What to plant this week in Vancouver, BC
With temperatures hovering near 20°F and the last frost date firmly in the past, Vancouver gardeners can now aggressively sow summer warm-season crops like sweet corn, okra, and bush beans directly into the soil. This week marks a critical shift toward full harvest season for garlic, watermelon, and zucchini, which are currently maturing rapidly under our mild maritime conditions.
The next 7 days
Vancouver, BCGrowing in Vancouver right now
- Soil drainage is paramount this week; amend heavy clay patches in low-lying areas with compost to prevent root rot as summer rains begin to increase.
- Protect newly sown seeds from the occasional late spring wind gusts common near the Fraser River by using temporary row covers or lightweight netting until seedlings establish.
- Take advantage of the extended growing window to plant heat-loving crops like Malabar spinach and scarlet runner beans that thrive in our lack of extreme summer heat.
Sow this week
26 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Lima Bean
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
36 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- 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
- Succession sow bush beans and pole beans every two weeks to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the summer.
- Mulch newly planted crops with organic matter to retain soil moisture and keep roots cool during hot spells.
- Pinch back the tips of basil and oregano regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent early flowering.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for aphid clusters forming on new growth of basil, fennel, and zinnias as temperatures stabilize above 20°F.
- Monitor squash plants for early signs of powdery mildew, a common issue when Vancouver's humidity meets warm daytime temps.
- Check the undersides of bean leaves for spider mites, which can proliferate quickly in our dense urban microclimates.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the early morning to encourage deep root growth while minimizing evaporation losses.
Harvested okra pods should be picked daily when young to prevent them from becoming tough and fibrous quickly.
Vancouver gardening questions
3Can I still plant garlic now, or is it too late?
Yes, you can still sow hardneck garlic varieties this week if you act immediately before the soil freezes solid later in the season. Plant them deep (4 inches) and water well to encourage root establishment before winter dormancy.
My zucchini and summer squash are growing fast; how do I keep them from bolting?
To delay bolting, provide consistent watering around 1 inch per week to prevent stress-induced flowering and ensure they stay productive through the season.
Which of my current harvests should I prioritize cutting this week?
Prioritize harvesting your garlic, watermelon, and honeydew melon now as they are listed for immediate picking to avoid over-ripening in our warm weather.
Other cities in zone 9a
9See the full zone 9a guide → · Plan your Vancouver garden in SproutGuide →