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jun 26 – Jul 31 35–50
Leeks Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Aug 21 – Sep 25 90–150
Lentils Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Aug 14 – Sep 25 80–110
Lettuce Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jun 26 – Sep 4 30–60
Lima Beans Jun 5 Aug 7 – Sep 18 60–90
Mache Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 3 – Aug 7 40–60
Microgreens Apr 10 May 15 May 22 May 29 – Jun 26 7–21
Mizuna Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jun 26 – Jul 24 30–45
Mustard Greens Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jun 26 – Aug 28 30–50
Napa Cabbage Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 17 – Aug 21 55–75
Onion Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Aug 21 – Sep 25 90–120
Pac Choi Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 3 – Jul 31 40–55
Parsnip May 15 Aug 28 – Sep 18 100–130
Patty Pan Squash Apr 10 Jun 5 Jun 12 Jul 31 – Aug 28 45–60
Peas Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 17 – Sep 11 55–70
Peppers Mar 6 Jun 5 Jun 12 Aug 14 – Oct 16 60–90
Pole Beans Mar 20 Jun 5 Jun 12 Aug 7 – Oct 2 55–70
Potatoes Mar 20 Jun 5 Jun 12 Aug 21 – Oct 16 70–120
Pumpkin Apr 10 Jun 5 Jun 12 Sep 11 – Oct 16 85–120
Purslane Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 3 – Aug 7 40–60
Radish May 15 Jun 12 – Jul 3 22–35
Rhubarb Jun 19 365–730
Romanesco Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Aug 7 – Sep 18 75–100
Rutabaga May 15 Aug 7 – Sep 11 80–100
Salsify May 15 Aug 28 – Sep 18 100–130
Savoy Cabbage Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 31 – Sep 25 70–110
Scallions Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 17 – Aug 14 50–70
Scarlet Runner Beans Mar 20 Jun 5 Jun 12 Aug 14 – Sep 18 60–80
Shiso Mar 27 May 29 Jun 12 Aug 7 – Oct 2 50–70
Snap Peas Mar 20 Jun 5 Jun 12 Aug 7 – Oct 2 55–70
Snow Peas Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 17 – Sep 11 50–65
Soybeans Jun 5 Aug 28 – Oct 9 80–120
Spaghetti Squash Apr 10 Jun 5 Jun 12 Sep 11 – Oct 9 85–100
Spinach Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jun 26 – Aug 28 35–50
Squash (Summer) Apr 10 Jun 5 Jun 12 Jul 31 – Oct 2 45–65
Squash (Winter) Apr 10 Jun 5 Jun 12 Sep 4 – Oct 16 80–120
Sunchoke Jun 5 Sep 25 – Oct 9 110–150
Sunflower Mar 20 Jun 5 Jun 12 Aug 21 – Oct 9 70–100
Sweet Corn Jun 5 Aug 7 – Sep 18 60–90
Tatsoi Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jun 26 – Jul 31 35–50
Tomatoes Mar 20 Jun 5 Jun 12 Aug 14 – Oct 16 60–85
Turnip May 15 Jun 26 – Jul 31 40–60
Watercress Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 3 – Aug 7 40–60
Wax Beans Jun 5 Jul 31 – Sep 25 50–65
Zucchini Apr 10 Jun 5 Jun 12 Jul 31 – Sep 25 45–60

🍓 Fruits to Grow in Prince Albert

15 fruits that grow well in Zone 3b with planting dates for Prince Albert.

Show all 15 fruits with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Alpine Strawberries Jun 19 Sep 18 – Oct 23 90–180
Aronia Jun 19 730–1095
Blueberries Jun 19 730–1095
Cranberries Jun 19 730–1095
Currants Jun 19 730–1095
Elderberries Jun 19 730–1095
Goji Berries Jun 19 730–1095
Gooseberries Jun 19 730–1095
Hardy Kiwi Jun 19 1095–1825
Haskaps Jun 19 730–1095
Jostaberry Jun 19 730–1095
Lingonberries Jun 19 730–1095
Raspberries Jun 19 365–730
Serviceberries Jun 19 730–1095
Strawberries Jun 19 Sep 18 – Oct 23 90–365

🌿 Herbs to Grow in Prince Albert

22 herbs that grow well in Zone 3b with planting dates for Prince Albert.

Show all 22 herbs with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Angelica Apr 10 May 15 May 15 365–730
Bee Balm May 29 Aug 28 – Oct 2 90–120
Borage Apr 10 May 15 May 15 Jul 10 – Aug 28 50–60
Caraway Apr 10 May 15 May 15 365–450
Catnip May 29 Jul 31 – Oct 2 60–80
Chamomile Apr 10 May 15 May 15 Jul 17 – Sep 18 60–90
Chervil Apr 10 May 15 May 15 Jun 26 – Aug 28 40–60
Chives May 29 Jul 31 – Oct 2 60–90
Cilantro Apr 10 May 15 May 15 Jun 26 – Aug 28 40–60
Comfrey May 29 Jul 31 – Oct 2 60–90
Dill Apr 10 May 15 May 15 Jun 26 – Aug 28 40–60
Echinacea May 29 Oct 2 120–180
Garlic Chives May 29 Jul 31 – Oct 2 60–90
Horehound May 29 Aug 14 – Oct 2 75–90
Hyssop May 29 Aug 7 – Oct 2 70–90
Lemon Balm May 29 Jul 31 – Sep 18 60–70
Lovage May 29 Aug 7 – Oct 2 70–90
Mint May 29 Jul 31 – Oct 2 60–90
Parsley Apr 10 May 15 May 15 Jul 17 – Sep 18 60–80
Sorrel Apr 10 May 15 May 15 Jun 26 – Aug 28 40–60
Valerian May 29 Oct 2 120–180
Yarrow May 29 Aug 28 – Oct 2 90–120

Monthly Planting Guide for Prince Albert

Gardening Guides & Resources

Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Prince Albert.

Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zone is Prince Albert, SK?

Prince Albert is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. This zone classification determines which perennial plants survive winter and sets the baseline for frost timing across the county.

When is the last frost in Prince Albert, SK?

Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Prince Albert falls around May 22. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.

When is the first fall frost in Prince Albert, SK?

The median first fall frost in Prince Albert arrives around September 26. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.

Is Prince Albert a good location for home gardening?

Prince Albert scores 80/100 (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 Prince Albert gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Level Up Your Garden

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates represent 50% probability averages; local conditions vary by elevation and microclimate. Last updated: April 2026.