When to Plant Carrots in Saskatoon, SK
Carrots are a popular root vegetable available in orange, purple, white, and yellow varieties. They are rich in beta-carotene and have a sweet, earthy flavor.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 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 feet, Saskatoon receives approximately 14 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly dark brown chernozem soil. Summer highs average 74°F, so choose short-season varieties of Carrots to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Carrots successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Saskatoon Soil Profile
Soil Type
Dark Brown Chernozem
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Carrots Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
How to Plant Carrots
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Carrots Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Carrots
Carrots needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Carrots Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 1.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 1.6" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 1.4" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 1.2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.3" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 1.2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Saskatoon). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Carrots Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Carrots Planting Timeline — Saskatoon, SK
Carrots Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 1 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Aug 17 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.8 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
140 days in Saskatoon
Growing Tips for Carrots in Saskatoon
Common pests for Carrots in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Sow seeds directly in loose, stone-free soil for straight roots. Keep soil moist until germination which can take 2-3 weeks. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
Recommended Carrots Varieties for Saskatoon
Fast-maturing varieties for your season
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot). Biennial — requires two seasons.
Carrots in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Carrots in Saskatoon, SK?
Saskatoon is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Saskatoon, SK?
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is October 5.
Your Saskatoon Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Saskatoon (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.