What to plant this week in Winnipeg, MB
With a hardy -35°F winter just behind us, Winnipeg gardeners are currently in the deep cold-weather lull between frost dates, waiting for the soil to thaw enough for May 15th's average last frost. This week offers little outdoor action as temperatures remain too low for any sowing or transplanting of cool-season crops.
The next 7 days
Winnipeg, MBGrowing in Winnipeg right now
- Keep seed starts indoors under grow lights until mid-May; Manitoba's short spring means late sowings risk bolting before harvest.
- Do not disturb frozen garden beds yet, as turning soil in sub-zero temps creates large ice clods that damage root structures upon thawing.
- Protect exposed winter crops like kale with heavy row covers or snow mulch to survive another week of potential wind 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 early spring aphid colonies forming on the undersides of newly breaking asparagus ferns and rhubarb leaves.
- Watch for cutworms emerging from frozen soil patches near cabbage transplants once overnight temperatures rise above freezing.
- Check fruit trees for overwintering codling moth eggs that will hatch as buds swell in late April.
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.
Winnipeg gardening questions
3When can I finally start my outdoor vegetable garden this year?
You should wait until after the average last frost date of May 15, but be prepared to extend that by a week if a late cold snap hits. Wait for soil temperatures at 4 inches deep to reach at least 40°F before planting heat-loving crops like peppers or tomatoes.
Can I plant garlic now in Manitoba?
No, fall garlic must be planted after the ground has frozen solid but not yet covered in snow, typically late October to early November. Planting too early risks rot before dormancy, while planting too late prevents proper root establishment for winter survival.
What should I do about my tomato plants overwintering inside?
Keep them in a cool (40-50°F), bright location like an unheated garage or south-facing window to prevent leggy growth. Prune back any dead foliage and water sparingly to keep the soil barely moist until you are ready to transplant them out after May 15.
Other cities in zone 3b
4See the full zone 3b guide → · Plan your Winnipeg garden in SproutGuide →