When to Start a Vegetable Garden in Vancouver

When it comes to gardening in Vancouver, timing is everything. The city’s mild climate and long growing season make it possible to grow a wide variety of vegetables, but it’s important to know when to plant each type in order to get the best results.

When to Start Seeds Indoors

For many vegetables, it’s best to start seeds indoors before transplanting them outdoors. This gives the seedlings a head start on the growing season and helps them to avoid pests and diseases.

The following is a list of vegetables that should be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date:

Tomatoes
Peppers
Eggplant
Cucumbers
Melons
Squash
Pumpkin

When to Transplant Seedlings Outdoors

The last frost date in Vancouver is typically in mid-April. This is the earliest date that you can safely transplant seedlings outdoors. However, it’s important to harden off the seedlings first by gradually exposing them to the outdoors over a period of 1-2 weeks. This will help them to acclimate to the cooler temperatures and avoid transplant shock.

When to Direct Sow Seeds Outdoors

Some vegetables can be sown directly into the ground outdoors. These include:

Beans
Corn
Peas
Potatoes
Carrots
Radishes
Spinach
Lettuce

The following is a list of vegetables that should be direct sown outdoors after the last frost date:

Beans
Corn
Peas
Potatoes

When to Harvest Vegetables

The time it takes for vegetables to mature varies depending on the type of vegetable and the growing conditions. However, the following is a general guide to when you can expect to harvest your vegetables in Vancouver:

Tomatoes: 60-80 days
Peppers: 60-90 days
Eggplant: 80-100 days
Cucumbers: 50-60 days
Melons: 70-90 days
Squash: 50-60 days
Pumpkin: 90-120 days
Beans: 50-60 days
Corn: 70-90 days
Peas: 60-70 days
Potatoes: 90-120 days
Carrots: 70-80 days
Radishes: 20-30 days
Spinach: 30-40 days
Lettuce: 40-50 days

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips for success when growing a vegetable garden in Vancouver:

Choose a sunny spot in your yard with well-drained soil.
Amend the soil with compost or manure before planting.
Water your plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Fertilize your plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Control pests and diseases by using organic methods whenever possible.
Harvest your vegetables when they are ripe for the best flavor and nutrition.

With a little planning and care, you can grow a bountiful vegetable garden in Vancouver that will provide you with fresh, healthy produce all season long.