What to plant this week in Saskatoon, SK
In Saskatoon, the ground remains frozen and temperatures are too low for any outdoor sowing or transplanting this week. With an average last frost still expected around May 15th, your primary focus should be protecting young indoor starts from cold drafts while waiting for the thaw.
The next 7 days
Saskatoon, SKGrowing in Saskatoon right now
- Wait until mid-May to plant cool-season crops like peas directly outside, as soil temps are too low now for germination.
- Keep indoor seedlings in a bright south-facing window or under grow lights; Saskatoon's current light angle provides little warmth to outdoor containers.
- Check drainage holes on pots carefully before any future planting, since the heavy clay soils common in our valley can hold water poorly when they finally thaw.
- Use row covers immediately once soil hits 40°F (4°C) to protect early transplants from our signature late spring chills.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
No harvest windows opening just yet.
Seasonal tips
- Apply fresh compost to beds now to warm the soil before the growing season begins.
- Clear winter debris from garden borders to prevent harboring late-season pests.
- Prepare hardy perennial beds by dividing crowded clumps if they are still dormant.
Pest & disease watch
- Monitor for spring aphids on indoor tomato and pepper starts as temperatures begin to rise indoors.
- Watch for slugs that may emerge in damp basements or garages if snow melts near your greenhouse entrance later this week.
- Keep windows screened tight to prevent early-flying beneficial insects from entering before they are needed outside.
Watering this week
Water deeply only when snowmelt is insufficient, as frozen ground prevents absorption until the soil thaws.
Start indoor seedlings of cool crops like peas or lettuce now to be ready for transplanting in late May.
Saskatoon gardening questions
3Can I plant my vegetable seeds now in Saskatoon soil?
No, the ground is still frozen and too cold for seed germination until after the last frost date of May 15th. Start all vegetables indoors or wait until late May to sow directly outdoors.
When should I stop using row covers on my early lettuce plants?
However, keep them on overnight until after May 15th to shield your greens from any unexpected frost pockets.
Are there specific pests I should worry about for indoor seedlings this week?
Check leaf undersides daily and wipe them down with a damp cloth if you see sticky residue or webbing.
Other cities in zone 3b
4See the full zone 3b guide → · Plan your Saskatoon garden in SproutGuide →