What to plant this week in Saskatoon, SK
Saskatoon gardeners are currently in a critical holding pattern as the average last frost date isn't until May 15, meaning any early spring transplants risk damage from lingering cold snaps. While you cannot move out tender seedlings yet, this is the perfect time to sow hardy garlic cloves or prepare your soil for the summer crops that will be ready soon.
The next 7 days
Saskatoon, SKGrowing in Saskatoon right now
- Protect late-spring plantings with row covers immediately if a polar vortex drops temperatures toward -30°F before May 15.
- Focus on amending clay-heavy soil now; mix in generous amounts of compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot during our wet spring flushes.
- Wait for the official frost-free window near mid-May before attempting any transplanting, as Saskatoon's short season leaves no margin for error with cool-weather crops.
- Start your pumpkin and winter squash seeds indoors now since they require a long, warm growing season to mature by September 20.
Sow this week
1 crops- Garlic
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
15 crops- Beefsteak Tomato
- Brussels Sprouts
- Bush Bean
- Cosmos
- Dahlia
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Leek
- Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian)
- Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine
- Parsnip
- Potato
- Pumpkin
- Sunflower
- Winter Squash
Seasonal tips
- Finish succession sowings of Bush Beans now that the soil has warmed up significantly.
- Apply a thick layer of straw or leaves around Winter Squash and Pumpkin to protect them from early frosts.
- Prune dead foliage off Cosmos and Dahlia plants immediately after harvesting to keep the garden tidy.
Pest & disease watch
- Monitor for early aphid colonies on emerging brassicas like Brussels sprouts once temperatures consistently rise above 50°F.
- Check seedlings for cutworms which are active during the cool, damp soil conditions typical of our late spring.
- Watch for powdery mildew on dahlias and sunflowers as humidity rises in the spring planting window.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the morning to help summer crops finish strong, but reduce frequency as autumn air cools down.
Since Garlic is listed for sowing now, ensure your cloves are firm and free of rot before pushing them into cool soil.
Saskatoon gardening questions
3Can I transplant tomatoes now in Saskatoon?
No, you must wait until after May 15 when the threat of frost passes to avoid killing your beefsteak tomato plants. Starting them indoors or buying transplants is necessary since our growing season is too short for direct seeding outdoors right now.
What should I do with my garlic in this week's weather?
This is the ideal time to sow hardy garlic cloves, but ensure they are planted deep enough (2-3 inches) and mulched heavily if frost hits before they establish roots.
How do I handle our clay soil when harvesting summer squash soon?
Work organic matter into the beds immediately after your pumpkin and winter squash harvests in late September to break up the dense clay.
Other cities in zone 3b
4See the full zone 3b guide → · Plan your Saskatoon garden in SproutGuide →