What to plant this week in St. John's, NL
In St. John's, this week marks a critical transition as the threat of the last frost lifts around May 1, signaling it is finally safe to move warm-season crops like Basil and Zinnia into your beds. With the first hard frost still lingering until mid-October, you have roughly four months of prime growing time before winter sets in.
The next 7 days
St. John's, NLGrowing in St. John's right now
- Our coastal fog often brings high humidity that can slow soil drying; ensure good drainage if planting heavy feeders like Pumpkins or Winter Squash on our clay-heavy soils near the waterline.
- The salt spray from the Atlantic can damage young seedlings, so place delicate transplants like Garlic and Parsnip in sheltered spots away from direct westerly winds until they harden off.
- Soil temperatures are still cooling slightly from winter; wait a few days after moving heat-loving crops like Cucumber or Watermelon out to ensure roots establish quickly before the next chill.
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
- Slugs and snails are active during our damp spring nights, especially targeting young Zucchini and Sunflower seedlings; use beer traps or copper tape barriers.
- Early season aphids may cluster on new growth of Peas and Beans; inspect plants closely in the morning when they are most visible for early treatment.
- Powdery mildew can develop quickly on stressed Cucumbers and Squashes due to fluctuating temperatures from our oceanic climate; keep foliage dry by watering at the base.
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.
St. John's gardening questions
3When is the exact last frost date I should wait for in St. John's?
Historically, our average last frost occurs around May 1. While we can sometimes get a late bloom earlier, waiting until mid-May ensures your transplants like Garlic or early Peas won't be damaged by a surprise cold snap.
Can I plant my Winter Squash and Pumpkin seeds directly now?
Yes, these warm-season crops thrive in our soil once the ground has warmed up post-frost. Sow them immediately after the last frost date to give them enough time to mature before our first hard frost on October 15.
What specific pests should I watch for on my Garlic crop this season?
Watch for aphids and potential onion maggot larvae, as well as fungal issues due to our humid coastal air. Monitor your planting beds regularly and remove any yellowing leaves early to prevent spread before the summer heat arrives.
Other cities in zone 5b
8See the full zone 5b guide → · Plan your St. John's garden in SproutGuide →