Planting Dates for Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador's maritime climate brings cool summers and heavy fog. Despite challenges, dedicated gardeners produce excellent root vegetables and cold-hardy greens.
Hardiness Zones 1a-5b • 85-140 frost-free days depending on location
Frost Dates in Newfoundland and Labrador
Average last spring frost and first fall frost dates for Newfoundland and Labrador cities. Use these to calculate your planting windows.
| City | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Frost-Free Days | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. John's | May 26 | Oct 12 | 139 | 5b |
Gardening Tips for Newfoundland and Labrador
- ✓St. John's enjoys milder winters than expected thanks to ocean currents.
- ✓Root vegetables (carrots, turnip, potatoes) are staple garden crops.
- ✓Wind protection is essential — use fences, hedges, or raised bed walls.
- ✓Labrador's season is extremely short — focus on greens, radishes, and peas.
- ✓Raised beds warm up faster in Newfoundland's cool springs — use dark-coloured mulch or black plastic to boost soil temperature.
- ✓Fog drip provides natural irrigation along the coast but encourages blight — choose disease-resistant potato and tomato varieties.
- ✓The Codroy Valley on the west coast has the mildest climate on the island and supports a wider range of crops than the Avalon Peninsula.
Plan your Newfoundland and Labrador garden
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Best Varieties for Newfoundland and Labrador
Zone-specific variety recommendations for Newfoundland and Labrador gardeners (Zones 1a-5b).
Choose ultra-short-season tomatoes like Polar Baby (55 days) or Gold Nugget (56 days) for Newfoundland's cool summers.
Blue potatoes like All Blue thrive in Newfoundland's acidic soil and cool conditions — and they resist late blight.
Kale and Swiss chard are among the most reliable greens — they tolerate cool fog and light frost without issue.
For peas, try Alaska (55 days) or Tom Thumb (45 days) — both mature quickly and handle maritime conditions.
Where to Buy Seeds in Newfoundland and Labrador
Canadian seed companies that ship to Newfoundland and Labrador, ordered by proximity. Support local growers and get varieties suited to your climate.
What to Plant in Newfoundland and Labrador
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 Newfoundland and Labrador
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the last frost date in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Last frost dates in Newfoundland and Labrador vary by city: St. John's (May 26).
What hardiness zones are in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Newfoundland and Labrador spans hardiness zones 1a-5b. Your specific zone determines which perennials survive winter and when to start planting annuals.
What vegetables grow best in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Hardy crops like peas, kale, spinach, and garlic thrive across Newfoundland and Labrador. 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 Newfoundland and Labrador?
85-140 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.