If you're lucky enough to call Windsor-Essex home, you're already in one of Ontario’s most fertile and climate-friendly growing zones. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just digging into your first backyard plot, knowing what vegetables thrive best in our Zone 6b/7a climate is key to a successful harvest.
Here’s your guide to the top vegetables to grow in the Windsor-Essex region, with tips to make 2025 your best growing season yet!
Our region’s moderate spring and autumn temps make it ideal for cool-weather crops. These are best planted in early spring (April to early June) or again in late summer (August to September) for a fall harvest.
Lettuce & Leafy Greens – Fast-growing and perfect for container or raised bed gardening. Try spinach, arugula, kale, and Swiss chard.
Root Vegetables – Carrots, radishes, beets, and turnips do exceptionally well in our loamy soils.
Brassicas – Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts love the cooler months and benefit from maturing in the fall for sweeter flavour.
Once the frost risk is gone — usually around mid-May in Windsor-Essex — it’s time to plant heat-loving crops that will take you right through the summer.
Tomatoes – A Windsor staple. Go for heirloom or cherry varieties for high yield and rich flavour.
Peppers – Both sweet and hot peppers thrive in containers or beds with full sun.
Zucchini & Summer Squash – Incredibly productive. One or two plants can feed a family all season!
Cucumbers – Great for pickling or slicing, these love the summer heat and climb well on trellises.
Beans – Quick to mature and easy to grow. Try bush beans for fast harvest or pole beans for extended picking.
Garlic – Plant in fall (October) for an easy summer harvest. It practically grows itself.
Herbs – Basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, and dill love container life or garden edges. Fresh herbs also enhance curb appeal and kitchen inspiration!
Whether you're nurturing a raised bed in a South Windsor backyard or a rooftop garden in downtown Walkerville, growing your own vegetables is more than just a hobby. It’s a lifestyle upgrade that adds joy, sustainability, and even resale appeal to your home. Prospective buyers love the charm of a well-kept garden!
Here at Jump Realty our agents will give you honest advice on what course of action is best for you in their professional opinion and will always put taking care of your best interests first! With offices in Windsor, Kingsville, LaSalle, Harrow, and Chatham, no matter where you are, a Jump agent is ready to help. Please contact us for any housing needs and let us give you a better real estate experience!
