Northern California & Central Valley Planting Calendar
Month-by-month planting calendar for Northern California and the Central Valley. 179 crops with sow windows for a Mediterranean climate.
Monthly Planting Calendar
Northern California and the Central Valley (Sacramento, Fresno and the inland valleys, USDA 9a-9b) have a Mediterranean climate: mild, wet winters with light frost and long, hot, dry summers. The growing season runs about 300 days, so something is always in the ground. Cool-season crops grow right through the mild winter and the spring and fall shoulders; warm-season crops go in from late February once frost passes and crop through the heat. The hardest stretch is the peak-summer heat for tender greens. Last frost is typically late February and the first fall frost around mid-November. These windows are a first-pass estimate from UC and regional guidance and are being reviewed locally.
Browse by Category
Growing Guides
In-depth guides for the most popular crops and techniques. These guides adapt to your region.
Free Monthly Planting Calendar
Get an email each month with what to plant, seasonal tips, and harvest reminders for your region.
We send one email per month. Unsubscribe any time.
Plan your whole garden in the app
Drag-and-drop beds, track from seed to harvest, and get Northern California & Central Valley reminders every month.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When is the planting season in the Central Valley?
Nearly year-round. Cool-season crops grow through the mild winter and the spring and fall shoulders; warm-season crops go in from late February after the last frost and crop through summer.
What about the summer heat?
Peak summer is hard on tender greens, but heat-lovers (tomatoes, peppers, melons, okra) thrive. Use shade cloth and steady water, and time leafy crops for the cooler shoulders.
How accurate are these dates?
A careful first pass based on UC and regional extension calendars, under local review.