Tips & Tricks 29 April 2025

Spring Gardening Tips & Plant Picks for Peterborough, Ontario

As May approaches in Peterborough, Ontario, it’s the perfect time to prepare your garden for a vibrant growing season. With the last frost typically around May 18, now is ideal for planting perennials, sowing cool-weather vegetables, and refreshing your garden beds.

 

Top Plant Picks for Peterborough Gardens

Perennials & Flowers:

  • Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): A native favourite, these bright yellow blooms attract pollinators and are drought-tolerant.

  • Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Known for its resilience and pollinator appeal, it’s a staple in many local gardens.

  • Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense): A shade-loving groundcover with delicate white flowers, perfect for woodland areas.

  • Willowleaf Aster (Symphyotrichum praealtum): This late-summer bloomer supports pollinators and adds colour to your garden.

Vegetables:

  • Carrots (Tenderlong Imperator): Ideal for direct sowing in early May; they thrive in Peterborough’s soil.

  • Tomatoes (Beefsteak Bush): Start seeds indoors now for transplanting after the last frost.

 

Gardening Tips for May

  • Mulching: Apply mulch carefully, keeping it away from plant stems to prevent rot and pests.

  • Planting Time: Avoid planting during heat waves. Opt for cooler mornings or evenings to reduce plant stress.

  • Watering: Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root growth.

  • No Mow May: Consider participating to support pollinators by letting your lawn grow naturally for the month.

 

Happy gardening! May your Peterborough garden flourish with colour and life this season.