The Buffalo Grower’s Almanac: What to Grow and When
Welcome to the ultimate seasonal planting guide for Buffalo, NY and Western New York (WNY)! Whether you’re cultivating cannabis, companion plants, vegetables, or herbs, timing is everything. This almanac is designed to support local growers—from curious beginners to seasoned soil lovers—with region-specific advice, resources, and of course, love from Her Seed Bank.
Spring (March – May)
Start Indoors
March is your magic window to kick things off. Begin germinating photoperiod cannabis cultivars indoors, ideally under full-spectrum LED grow lights. It’s also a great time to start seeds for tomatoes, peppers, basil, lavender, and companion plants like marigold and calendula.
Companion Plant Tip: Marigolds deter pests and attract beneficial insects to your cannabis garden. Basil improves flavor and growth for many veggies and herbs.
Where to Go:
- Urban Roots Cooperative Garden Market, 428 Rhode Island St, Buffalo, NY 14213. @urbanrootsbflo
- Her Seed Bank has a robust lineup of feminized, regular, autoflower, and photoperiod cannabis cultivars to start your season strong. www.herseedbank.com
Summer (June – August)
Transplant Time
By late May or early June, after the last frost, transplant your cannabis seedlings outdoors. This is prime growing time for cannabis and sun-loving herbs like rosemary, oregano, thyme, and veggies like zucchini, cucumbers, and bush beans.
Soil Tip: Consider upgrading to a living soil system for maximum terpene expression and full-spectrum flavor. Living Soil MDV Inc. in Rochester is a trusted local supplier.
Where to Go:
- Living Soil MDV Inc., 961 Lyell Ave Building #1, Rochester, NY 14606. @livingsoil_mdv
- Check back in with Her Seed Bank for mid-season cultivar recommendations and soil amendment guides.
Fall (September – November)
Harvest & Prep
Autoflowers are finishing up, and photoperiods should be nearing harvest by late September to October. This is also your window to plant cover crops like clover and winter rye to replenish your soil.
Companion Plant Tip: Garlic planted in fall makes an excellent pest deterrent come spring and can be harvested by early summer.
Pro Tip: Use this time to clean, compost, and plan next year’s crop rotation. Fall is also when many seed banks drop new cultivar releases—stay tuned!
Winter (December – February)
Rest, Research, and Re-Up
Take stock of your yields, document what worked, and prep your seed list for next season. This is the time for indoor grows and experimenting with microgreens or kitchen herbs. It’s also a great time to connect with the local community, attend grower meetups, and support small cannabis businesses.
Where to Go:
- Follow Her Seed Bank on Instagram @herseedbank for cultivation tips, giveaways, and spotlight features on growers like you.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo might not have the longest growing season, but our growers are resourceful, passionate, and community-driven. Whether you’re growing on a balcony, backyard, or indoor tent, the WNY growing calendar is packed with possibilities.
Bookmark this almanac, visit your local gardening spots, and always grow with intention. Need seeds? We’ve got you. Questions? Hit us up. Let’s grow a better Buffalo, together.