What to Plant in Nova Scotia

Your complete gardening guide for Nova Scotia (USDA Zones 5–6, typically Zone 6). Browse 1831 varieties across 28 categories — covering every zone in the state.

Last Frost

April 15 – April 30

By zone (6 → 5)

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First Frost

October 5 – October 15

By zone (5 → 6)

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Growing Season

155–180 days

Shortest → longest

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Varieties

1831

across 28 categories

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Growing Season

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Frost Risk
Growing Season (180d)

Plant after April 15 · Harvest before October 15

Nova Scotia · Zones 5–6

All Zone 6 plants →

Nova Scotia spans Zones 5–6. The timeline above shows typical Zone 6 dates — your specific zone may vary by elevation and microclimate.

Best Crops for Nova Scotia

Alliums in Nova Scotia

Alliums

44 varieties for Nova Scotia

Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, and chives.

Beans & Legumes in Nova Scotia

Beans & Legumes

84 varieties for Nova Scotia

Bush beans, pole beans, lentils, and more. Easy-to-grow protein for every garden.

Berries & Fruits in Nova Scotia

Berries & Fruits

35 varieties for Nova Scotia

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and small fruits for the home garden.

Brassicas in Nova Scotia

Brassicas

79 varieties for Nova Scotia

Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi.

Corn in Nova Scotia

Corn

32 varieties for Nova Scotia

Sweet corn, popcorn, flour corn, and ornamental varieties.

Cucumbers in Nova Scotia

Cucumbers

31 varieties for Nova Scotia

Slicing, pickling, and specialty cucumbers for every garden size.

Eggplants in Nova Scotia

Eggplants

29 varieties for Nova Scotia

Globe, Japanese, Thai, and specialty eggplant varieties.

Flowers in Nova Scotia

Flowers

523 varieties for Nova Scotia

Annual, perennial, and cut flowers to beautify your garden year-round.

Fruit Trees in Nova Scotia

Fruit Trees

27 varieties for Nova Scotia

Apple, pear, cherry, peach, and citrus trees for the home orchard.

Grasses & Bamboo

31 varieties for Nova Scotia

Ornamental grasses, lawn grasses, and bamboo varieties for structure and movement.

Ground Covers in Nova Scotia

Ground Covers

24 varieties for Nova Scotia

Low-growing plants that spread to cover soil, reduce weeds, and prevent erosion.

Herbs in Nova Scotia

Herbs

83 varieties for Nova Scotia

Culinary and medicinal herbs. Growing guides from basil to thyme.

Lettuce & Salad Greens in Nova Scotia

Lettuce & Salad Greens

110 varieties for Nova Scotia

Romaine, butterhead, looseleaf, and specialty salad greens for every season.

Melons in Nova Scotia

Melons

38 varieties for Nova Scotia

Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, and specialty melons.

Microgreens in Nova Scotia

Microgreens

57 varieties for Nova Scotia

Nutrient-dense seedlings harvested in 7-14 days. The fastest crop you can grow.

Native Wildflowers in Nova Scotia

Native Wildflowers

88 varieties for Nova Scotia

Region-native wildflowers that support pollinators and require minimal maintenance.

Nut Trees in Nova Scotia

Nut Trees

23 varieties for Nova Scotia

Pecan, walnut, almond, hazelnut, and chestnut trees for home orchards.

Ornamental Trees in Nova Scotia

Ornamental Trees

34 varieties for Nova Scotia

Flowering and decorative trees for landscaping. Dogwoods, magnolias, Japanese maples, and more.

Peas in Nova Scotia

Peas

35 varieties for Nova Scotia

Snap peas, snow peas, shelling peas, and pea shoots.

Peppers in Nova Scotia

Peppers

73 varieties for Nova Scotia

Hot peppers, sweet peppers, and everything in between. Find your perfect heat level.

Root Vegetables in Nova Scotia

Root Vegetables

56 varieties for Nova Scotia

Carrots, beets, turnips, radishes, and other underground crops.

Roses in Nova Scotia

Roses

55 varieties for Nova Scotia

Hybrid teas, floribundas, climbers, shrub roses, and old garden varieties.

Shade Trees in Nova Scotia

Shade Trees

34 varieties for Nova Scotia

Large canopy trees for shade, privacy, and property value. Oaks, maples, elms, and more.

Shrubs & Hedges in Nova Scotia

Shrubs & Hedges

46 varieties for Nova Scotia

Flowering and evergreen shrubs for borders, hedges, and foundation plantings.

Squash & Cucumbers in Nova Scotia

Squash & Cucumbers

60 varieties for Nova Scotia

Summer squash, winter squash, zucchini, and cucumbers.

Tomatoes in Nova Scotia

Tomatoes

90 varieties for Nova Scotia

From heirloom beefsteaks to cherry varieties. Growing guides for every tomato type.

Tropical Plants in Nova Scotia

Tropical Plants

2 varieties for Nova Scotia

Exotic tropical plants including palms, gingers, hibiscus, and bird of paradise.

Vines & Climbers in Nova Scotia

Vines & Climbers

8 varieties for Nova Scotia

Climbing plants for trellises, arbors, and walls. Clematis, wisteria, jasmine, and more.

Monthly Planting Guides for Nova Scotia

Other Regions Overlapping Zones 5–6

United States

Canada