In much of Atlantic Canada, including Canada’s Hardiness Zones 5, the main outdoor growing season falls between mid-June and mid-October. Depending on the crop and the spring weather, some seeds are best started indoors while others can be planted directly in the garden. The guide below is based on what has traditionally worked well for gardeners in this region. The information has been sourced from the Old Farmer’s Almanac, and from Nova Scotia seed providers.
Not sure what your hardiness zone is? Click here to see a map.
The last frost date is approx. May 30 this year.
Leafy Greens Planting Schedule
| Type of Plant | Planting Method | When to Plant | When to Transplant Outside | 2026 Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arugula | Direct Sow | 2 weeks before last frost | N/A | Tolerates cool soil and light frost | |
| Asian Greens (Tatsoi, Mizuna, Komatsuna) | Direct Sow | Mid-May | N/A | ||
| Bok Choy | |||||
| Chicory | |||||
| Collard Greens | Start Indoors | Mid-April | |||
| Endive | |||||
| Kale | Start Indoors | 6 weeks before last frost | Late May – Early June | Extremely cold tolerant | |
| Lettuce | Direct Sow | Mid-May | Late May | Prefers cool weather; bolts in summer heat | |
| Mustard Greens | Direct Sow | Mid-May | N/A | ||
| Radicchio | |||||
| Sorrel | |||||
| Spinach | Direct Sow | Mid-May and/or Early September | N/A | Prefers cool weather; bolts in summer heat | |
| Swiss Chard | |||||
| Watercress |
Succession planningcontinuous harvest – arugula
Fruit & Vegetables Planting Schedule
| Type of Plant | Planting Method | When to Plant | When to Transplant Outside | 2026 Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beet | N/A | ||||
| Broccoli | |||||
| Cabbage | |||||
| Carrot | |||||
| Cauliflower | |||||
| Corn | |||||
| Cucumber | |||||
| Eggplant | |||||
| Garlic | |||||
| Green Bean | |||||
| Kohlrabi | |||||
| Onion | |||||
| Parsnip | |||||
| Pea | |||||
| Pepper | |||||
| Potato | |||||
| Radish | |||||
| Squash (Summer) | |||||
| Squash (Winter) | |||||
| Sweet Potato | |||||
| Tomato | |||||
| Turnip | |||||
| Zucchini |
Succession planningcontinuous harvest – arugula
Flower Planting Schedule
| Type of Plant | Planting Method | When to Plant | When to Transplant Outside | 2026 Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alyssum | N/A | ||||
| Aster | |||||
| Black-Eyed Susan | |||||
| Borage | |||||
| Calendula | |||||
| Coreopsis | |||||
| Cosmos | |||||
| Daffodils | |||||
| Delphinium | |||||
| Dianthus | |||||
| Echinacea | |||||
| Hollyhock | |||||
| Lavender | |||||
| Marigold | |||||
| Nasturtium | |||||
| Pansy | |||||
| Petunia | |||||
| Poppy | |||||
| Snapdragon | |||||
| Sunflower | |||||
| Tulip | |||||
| Zinnia |
Herb Planting Schedule
| Type of Plant | Planting Method | When to Plant | When to Transplant Outside | 2026 Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anise Hyssop | N/A | ||||
| Basil | |||||
| Catnip | |||||
| Chives | |||||
| Cilantro | |||||
| Dill | |||||
| Fennel | |||||
| Lavender | |||||
| Lemon Balm | |||||
| Mint | |||||
| Oregano | |||||
| Parsley | |||||
| Rosemary | |||||
| Sage | |||||
| Summer Savory | |||||
| Tarragon | |||||
| Thyme |
Berries and Fruit Trees
| Type of Plant | Planting Method | When to Plant | When to Transplant Outside | 2026 Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Tree | N/A | ||||
| Blackberry | |||||
| Blueberry | |||||
| Cherry Tree | |||||
| Cranberry | |||||
| Currant | |||||
| Elderberry | |||||
| Gooseberry | |||||
| Grape Vine | |||||
| Has Kap | |||||
| Peach Tree | |||||
| Pear Tree | |||||
| Plum Tree | |||||
| Raspberry | |||||
| Rhubarb | |||||
| Saskatoon Berry | |||||
| Strawberry |
Cool-Season Staples (Very Reliable)
These are the backbone of Cape Breton gardens.
- Kale – thrives in cool weather, improves with frost
- Spinach – early spring and fall superstar
- Lettuce – especially loose-leaf varieties
- Arugula – fast-growing, tolerant of cool conditions
- Peas – strong early crop, minimal fuss
- Radishes – quick and forgiving.
Brassicas That Do Well Here
Not all brassicas are equal – focus on the reliable ones.
- Broccoli – especially early or compact varieties
- Cabbage – dependable if transplanted early
- Kohlrabi – underappreciated but very reliable
- Bok choy / Asian greens – fast and cool-loving
Crops That Benefit from Transplants
These are possible here, with the right approach.
- Tomatoes (early varieties)
- Peppers (especially with protection)
- Zucchini
- Cucumbers (short-season types)
Herbs That Actually Thrive
Herbs are often overlooked but very rewarding here.
- Parsley
- Chives
- Dill
- Cilantro
- Thyme
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