California growing guide: zones, planting dates and where to start

Zones across California

California covers USDA Zones 7b–9b on our calendar. A date that works in one part of the state can be weeks off in another, so plant by your zone, not the state.

• Zone 7b — The Sierra foothills. Average last frost 04/08, first frost 10/22 (about 197 frost-free days).
• Zone 8b — Redding and the northern Sacramento Valley. Average last frost 03/15, first frost 11/15 (about 245 frost-free days).
• Zone 9a — Sacramento, Fresno and the Central Valley. Average last frost 02/25, first frost 12/01 (about 279 frost-free days).
• Zone 9b — The Salinas Valley and inland coast. Average last frost 02/05, first frost 12/15 (about 313 frost-free days).

Spring dates for Sacramento, Fresno and the Central Valley (Zone 9a)

• Tomatoes: set out March 4 – March 25; fall August 18 – September 8
• Peppers: set out March 11 – April 1; fall September 1 – September 22
• Sweet corn: seed February 25 – March 18; fall September 1 – September 22
• Cucumbers: set out March 4 – March 25; fall September 15 – October 6
• Summer squash: seed March 4 – March 25; fall September 22 – October 13
• Green beans (bush): seed February 25 – March 18; fall September 15 – October 6
• Cabbage: set out January 28 – February 18; fall August 18 – September 8
• Broccoli: set out January 28 – February 18; fall August 18 – September 8

These are averages worked out from frost dates, not a state extension schedule. Adjust for your field and the season.

Where to sell in California

• State buy-local program: the California Department of Food and Agriculture runs CA GROWN. Members can be listed for grocery, restaurant and school buyers looking for in-state product — ask about joining and any marketing directories.
• Established market: Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market. Visit on a market morning and talk to the produce dealers before you plant, not after harvest.
• Established market: San Francisco Wholesale Produce Market. Visit on a market morning and talk to the produce dealers before you plant, not after harvest.
• Farmers markets, CSAs and on-farm stands: the USDA Local Food Directories list them by state, so you can see who already sells near you and which markets still need your crop.
• Schools and institutions: ask your state's farm-to-school contact (usually through the agriculture or education department) what they buy and when.
• Buyers on BAU: buyers post what they need on the marketplace, and you can list your crop window there for free.

Call before you count on any buyer: programs and market hours change, and a price talked through in winter is worth more than one found at harvest.

Farm taxes in California

• Income tax: Graduated state income tax with high top rates.
• Sales tax on inputs: Farm equipment and machinery qualify for a partial sales tax exemption; give the vendor Form CDTFA-230-D.
• Farmland property tax: Williamson Act contracts let counties tax farmland on use value; ask the county assessor whether your county takes part.

Rates and forms change. Confirm with the state revenue department or a farm tax preparer before you file — this is a plain-language guide, not tax advice. Our farm tax estimator covers the federal deductions every state shares.

Grants and cost-share in California

• Healthy Soils Program (CDFA)
• State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP, CDFA)
• Specialty Crop Block Grant (CDFA)
• USDA NRCS EQIP cost-share and FSA microloans through your county USDA service center
• Western SARE farmer and rancher grants for on-farm trials

See the grant tracker for deadlines we follow.

Who to call

• UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) — county offices for soil tests, varieties and pest help
• Your county USDA service center (FSA and NRCS) for loans, cost-share and farm numbers