What to plant this week in Niagara Falls, ON
With the average last frost now firmly behind us on April 21, Niagara Falls gardeners are ready to move warm-season crops like Basil and Cucumber into the ground. The current heat is perfect for harvesting early Bush Beans and Zucchini while finalizing Garlic beds before the summer rains set in.
The next 7 days
Niagara Falls, ONGrowing in Niagara Falls right now
- The clay-heavy soils common in the Niagara Escarpment area require thorough mixing with compost to ensure proper drainage for newly transplanted Warm-season crops like Melons and Pumpkins.
- Protect tender seedlings from frequent afternoon thunderstorms typical of this region by using row covers or temporary shade cloth until plants establish deep roots.
- Take advantage of the mild microclimate near the river to start overwintering Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle) in a sheltered spot rather than risking frost damage outdoors.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
41 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
- Lima Bean
- Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian)
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Pumpkin
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Sweet Potato
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow bush beans and cucumbers every two weeks for continuous harvests through August.
- Mulch heavily around young transplants and newly planted garlic to retain moisture as daytime temperatures rise.
- Pinch back the tips of bush beans and zucchini plants once they reach 6 inches to encourage branching and heavier fruit production.
Pest & disease watch
- Monitor for early-season aphid colonies on new Basil and Shiso leaves, which thrive in our humid summers.
- Watch for squash vine borers attacking Zucchini and Summer Squash plants as temperatures rise above 75°F.
- Check Garlic rows for onion maggots if heavy rain has softened the soil around the bulbs.
Watering this week
Water deeply at the base of plants early in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal diseases.
Harvest zucchini and summer squash frequently when they are small (6 inches) to signal the plant to keep producing fruit.
Niagara Falls gardening questions
3Can I plant my Sweet Corn now that the frost date is past?
Yes, the April 21 average last frost means Sweet Corn can be sown directly into the ground this week once the soil feels warm to the touch.
What should I do about my Garlic that was planted earlier?
Since Garlic is listed for harvest soon, check if you are looking at spring varieties ready for a test pull or overwintering cloves.
Are there specific pests I should watch for on my Watermelon and Cantaloupe?
The combination of our high humidity and sandy loam soils often invites squash bugs and spider mites on these cucurbits.
Other cities in zone 6b
12See the full zone 6b guide → · Plan your Niagara Falls garden in SproutGuide →