Nova Scotia Planting Calendar 2026
Nova Scotia's maritime climate provides 140-180 frost-free days with cool, foggy summers perfect for brassicas, peas, and root vegetables. The Annapolis Valley is one of Eastern Canada's premier agricultural regions. Ocean-moderated temperatures extend the fall harvest.
Zones 5a-6b • Reference city: Halifax (last frost: Apr 25)
Frost Dates in Nova Scotia
Average last spring frost and first fall frost dates for Nova Scotia cities. Your planting calendar depends on these dates.
| City | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Frost-Free Days | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halifax | Apr 25 | Oct 18 | 176 | 6a |
Month-by-Month Planting Schedule
Planting dates based on Halifax's frost dates. Select your city above for more precise timing.
March
| Vegetable | Start Indoors | Plant Outdoors | Harvest By | Frost Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peas | Direct sow | Mar 21 | May 20 | Hardy |
| Spinach | Direct sow | Mar 21 | Apr 30 | Hardy |
| Radishes | Direct sow | Mar 21 | Apr 15 | Hardy |
April
| Vegetable | Start Indoors | Plant Outdoors | Harvest By | Frost Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lettuce | Mar 21 | Apr 4 | May 19 | Semi-Hardy |
| Carrots | Direct sow | Apr 8 | Jun 17 | Semi-Hardy |
| Kale | Mar 21 | Apr 4 | May 29 | Hardy |
| Broccoli | Mar 14 | Apr 11 | Jun 15 | Semi-Hardy |
| Onions | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Jul 13 | Hardy |
| Potatoes | Direct sow | Apr 4 | Jul 3 | Semi-Hardy |
| Beets | Mar 25 | Apr 8 | Jun 2 | Semi-Hardy |
May
| Vegetable | Start Indoors | Plant Outdoors | Harvest By | Frost Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Mar 7 | May 6 | Jul 20 | Very Tender |
| Peppers | Feb 21 | May 9 | Jul 18 | Very Tender |
| Beans | Direct sow | May 6 | Jun 30 | Tender |
| Cucumbers | Apr 1 | May 6 | Jun 30 | Very Tender |
| Zucchini | Apr 1 | May 6 | Jun 25 | Tender |
Complete Planting Dates for Nova Scotia
All 15 vegetables with indoor start, outdoor planting, and estimated harvest dates for Nova Scotia.
| Vegetable | Start Indoors | Plant Outdoors | Harvest By | Frost Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Mar 7 | May 6 | Jul 20 | Very Tender |
| Peppers | Feb 21 | May 9 | Jul 18 | Very Tender |
| Lettuce | Mar 21 | Apr 4 | May 19 | Semi-Hardy |
| Peas | Direct sow | Mar 21 | May 20 | Hardy |
| Beans | Direct sow | May 6 | Jun 30 | Tender |
| Carrots | Direct sow | Apr 8 | Jun 17 | Semi-Hardy |
| Cucumbers | Apr 1 | May 6 | Jun 30 | Very Tender |
| Zucchini | Apr 1 | May 6 | Jun 25 | Tender |
| Kale | Mar 21 | Apr 4 | May 29 | Hardy |
| Broccoli | Mar 14 | Apr 11 | Jun 15 | Semi-Hardy |
| Spinach | Direct sow | Mar 21 | Apr 30 | Hardy |
| Radishes | Direct sow | Mar 21 | Apr 15 | Hardy |
| Onions | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Jul 13 | Hardy |
| Potatoes | Direct sow | Apr 4 | Jul 3 | Semi-Hardy |
| Beets | Mar 25 | Apr 8 | Jun 2 | Semi-Hardy |
Nova Scotia Gardening Tips by Month
- ✓March: Start onions, leeks, and peppers indoors.
- ✓April: Start tomatoes and brassicas indoors. Direct-sow peas and spinach outdoors late month.
- ✓May: Transplant brassicas early. Set out warm crops after last frost (late April to early May).
- ✓June: Plant beans, cucumbers, and squash. Succession-sow lettuce every 2 weeks.
- ✓July: Harvest garlic; sow fall brassicas. Maritime moisture means spacing plants for airflow.
- ✓August: Peak harvest. Sow spinach and lettuce for fall.
- ✓September: Fall garden thrives in mild maritime temps. Extend with row cover.
- ✓October: Continue harvesting kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic before ground freezes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start planting in Nova Scotia?
Planting dates in Nova Scotia vary by location (zones 5a-6b). Check the frost dates table above for your nearest city, then use our calculator for exact dates.
What is the last frost date in Nova Scotia?
Last frost dates in Nova Scotia range from early April to late May depending on your city. See the frost dates table above for specific dates.
What vegetables grow best in Nova Scotia?
Hardy crops like peas, kale, spinach, and potatoes grow well across Nova Scotia. In zone 5a-6b, 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 Nova Scotia?
Start peppers and onions 9-11 weeks before your last frost date, tomatoes 7 weeks before, and brassicas 5-6 weeks before. In Nova Scotia with a last frost around Apr 25, that means starting peppers in February and tomatoes in March.
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