What to plant this week in Niagara Falls, ON
Niagara's unique microclimate keeps the frost-free window open well into late October, allowing you to pull your Daikon radishes before the first hard freeze on Oct 24. While the -5°F winter minimum is standard for Zone 6b, the city's heavy clay soils and high humidity require specific attention this week as garlic goes in.
The next 7 days
Niagara Falls, ONGrowing in Niagara Falls right now
- Niagara Falls' notoriously heavy clay soil drains poorly; amend planting holes generously with compost before sowing your garlic to prevent bulb rot.
- The city receives significant summer rainfall; ensure garlic rows have good surface drainage or mulch lightly after establishment to keep moisture levels consistent.
- With the last frost averaging April 21, do not attempt any late-season transplants yet; wait for soil temperatures to stabilize well above 50°F before adding new crops next month.
- The local terrain near the gorge often creates wind tunnels on open south-facing slopes; consider using temporary windbreaks for young garlic seedlings.
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
- Cabbage loopers are likely active in nearby brassica patches and will target any early greens planted by late spring residents.
- Slugs thrive in Niagara's humid conditions, especially around the riverfront areas where they can feast on emerging garlic leaves at night.
- Powdery mildew is a persistent threat to squash grown on local farms due to the combination of high humidity and variable fall temperatures.
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.
Niagara Falls gardening questions
3When exactly should I plant my garlic cloves in Niagara Falls?
Now, during this week, is the prime time to sow hardneck or softneck garlic varieties for a summer harvest. Aim to push them into well-prepared, amended soil before the ground freezes solid later in the season.
How do I protect my Daikon radishes from the upcoming frost?
Since your Daikon is on the list to be harvested soon, plan to pull the roots and cure them indoors within a few days of Oct 24. If a hard freeze hits earlier than forecast, cover the plants with row covers immediately as a last resort.
My garlic leaves look yellowish and stunted in the clay; is this normal?
This is often a sign that the heavy local soil is retaining too much moisture or lacks sufficient oxygen for root expansion. Check drainage around the bulbs and consider applying a thin layer of organic matter to improve aeration.
Other cities in zone 6b
12See the full zone 6b guide → · Plan your Niagara Falls garden in SproutGuide →