What to plant this week in Montreal, QC
Montreal gardeners are officially in the final sprint before the first frost hits around October 15, so this week is all about harvesting your late-season giants like winter squash and pumpkins to store for the cold months. With temperatures dipping toward the zone's -15°F minimum, immediate attention must go to wrapping up annual crops such as zucchini, cucumbers, and basil before the soil freezes.
The next 7 days
Montreal, QCGrowing in Montreal right now
- The limestone-heavy soils common in Montreal drainage basins can be slow-draining; ensure your winter squash and pumpkin beds have excellent surface runoff or raised beds to prevent rot during occasional autumn rains.
- While frost dates average October 15, a late cold snap could arrive early this week; cover any remaining tender harvests like edamame or French marigolds with row fabric or fleece immediately if temps drop near zero.
- Take advantage of the warm soil right now to finish planting your fall garlic cloves, as these need several weeks of growth before winter dormancy sets in.
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
- Watch for late-season aphid swarms on your remaining pole beans and sunflowers as they seek sheltered spots near the ground before freezing.
- Monitor stored squash and pumpkins for squash vine borers, which can be fatal to the plant once temperatures drop and activity slows.
- Check ornamental bottle gourds and zinnias for spider mites that thrive in the dry, windy air often found on Montreal's exposed riverbanks.
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.
Montreal gardening questions
3Should I harvest my winter squash and pumpkins now if there is still frost coming?
Yes, you should pull them immediately before a hard freeze because the cold can damage the rind and shorten their storage life. Wait until the vines have naturally yellowed and dried out slightly after harvesting for best keeping quality.
Can I still plant garlic in late September in Montreal's zone 5b?
Absolutely, this is the prime window to plant garlic before the ground freezes solid around mid-October. Make sure to water them in well so they establish roots before winter dormancy sets in.
How do I protect my edamame and pole beans from early frosts later this month?
Since these are frost-sensitive, cover the plants with breathable row covers or old sheets as soon as temperatures threaten to drop below freezing. Bring them indoors or into a greenhouse if possible once the first hard frost arrives.
Other cities in zone 5b
8See the full zone 5b guide → · Plan your Montreal garden in SproutGuide →