What to plant this week in Vancouver, BC
Vancouver's mild 9a climate means you are officially in full summer harvest mode with frost dates firmly behind us until December. This week, focus on pulling your abundant crop of Zucchini, Bush Beans, and Okra from the heavy clay soils that dominate the Lower Mainland gardens.
The next 7 days
Vancouver, BCGrowing in Vancouver right now
- Utilize raised beds or mounded rows to improve drainage in Vancouver's notoriously wet clay-heavy soils which can cause root rot.
- Take advantage of our extended growing season by planting heat-loving crops like Malabar Spinach and Scarlet Runner Beans now, as we rarely experience hard freezes.
- Protect young transplants from the frequent cool, damp morning drizzle common in May using temporary row covers or shade cloth.
- Monitor your compost piles closely; the constant moisture makes them active but requires turning to prevent anaerobic conditions.
Sow this week
18 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cucumber
- French Marigold
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
36 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- 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
- Succession sow bush beans every two weeks for a continuous harvest throughout the summer heat.
- Mulch around newly transplanted squash and pumpkins to retain moisture and suppress weeds as temperatures rise.
- Pinch back the tops of basil plants regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for aphid colonies building up on the undersides of Zinnia and Cosmos leaves as humidity remains high throughout the week.
- Inspect Okra and Bush Beans for spider mites, which can thrive in our humid coastal microclimates during dry spells.
- Check the base of your Pumpkin and Watermelon vines for slugs, who are always active when the Vancouver rain pattern holds.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the early morning to help plants withstand afternoon heat while minimizing evaporation losses.
Harvest watermelon and cantaloupe regularly to signal the plant to continue producing fruit rather than stopping growth.
Vancouver gardening questions
3When should I stop harvesting my Zucchini and switch to letting them grow?
You can continue picking Zucchini daily as long as you remove fruits smaller than 6 inches; once they get too large, let a few ripen on the vine for winter squash storage or ornamental gourds.
How do I manage the heavy clay soil in my Vancouver garden bed?
Amend your top 12 inches with generous amounts of compost and coarse sand to improve drainage, but avoid over-mixing deep clay as it can become compacted easily.
Is it safe to plant Shiso or Thai Basil outdoors now given the frost history?
Yes, since our average last frost date is February 6th, these heat-loving herbs are perfectly suited for immediate sowing in your sunny south-facing spots.
Other cities in zone 9a
9See the full zone 9a guide → · Plan your Vancouver garden in SproutGuide →