What to plant this week in Charlottetown, PE
With average last frost dates around May 1, Charlottetown gardeners are finally transitioning from soil prep to active growth this week. The mild coastal air helps warm the Prince Edward Island sandy loams quickly, making it an ideal time to transplant heat-loving crops like basil and zucchini before the mid-July first frost cuts the season short.
The next 7 days
Charlottetown, PEGrowing in Charlottetown right now
- Leverage PEI's fast-draining sandy soil by incorporating compost heavily before planting heavy feeders like pumpkins and corn.
- Utilize the region's moderate rainfall by installing drip irrigation for cucumbers and beans to prevent fungal issues common in humid summers.
- Start your garlic cloves immediately if missed, as they need to be planted now to mature before late October frosts.
- Protect young transplants from occasional chilly coastal gusts using row covers until the soil stabilizes above 50°F.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
42 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Celery
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Dahlia
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia)
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Leek
- Lima Bean
- Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian)
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Nasturtium
- Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine
- Parsnip
- Pole Bean
- Potato
- Pumpkin
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Mulch around transplanted squash and melons to retain moisture as summer heat builds up.
- Succession sow pole beans or sweet corn every two weeks for a continuous harvest throughout July.
- Pinch back tips on basil, celery, and marigolds to encourage bushier growth before the end of the season.
Pest & disease watch
- Monitor for aphids on newly planted beans and nasturtiums, which thrive in our current warm spells.
- Watch for squash vine borers attacking zucchini and yellow summer squash as plants begin to fruit.
- Check cleome and cosmos stems for spider mites, a common issue in PEI's dry, windy summer patches.
Watering this week
Water deeply at soil level in the morning to keep roots cool and reduce evaporation during hot days.
Harvest zucchini and yellow summer squash early in the day when they are most tender and flavorful.
Charlottetown gardening questions
3When is the best time to plant my potato crop in Charlottetown?
Potatoes should be transplanted now that the soil has warmed past frost risk, typically aligning with our May 1 last frost average. Choose early varieties for a quick harvest before late summer or save late varieties for autumn storage.
Can I sow watermelon and cantaloupe directly into my Charlottetown garden bed this week?
Yes, these warm-season crops are listed as ready to transplant now, so they can go straight into the ground if temperatures stay above 60°F. Ensure you have a south-facing slope or use black plastic mulch to maximize heat retention on our sandy soil.
What should I watch for with my ornamental sweet potato vine in this climate?
While the plant grows vigorously now, remember that winter squash and ornamentals like vinca must be brought indoors before the October 15 frost date. Keep the vine well-watered but avoid wetting the leaves to prevent powdery mildew.
Other cities in zone 5b
8See the full zone 5b guide → · Plan your Charlottetown garden in SproutGuide →