What to plant this week in Hamilton, ON
Hamilton gardeners in Zone 6b should focus on planting garlic this week as the average last frost date of April 21 has passed, signaling that soil is finally safe for root crops. With temperatures hovering near the -5°F winter minimum but currently warming up, now is the perfect time to break ground before the spring rush.
The next 7 days
Hamilton, ONGrowing in Hamilton right now
- Hamilton's clay-heavy soils in the Niagara Escarpment region require thorough tilling and generous compost mixing to ensure garlic cloves establish strong roots early this season.
- Take advantage of the city's urban heat island effect by planting your fall garlic in sunnier microclimates around brick buildings or sidewalks where frost melts faster than in open parks.
- Watch for late spring temperature swings common here; use row covers if a sudden chill threatens young transplants, though none are ready to move out yet.
- Remember that local heavy rains can waterlog low-lying areas near the Mohawk River valley, so ensure drainage trenches are clear before planting.
Sow this week
1 crops- Garlic
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
2 crops- Daikon Radish
- Garlic
Seasonal tips
- Plant hardy garlic cloves immediately in well-drained soil with tips pointing upward.
- Prepare garden beds by loosening compacted soil to encourage healthy root development for next year's crops.
- Apply a layer of compost around existing perennials to protect emerging plants from late frosts.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for onion maggots which often target garlic and alliums as soon as the soil warms up in late spring.
- Spring aphid populations tend to explode quickly on emerging leafy greens; inspect undersides of leaves daily this week.
- Slugs remain a significant threat in Hamilton's damp, wooded garden edges during cool, wet springs.
Watering this week
Water garlic cloves lightly after planting, then wait until the soil is moist but not soggy before watering again.
Since Daikon radish will be ready soon, mark those spots now so you can plant a quick succession crop like lettuce once they are harvested.
Hamilton gardening questions
3When exactly should I plant the garlic bulbs for a fall harvest?
You can sow your garlic now since the risk of hard freezes is low after April 21, but aim to get it in before mid-May if possible. Plant cloves pointy-side up about two inches deep in well-drained soil.
Is there anything I should do for my Daikon radishes that are ready for harvest soon?
Since your Daikon radishes are flagged for early harvest, pull them within the next week before heavy rain makes digging difficult. Gently brush off excess dirt and cure them in a cool, dry spot if you aren't eating them immediately.
How does Hamilton's clay soil affect my garlic storage potential?
Harvested garlic from our local clay soils needs thorough curing in a shaded, airy location for three to four weeks before storage. Ensure the bulbs are completely dry and free of moisture rot to last through the winter months.
Other cities in zone 6b
12See the full zone 6b guide → · Plan your Hamilton garden in SproutGuide →