Edmonton Planting Calendar 2026
Edmonton (zone 4a) has 139 frost-free days — longer than Calgary thanks to its river valley microclimate. Last frost averages May 7, giving Edmonton gardeners a head start on warm crops compared to other Alberta cities.
Zone 4a • Last frost: May 7 • First fall frost: Sep 23 • 139 frost-free days
Month-by-Month Planting Schedule
When to plant 15 popular vegetables in Edmonton (zone 4a), based on the average last frost date of May 7.
April
| Vegetable | Start Indoors | Plant Outdoors | Harvest By | Frost Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lettuce | Apr 2 | Apr 16 | May 31 | Semi-Hardy |
| Peas | Direct sow | Apr 2 | Jun 1 | Hardy |
| Carrots | Direct sow | Apr 20 | Jun 29 | Semi-Hardy |
| Kale | Apr 2 | Apr 16 | Jun 10 | Hardy |
| Broccoli | Mar 26 | Apr 23 | Jun 27 | Semi-Hardy |
| Spinach | Direct sow | Apr 2 | May 12 | Hardy |
| Radishes | Direct sow | Apr 2 | Apr 27 | Hardy |
| Onions | Feb 19 | Apr 16 | Jul 25 | Hardy |
| Potatoes | Direct sow | Apr 16 | Jul 15 | Semi-Hardy |
| Beets | Apr 6 | Apr 20 | Jun 14 | Semi-Hardy |
May
| Vegetable | Start Indoors | Plant Outdoors | Harvest By | Frost Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Mar 19 | May 18 | Aug 1 | Very Tender |
| Peppers | Mar 5 | May 21 | Jul 30 | Very Tender |
| Beans | Direct sow | May 18 | Jul 12 | Tender |
| Cucumbers | Apr 13 | May 18 | Jul 12 | Very Tender |
| Zucchini | Apr 13 | May 18 | Jul 7 | Tender |
Complete Planting Dates for Edmonton
All 15 vegetables with indoor start, outdoor planting, and estimated harvest dates for Edmonton.
| Vegetable | Start Indoors | Plant Outdoors | Harvest By | Frost Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Mar 19 | May 18 | Aug 1 | Very Tender |
| Peppers | Mar 5 | May 21 | Jul 30 | Very Tender |
| Lettuce | Apr 2 | Apr 16 | May 31 | Semi-Hardy |
| Peas | Direct sow | Apr 2 | Jun 1 | Hardy |
| Beans | Direct sow | May 18 | Jul 12 | Tender |
| Carrots | Direct sow | Apr 20 | Jun 29 | Semi-Hardy |
| Cucumbers | Apr 13 | May 18 | Jul 12 | Very Tender |
| Zucchini | Apr 13 | May 18 | Jul 7 | Tender |
| Kale | Apr 2 | Apr 16 | Jun 10 | Hardy |
| Broccoli | Mar 26 | Apr 23 | Jun 27 | Semi-Hardy |
| Spinach | Direct sow | Apr 2 | May 12 | Hardy |
| Radishes | Direct sow | Apr 2 | Apr 27 | Hardy |
| Onions | Feb 19 | Apr 16 | Jul 25 | Hardy |
| Potatoes | Direct sow | Apr 16 | Jul 15 | Semi-Hardy |
| Beets | Apr 6 | Apr 20 | Jun 14 | Semi-Hardy |
Edmonton Gardening Tips by Month
- ✓March: Start peppers, onions, and eggplant indoors under grow lights.
- ✓April: Start tomatoes and brassicas indoors. Prepare raised beds.
- ✓May: Direct-sow peas, spinach, and radishes early. Transplant warm crops after May 7 last frost.
- ✓June: Plant beans, corn, cucumbers, and squash. Long daylight hours accelerate growth.
- ✓July: Peak growing season. Succession-sow lettuce. Harvest peas and early crops.
- ✓August: Main harvest month. Sow fall spinach and lettuce.
- ✓September: First frost around Sep 23. Harvest remaining crops or cover tender plants.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start planting in Edmonton?
In Edmonton (zone 4a), the average last frost date is May 7. Hardy crops like peas, spinach, and radishes can be planted 3-5 weeks before this date. Tender crops like tomatoes and peppers should wait until after the last frost.
What is the last frost date in Edmonton?
The average last spring frost in Edmonton is May 7, and the first fall frost is Sep 23, giving you approximately 139 frost-free growing days.
What vegetables grow best in Edmonton?
Hardy crops like peas, kale, spinach, and potatoes grow well across Edmonton. In zone 4a, tomatoes, peppers, beans, and cucumbers also do well with proper timing. Use our free calculator for exact planting dates.
When should I start seeds indoors in Edmonton?
Start peppers and onions 9-11 weeks before your last frost date, tomatoes 7 weeks before, and brassicas 5-6 weeks before. In Edmonton with a last frost around May 7, that means starting peppers in February and tomatoes in March.
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