In Chatham, Ontario, located within the temperate climate of gardening Zone 6b, gardeners enjoy a favorable growing environment characterized by warm summers and moderately cold winters. This zone typically experiences a last frost date in late spring and a first frost date in early to mid-fall, offering a generous growing season for a wide range of plants. Gardeners in Chatham can successfully cultivate a variety of perennials, annuals, vegetables, and fruit trees that are hardy to Zone 6b conditions. Popular choices include peonies, hostas, and daylilies for ornamental gardens, as well as tomatoes, peppers, and squash for vegetable gardens. The region’s relatively mild winters allow for the successful overwintering of some less hardy plants with appropriate protection. Additionally, the area is well-suited for growing fruit trees like apples and pears, which thrive in this zone. Chatham’s gardeners often take advantage of the region’s distinct seasons by implementing succession planting and utilizing protective measures such as mulching to extend the growing season and protect against early or late frosts.
Your average last frost is April 28th. There is a very slight risk for frost 2 weeks after this date depending on the season. Optimal planting times in CK are around the last 3 weeks of May, and first 2 weeks of June for most crops. Warmer soil is beneficial to many crops (like cucumbers) and conditions should be monitored. Delayed planting for some crops may be necessary if the season is too cool. Pumpkins do excellent with direct sowing starting the 2nd week of May, particularly when warm weather is forecasted.
Bulbing Onions are optimally planted by the middle of April while there is still some risk for light frost. Scallions/Green Onions and Chives will also be available, and can be transplanted through the entire growing season.
My favorite things to grow here in CK:
- Pumpkins
- Did you know that Chatham-Kent is a major pumpkin producer for the surrounding region? If you’ve never seen a pumpkin field before, that’s on purpose. Farmers often plant them on less busy routes to avoid people interfering with the crop. If you’ve never grown your own pumpkin before, it can be an extremely fun and rewarding experience!
- Tomatoes
- Chatham-Kent is a major producer of fresh field tomatoes which are used to create countless other products. You too can take advantage of our tomato friendly climate and grow your own tomato variety of your choice.
- Onions
- Did you know that onions grown in our area are some of the most premium onions available on the market? They’re sold all over North America when they’re ready for harvest!
- Marigolds and Petunias
- Two annuals that offer you the best “bang for your buck”. They will flower the entire Spring, Summer, and even Fall until one or two good frosts. In our area, that equates to nearly 6 months of flowers depending on the season.