Saskatoon, SK — Planting Guide
Saskatoon is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.
At an elevation of 1,581 ft, Saskatoon receives approximately 14 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 74°F with winter lows around 8°F. The predominant soil type is Dark Brown Chernozem.
🌡️ Zone
4a (-30°F to -25°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
May 18
🍂 First Frost
October 5
📅 Growing Season
140 days
⛰️ Elevation
1,581 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
14 in
Monthly Watering Calendar
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0.6 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Feb | 0.7 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Mar | 1.1 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Apr | 1.4 in | 9 days | 2.9 in | High |
| May | 1.8 in | 9 days | 2.5 in | High |
| Jun | 1.6 in | 10 days | 2.7 in | High |
| Jul | 1.4 in | 9 days | 2.9 in | High |
| Aug | 1.2 in | 8 days | 3.1 in | Critical |
| Sep | 1.3 in | 7 days | 3 in | High |
| Oct | 1.2 in | 7 days | 3.1 in | Critical |
| Nov | 1 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Dec | 0.8 in | 7 days | — | None |
Annual total: 14.1 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.
Saskatoon Soil Profile
Soil Type
Dark Brown Chernozem
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Gardening Difficulty Score
Saskatoon is a very forgiving place to garden. Most plants thrive here with minimal effort.
Local Gardening Help in Saskatoon
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 Saskatoon's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Saskatoon
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Saskatoon'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 Saskatoon SK" or "garden center Saskatoon" 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 Saskatoon SK" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Saskatoon 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
Sunlight & Day Length
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Longest Day
16.5 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
7.5 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
10.5 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 hr | 3.2 hr | Short day |
| February | 9.6 hr | 4.3 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.5 hr | 5.7 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.6 hr | 7.1 hr | Neutral |
| May | 15.5 hr | 9.4 hr | Long day |
| June | 16.5 hr | 9.9 hr | Long day |
| July | 16.1 hr | 10.5 hr | Long day |
| August | 14.5 hr | 8.8 hr | Long day |
| September | 12.4 hr | 7.4 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.3 hr | 5.2 hr | Short day |
| November | 8.5 hr | 3.3 hr | Short day |
| December | 7.5 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 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 | 12°F | 21°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 15°F | 20°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 25°F | 25°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 38°F | 36°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 53°F | 46°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 61°F | 57°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 68°F | 63°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 69°F | 65°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 63°F | 60°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Oct | 51°F | 51°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Nov | 35°F | 39°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 20°F | 28°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 Saskatoon
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
Insect Pest Pressure
Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.
Disease Risk
Low disease risk — dry conditions reduce fungal problems.
Seasonal Risk
View 5 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage worms | Moderate | 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 Saskatoon
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 3 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| White clover | Apr 22 | Aug 10 | ✓ Yes | Living mulch, fixes nitrogen, permanent ground cover |
Summer Cover Crops (1 options) — Fill gaps and suppress weeds between plantings
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflowers | May 30 | Sep 7 | — | 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 25 | Apr 27 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Jul 30 | Apr 27 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Sep 9 | May 4 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 14 | May 4 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jul 13 | May 4 | — | 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: 12 mph Summer: 10 mph
Fall: 11 mph Winter: 12 mph
Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
7.4/10
Strongly recommended — a windbreak (fence, hedge, or row of tall crops like corn or sunflowers) will significantly improve garden yields.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (111 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
7,027 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, 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 14.1 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 7,027 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 Saskatoon
Soil Type
Dark Brown Chernozem
Amend with compost each season to maintain fertility and structure.
Watering Needs
With 14 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.
Free Garden Planner
Plan your entire garden season — organize planting dates, track what you're growing, and know exactly when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest.
Recommended for Your Garden
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.
Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Saskatoon
96 vegetables that grow well in Zone 4a with planting dates for Saskatoon.
Show all 96 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Apr 6 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Aug 31 – Oct 5 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 16 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Sep 7 – Oct 26 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | Jun 1 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | May 11 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 3 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Sep 7 – Oct 12 | 110–150 |
| Black Beans | — | Jun 1 | — | Aug 31 – Oct 19 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jun 29 – Aug 3 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jul 20 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jun 29 – Aug 3 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Aug 17 – Oct 12 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 6 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Sep 7 – Oct 12 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jul 20 – Sep 14 | 60–100 |
| Carrots | — | May 11 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 17 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jul 13 – Sep 14 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Aug 31 – Oct 5 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Aug 10 – Oct 5 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jul 20 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jul 13 – Aug 31 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Aug 10 – Sep 21 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jul 20 – Aug 31 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jul 13 – Aug 10 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 16 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Aug 31 – Oct 5 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jul 13 – Sep 14 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Jun 1 | — | Aug 3 – Sep 28 | 60–100 |
| Cress | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jun 1 – Jun 22 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Apr 6 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Jul 27 – Aug 24 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | May 11 | — | Oct 12 – Oct 5 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Apr 6 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Aug 3 – Sep 28 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | May 11 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 3 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Apr 6 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Aug 31 – Oct 5 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | Jun 1 | — | Aug 17 – Sep 28 | 75–100 |
| Endive | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jul 6 – Aug 10 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jul 13 – Aug 10 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Aug 3 – Sep 14 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 16 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Aug 10 – Sep 21 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | — | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | Jun 1 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | Jun 1 | Oct 5 – Oct 26 | 120–180 |
| Hubbard Squash | Apr 6 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Sep 21 – Oct 26 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Apr 6 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Sep 7 – Oct 5 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jul 6 – Aug 3 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Jun 1 | — | Aug 31 – Oct 5 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jul 6 – Aug 10 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jun 22 – Jul 27 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Aug 17 – Oct 12 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Aug 10 – Sep 21 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jun 22 – Aug 31 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Jun 1 | — | Aug 3 – Sep 14 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jun 29 – Aug 3 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Apr 6 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Aug 17 – Oct 5 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | May 25 – Jun 22 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 11 | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jun 22 – Jul 20 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jul 13 – Aug 17 | 55–75 |
| Onion | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Aug 17 – Oct 5 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jun 29 – Jul 27 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | May 11 | — | Aug 24 – Oct 5 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Apr 6 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Jul 27 – Aug 24 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Mar 2 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Aug 10 – Oct 19 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 16 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Aug 3 – Sep 28 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 16 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Aug 17 – Oct 26 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 6 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Sep 7 – Oct 26 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jun 29 – Aug 3 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jul 20 – Aug 24 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | May 11 | — | Jun 8 – Jun 29 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Jun 15 | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Aug 3 – Sep 14 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | May 11 | — | Aug 3 – Sep 7 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | May 11 | — | Aug 24 – Oct 5 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jul 13 – Aug 10 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 16 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Aug 10 – Sep 14 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Aug 17 – Oct 5 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 23 | May 25 | Jun 8 | Aug 3 – Sep 28 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 16 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Aug 3 – Sep 28 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | Jun 1 | — | Aug 24 – Oct 19 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 6 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Sep 7 – Oct 5 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Apr 6 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Jul 27 – Sep 28 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Apr 6 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Aug 31 – Oct 26 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | Jun 1 | Sep 21 – Oct 26 | 110–150 |
| Sunflower | Mar 16 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Aug 17 – Oct 5 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Jun 1 | — | Aug 3 – Sep 14 | 60–90 |
| Tatsoi | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jun 22 – Jul 27 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 16 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Aug 10 – Oct 19 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 16 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Aug 10 – Oct 19 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | May 11 | — | Jun 22 – Jul 27 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 18 | Jun 29 – Aug 3 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Apr 6 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Aug 17 – Oct 5 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | Jun 1 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 50–65 |
| Zucchini | Apr 6 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Saskatoon
22 fruits that grow well in Zone 4a with planting dates for Saskatoon.
Show all 22 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jun 15 | Sep 14 – Nov 9 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Jun 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Jun 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jun 15 | Aug 24 – Sep 28 | 70–90 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Jun 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Jun 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Jun 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jun 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Jun 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Jun 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jun 15 | Aug 24 – Oct 19 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Jun 15 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jun 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jun 15 | Sep 7 – Oct 19 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Jun 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jun 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | Jun 15 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Jun 15 | — | 730–1825 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Jun 15 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Jun 15 | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jun 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jun 15 | Sep 14 – Nov 9 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Saskatoon
32 herbs that grow well in Zone 4a with planting dates for Saskatoon.
Show all 32 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 11 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 11 | Aug 10 – Oct 5 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 23 | May 25 | Jun 8 | Aug 3 – Oct 5 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 25 | Aug 24 – Oct 19 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 11 | Jul 6 – Aug 24 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 11 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 25 | Jul 27 – Sep 28 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 11 | Jul 13 – Sep 21 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 11 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 25 | Jul 27 – Oct 5 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 11 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 25 | Jul 27 – Oct 5 | 60–90 |
| Dill | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 11 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 40–60 |
| Echinacea | — | — | May 25 | Sep 28 – Oct 19 | 120–180 |
| Fennel (herb) | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 11 | Jul 13 – Sep 21 | 60–90 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 25 | Jul 27 – Oct 5 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 25 | Aug 10 – Oct 5 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 25 | Aug 3 – Oct 5 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 25 | Jul 27 – Sep 14 | 60–70 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 25 | Aug 3 – Oct 5 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 25 | Jul 27 – Oct 5 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 25 | Jul 27 – Oct 5 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 11 | Jul 13 – Sep 14 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 25 | Aug 3 – Oct 5 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 25 | Aug 10 – Oct 5 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 25 | Jul 20 – Sep 14 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 11 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 25 | Jul 27 – Oct 5 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 23 | May 25 | Jun 8 | Aug 3 – Oct 5 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 25 | Aug 3 – Oct 5 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 25 | Sep 28 – Oct 19 | 120–180 |
| Yarrow | — | — | May 25 | Aug 24 – Oct 19 | 90–120 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Saskatoon
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Saskatoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Saskatoon, SK?
Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon, SK?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Saskatoon falls around May 18. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Saskatoon, SK?
The median first fall frost in Saskatoon arrives around October 5. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Is Saskatoon a good location for home gardening?
Saskatoon scores 82/100 (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 Saskatoon gardeners in Zone 4a 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.
