What to plant this week in Toronto, ON
Toronto gardeners, your late frost window has closed for the season as temperatures stabilize around our -5°F winter minimum. This week marks a critical transition: you must finish harvesting your Daikon radishes before ground freeze and plant your Garlic cloves to ensure they establish roots in time for next summer.
The next 7 days
Toronto, ONGrowing in Toronto right now
- Our clay-heavy soils in the GTA hold moisture well but drain poorly, so avoid planting Garlic in low spots prone to waterlogging during our heavy spring snowmelt runoff.
- With an average last frost date of April 21, do not attempt to transplant any tender greens this week; even a brief dip below freezing can kill emerging shoots before they harden off.
- Soil workability is currently at its lowest due to lingering winter moisture; wait for the topsoil to thaw deeply to the touch before attempting to dig in your Garlic.
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
- Watch for stored bulb moths in your pantry if you keep harvested Daikon radishes indoors, as they can infest root vegetables even after harvest.
- Early spring fungal spores may linger on cold, damp soil surfaces; ensure good air circulation around any remaining winter cover crops or mulch piles.
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.
Toronto gardening questions
3Can I start my tomato seeds this week in Toronto?
Yes, you can sow tomato and pepper seeds indoors right now for a head start, as the indoor environment bypasses our outdoor -5°F limits. However, wait until after April 21 before hardening them off to move outside.
Is it safe to pull my Daikon radishes out of the ground today?
It is actually ideal to harvest your Daikon radishes this week while the soil is still workable and they are fully mature. Delaying until after the first frost date of October 24 risks them becoming woody or rotting in the cold earth.
What specific depth should I plant my Garlic cloves for Toronto's climate?
Plant your Garlic cloves about 2 inches deep with the pointed end facing up, spacing them 4 to 6 inches apart. This depth protects the sprout from our early spring temperature swings while encouraging strong root development in our local loam.
Other cities in zone 6b
12See the full zone 6b guide → · Plan your Toronto garden in SproutGuide →