What to plant this week in Montreal, QC
With the average last frost date already behind us in Montreal on May 1, your garden is officially kicking into high gear for this week. It's time to move those summer warmth-lovers like bush beans, cucumbers, and sweet corn from their seedling trays out into the open soil.
The next 7 days
Montreal, QCGrowing in Montreal right now
- Montreal's clay-heavy loam holds moisture well but drains poorly in low spots; ensure your transplants have raised beds or amended soil with compost for drainage.
- The city's urban heat island effect creates microclimates where late frost can still linger near large concrete structures, so protect tender starts like basil and cosmos until temps stabilize above 50°F at night.
- Late spring rains are typical here; water deeply in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow leaves to dry before evening dew sets in.
- Watch for strong winds off the St. Lawrence River that can snap tall plants like sunflowers and pole beans; use sturdy stakes now while they are young.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
44 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Celery
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Dahlia
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia)
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Habanero Pepper
- Honeydew Melon
- Leek
- Lima Bean
- Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian)
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Nasturtium
- Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine
- Parsnip
- Pole Bean
- Potato
- Pumpkin
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Harvest bush beans, cucumbers, and yellow summer squash regularly to encourage continued production.
- Deadhead spent flowers like cosmos and zinnia to keep the plants looking tidy and blooming longer.
- Check on garlic scapes if planted early this spring; it's time to harvest them soon.
Pest & disease watch
- Cutworms are actively attacking the stems of transplanted squash, melons, and corn this week; collar the base of seedlings or hand-pick them at dusk.
- Spotted lanternflies have begun migrating toward urban areas like Montreal, feeding on grapevines and tree of heaven near community gardens.
- Early aphid colonies are forming on new growth of brassicas like Brussels sprouts, requiring monitoring before populations explode.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the morning to keep roots hydrated during this warm growing season while letting soil dry slightly between sessions.
Pinch back any leggy basil or shiso plants now to promote bushier growth before the heat peaks.
Montreal gardening questions
3Can I plant garlic now in Montreal, or is it too late?
Yes, this is prime time for planting hardneck garlic varieties since the ground has warmed enough after the last frost risk passed. Push the cloves 2-3 inches deep with the pointed end up to establish roots before winter dormancy.
What specific vegetables can I harvest from my Montreal garden this week?
You're ready to pull your bush beans, cowpeas, and early zucchini if they've been growing since last spring. Check your cantaloupe and honeydew melons for a deep green rind and creamy spots before harvesting.
How do I protect my potatoes from late frosts in this zone?
Mulch heavily around potato hills with straw or shredded leaves to insulate the tubers against sudden temperature drops near the 0°F threshold. Avoid using fresh manure which can burn roots and delay harvest readiness.
Other cities in zone 5b
8See the full zone 5b guide → · Plan your Montreal garden in SproutGuide →