Planting Dates for New Brunswick
New Brunswick's mix of coastal and inland climates offers zone 4-5 growing conditions. The Saint John River Valley provides sheltered growing areas with fertile soil.
Hardiness Zones 3b-5b • 120-140 frost-free days depending on location
Frost Dates in New Brunswick
Average last spring frost and first fall frost dates for New Brunswick cities. Use these to calculate your planting windows.
| City | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Frost-Free Days | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fredericton | May 14 | Sep 27 | 136 | 5a |
| Moncton | May 16 | Sep 30 | 137 | 5a |
Gardening Tips for New Brunswick
- ✓The Saint John River Valley is the warmest growing area in the province.
- ✓Coastal areas experience later springs but milder autumns.
- ✓Potatoes are a major crop — the province's soil and climate are ideal.
- ✓Start seeds indoors by mid-March for transplanting in late May.
- ✓Acadian heritage gardens traditionally include fiddleheads, dulse, and root cellared vegetables — integrate these into modern plans.
- ✓New Brunswick's mix of acidic and limestone soils varies greatly by region — test soil pH before amending.
- ✓The upper Saint John River Valley near Edmundston is colder (zone 3b-4a) — choose varieties rated for Northern New Brunswick.
Plan your New Brunswick garden
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Best Varieties for New Brunswick
Zone-specific variety recommendations for New Brunswick gardeners (Zones 3b-5b).
New Brunswick's famous seed potato industry means excellent local varieties — try Shepody or Russet Burbank.
Zone 4-5: Brandywine and Cherokee Purple tomatoes perform well in the sheltered Saint John River Valley.
For reliable cucumbers, try Marketmore 76 — it handles New Brunswick's cooler nights and variable weather.
Fiddleheads (ostrich fern) grow wild along riverbanks and can be cultivated in shady, moist garden corners.
Where to Buy Seeds in New Brunswick
Canadian seed companies that ship to New Brunswick, ordered by proximity. Support local growers and get varieties suited to your climate.
Atlantic Canada's largest seed company, offering varieties tested for Maritime growing conditions since 1939.
Nova Scotia seed company offering organically grown, open-pollinated seeds selected for Maritime conditions.
Atlantic Canadian organic seed supplier focused on locally adapted varieties for Maritime gardens.
What to Plant in New Brunswick
Cold-Hardy Crops (plant early)
These crops tolerate frost and can be planted 2-6 weeks before your last frost date.
30-60 days from sowing
55-70 days from sowing
60-80 days from sowing
50-70 days from sowing
55-80 days from transplant
35-50 days from sowing
20-35 days from sowing
July-August the following year
90-120 days from transplant
70-120 days from planting
50-70 days from sowing
50-60 days from sowing
Warm-Season Crops (plant after last frost)
Start these indoors and transplant after all frost danger has passed.
60-85 days from transplant
60-90 days from transplant
50-65 days from sowing
50-65 days from sowing
45-60 days from sowing
60-100 days from sowing
30-60 days from sowing
Get Exact Planting Dates for New Brunswick
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the last frost date in New Brunswick?
Last frost dates in New Brunswick vary by city: Fredericton (May 14), Moncton (May 16).
What hardiness zones are in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick spans hardiness zones 3b-5b. Your specific zone determines which perennials survive winter and when to start planting annuals.
What vegetables grow best in New Brunswick?
Hardy crops like peas, kale, spinach, and garlic thrive across New Brunswick. In warmer zones, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers do well with proper timing. Use our free calculator for exact planting dates.
How long is the growing season in New Brunswick?
120-140 frost-free days depending on location. Extend your season with cold frames, row covers, and indoor seed starting.
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Calculate exact planting dates based on your location and frost dates.