Vegetables & Sustainable

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When should I plant my garden?

Overview

California has a unique vegetable growing climate and we can grow many different types of vegetable crops throughout the year. Crops are classified as warm season or cool season crops. It is important that you plant at the right time of year for each crop for optimum yield.

Vegetable planting guides (pdf) will provide the approximate planting periods for both cool and warm season crops. If they are planted too early or too late, the productivity will be reduced.
Cool season crops are those that grow best and produce the best quality when the average temperatures are 55*F to 75F and are usually tolerant of slight frosts. Plants in this group include root crops such as: beets, carrots, parsnip, radish and turnips; stems such as asparagus and white potato; leafy crops such as cabbage, celery, lettuce, onion, and spinach and plants whose immature flower parts we eat, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and globe artichokes.
Warm season crops are crops that grow best when the days are long and hot (between 65*F and 95*F. These include crops with mature fruit such as tomatoes, cantaloupe, winter squash and watermelon or immature fruit such as corn, squash, and snap beans.
Be aware of both the approximate first and last frost dates in your area and protect plants if frost is expected. (unless crops are frost tolerant).

You can expand your growing season by starting plants indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the date you want to plant the garden.

Associated Links

Publications

California Master Gardener Handbook, Home Vegetable Gardening, Pages 337-416. University of California. Buy Book.
Approximate First and Last Frost Dates in Califonrnia (pdf) - University of California
Grow Your Own Vegetables ~ it's Worth It! (pdf) - University of California
Vegetable Garden Basics (pdf) - University of California
Vegetable Gardening at a Glance: How to Plant and Store (pdf) - University of California

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