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USDA Zone 9A

Zone 9A Planting Calendar — March 4 to December 2

Zone 9a covers the hot desert Southwest (Phoenix, Las Vegas) and mild coastal California — two very different growing environments in the same zone. Desert gardeners follow a mostly inverted calendar, growing October through May and resting during summer highs that regularly exceed 105°F. California 9a supports near year-round growing with strategic heat management.

Zone 9A at a glance: Last frost averages March 4 (range February 5 to March 27). First fall frost averages December 2. Growing season is 290 days. Start warm-season crops indoors 6–10 weeks before last frost; transplant after March 4.
Updated May 13, 2026 · Frost data from NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals
Last Spring Frost
March 4
range February 5 to March 27
First Fall Frost
December 2
Range: Nov 15 – Dec 19
Growing Season
290 days
Avg. frost-free window
Winter Low
20° to 25°F
Average minimum temp
Reference City
Phoenix, AZ
Climate data source
Annual Rainfall
8"
Monsoon pattern

NOAA Frost Probability for Zone 9A

Computed across 1,767 ZIP codes in Zone 9A · Composite generated May 21, 2026 | NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals (released 2021) | Threshold: minimum temperature at or below 32°F (NCEI element TMIN-PRBLST-T32F) — some crops are damaged above 32°F too, depending on duration, humidity, wind, and crop sensitivity
In Zone 9A, the last spring frost most likely lands on March 4. There's a 10% chance it could happen as late as March 27, and a 10% chance it's already done by February 5. These probabilities come from NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals, weighted across every NOAA station serving the 1,767 ZIP codes in Zone 9A.
Earliest (10% by)
Feb 5
10% chance frost is done by this date
Typical (50% by)
Mar 4
50% chance frost is done by this date
Latest (90% by)
Mar 27
90% chance frost is done by this date
Zone 9A last-frost probability curve Cumulative probability curve showing the likelihood that the last spring frost has occurred by each date in Zone 9A. P10 (10% probability) is February 5, P50 (50%, the median) is March 4, P90 (90%) is March 27. Source: NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals. 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Jan 16 Jan 31 Feb 15 Mar 2 Mar 17 Apr 1 Apr 16 Probability (%) Date P10: Feb 5 P50: Mar 4 P90: Mar 27
How we calculate this

NOAA provides station-level Climate Normals. NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) records daily minimum temperatures at thousands of U.S. weather stations and publishes, for each station, the probability that the last spring frost has occurred by each calendar date — based on 30 years of observations (1991–2020). These per-station probability percentiles are the primary data.

SoilStack aggregates those station-level normals into a per-USDA-zone composite. For each ZIP code in Zone 9A, we identify nearby NOAA stations, weight each station's contribution by inverse-distance squared to the ZIP centroid, build a per-ZIP composite from those weighted station percentiles, and then aggregate every per-ZIP composite in the zone into a single zone-level composite using a weighted circular mean for dates and a weighted arithmetic mean for numeric values like growing-season length.

For Zone 9A specifically, this composite was aggregated across 1,767 contributing ZIP codes (of 2,199 total ZIP codes assigned to this zone in the USDA 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map).

Read the full methodology →

Data sources

NOAA NCEI 1991–2020 U.S. Annual/Seasonal Climate Normals — the authoritative U.S. climatological dataset, released by NOAA in 2021 and covering frost-date probabilities at six temperature thresholds and nine probability percentiles for thousands of stations nationwide. Dataset identifier: gov.noaa.ncdc:C01619.

Methodology paper: Palecki, M., Durre, I., Applequist, S., Arguez, A., Lawrimore, J. (2021). U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Annual/Seasonal Climate Normals (1991–2020). NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.

Station ↔ ZIP crosswalk: built from NOAA’s GHCN station inventory and the U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ZCTA Gazetteer (public domain) using great-circle distance with inverse-distance-squared weighting.

View the NOAA NCEI dataset →

How to read this chart

The curve shows the cumulative probability that the last spring frost has occurred by each date. It rises from 0% (no chance frost is done that early) to 100% (essentially certain frost has occurred by that late date).

Three reference points are highlighted:

  • P10 (Feb 5) — the earliest date by which there’s a 10% chance the last frost is already done. Gardeners willing to take risk on early planting anchor decisions here.
  • P50 (Mar 4) — the median. Half of historical years had their last frost on or before this date. This is the “Typical” reference.
  • P90 (Mar 27) — the date by which there’s a 90% chance frost is done. Risk-averse gardeners planting frost-sensitive crops use this date as their go-ahead signal.

For most warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, basil, beans), waiting until the P50 to P90 window is the conservative call. Hardier crops can go in around P10.

Limitations

30-year climate normals, not single-year forecast. These probabilities reflect the climatological baseline from 1991–2020. They tell you what’s likely in a typical year, not what the current year’s actual weather will do. For real-time frost risk in the next 7–10 days, consult the NWS forecast for your area.

Microclimate variation. A zone composite represents the weighted average across hundreds of stations. Your specific ZIP may run several days warmer or cooler than the zone average due to elevation, water proximity, urban heat island, or local topography.

Station density. Zone 9A has dense NOAA station coverage. Some zones with sparser ZIP-level coverage (Alaska, parts of the desert Southwest) rely on fewer mapped ZIPs and should be interpreted with slightly more caution.

Data refresh cycle. NOAA releases new Climate Normals on a 10-year cycle. The current 1991–2020 dataset will be superseded by the 2001–2030 release expected in 2031.

Data source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Annual/Seasonal Climate Normals (1991-2020). Dataset ID gov.noaa.ncdc:C01619. Methodology: Palecki et al. (2021). License: NOAA NODD (public domain, no endorsement).

Zone 9A Planting Calendar — All Crops

Dates based on March 4 average last frost. Start indoors dates assume seed starting under grow lights or in a warm window. All dates are averages — adjust based on your specific microclimate and the current year's weather.

Plant Type Start Indoors Transplant / Direct Sow Harvest Window
A
Abe Lincoln Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 13 – May 23
Ace 55 Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 13
Acorn Squash squash — Feb 22 Direct Sow May 13 – Jun 2
African Flake Daisy Flowers flower Jan 18 Feb 1 Transplant May 2 – May 12
Alaska Early Pea legume Jan 18 Jan 25 Transplant Mar 21 – Mar 26
Alaska Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 16
Alfalfa Cover Crop cover crop Feb 1 Feb 8 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
All Season Cabbage brassica Jan 18 Feb 1 Transplant Apr 12 – Apr 22
All Sorts Surprise Mix Sunflowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 26 – May 26
All Sweet Watermelon melon Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 23 – May 28
All Year Round lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 28 – Apr 6
All Year Round Cauliflower brassica Jan 18 Feb 1 Transplant Apr 7
Amarillo Oro Melon melon Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 23
Amarillo Yellow Carrots root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant May 1
America lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 7 – Mar 19
Amish Paste Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 14 – May 25
Anaheim Peppers pepper Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant May 17 – May 25
Ancho Grande Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 18
Angelica herb Jan 18 Feb 15 Transplant May 6 – May 16
Anise herb Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Jun 2 – Jun 22
Anise hyssop leaves and flowers flower Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Armenian Cucumber cucumber Feb 8 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 23 – May 3
Arroyo Lupine Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant May 11 – May 31
Ashley Cucumber cucumber Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 18 – Apr 23
Astro Arugula lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Feb 13 – Mar 4
Atkinson Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 3 – May 13
Atlantic Giant Pumpkin squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Jun 22
Aunt Molly's Ground Cherry vegetable — Feb 15 Plant Out Apr 26 – May 16
Autumn King Carrots root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant May 1 – May 6
B
Baby Blue Eyes Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 16 – May 16
Baby Blue Hubbard Winter Squash squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Jun 2
Baby Cakes Blackberry berry — Feb 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Baby's Breath Flowers flower Jan 25 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Bachelor's button edible flowers flower Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant Apr 30 – May 20
Banana Melon melon Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 23
Banana Peppers pepper Feb 1 Mar 8 Transplant May 7 – May 17
Barletta, Pearly White Onions root vegetable Jan 18 Feb 15 Transplant May 1 – May 6
Basil Herb Mix herb Feb 8 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 23 – May 13
Bay Laurel herb — Feb 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Beauregard Sweet Potato root vegetable — Feb 22 Direct Sow May 23 – Jun 7
Beauty Pink Radishes root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Mar 12 – Mar 17
Beauty Purple Radishes root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Mar 12 – Mar 17
Beauty White Radishes root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Mar 12 – Mar 17
Bee Balm flower — Feb 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant May 20 – May 25
Better Boy Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 3 – May 8
Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper pepper Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant May 30 – Jun 29
Big Jim Hatch Chile pepper Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant May 10 – May 15
Big Max Pumpkin squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Jun 17 – Jun 22
Big Rainbow Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 18 – May 28
Birds Eye Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant Jun 2 – Jun 12
Bitter melons vegetable Feb 15 Mar 1 Transplant May 15 – May 30
Black Beauty Eggplant vegetable — Feb 15 Plant Out May 1 – May 16
Black Beauty Zucchini squash Jan 29 Feb 26 Transplant Apr 12 – Apr 22
Black Cherry Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 4 – May 15
Black Diamond Watermelon melon Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 23
Black Krim Tomatoes tomato Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant May 15 – May 20
Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens microgreen Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant Mar 8 – Mar 13
Black Salsify root vegetable Jan 11 Jan 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Black Seeded Simpson lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 9 – Mar 10
Black-Eyed Pea legume — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 28 – May 3
Black-Eyed Susan flower — Feb 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Blazing Star Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Blonde de Paris lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 14 – Mar 24
Bloody Butcher Corn vegetable Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 19
Bloomsdale Longstanding Spinach lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 9 – Mar 16
Blue Curled Scotch lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 19 – Mar 24
Blue Flax Flowers flower Jan 25 Feb 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Blue Lake Bush Bean legume — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 21
Bok Choy lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 9 – Mar 24
Boltardy Beets root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 16
Bonny Best Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 13
Borage flower — Feb 15 Plant Out Apr 11 – May 1
Borlotti Bush Bean legume Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 18 – Apr 28
Boston Pickling Cucumber cucumber Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 18
Bouquet Dill herb Jan 25 Feb 1 Transplant Mar 23 – Apr 7
Bradley Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 13
Brandywine Tomatoes tomato Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant May 20 – May 30
Brilliant Celeriac root vegetable Jan 4 Feb 15 Transplant Jun 5 – Jun 15
Broad Windsor Fava Bean legume Jan 18 Jan 25 Transplant Apr 10 – Apr 20
Broadleaf Classic lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 14 – Mar 24
Broadleaf Sorrel lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
Broccolini brassica Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant Apr 20 – May 10
Brunswick Cabbage brassica Jan 18 Feb 1 Transplant Apr 22 – May 2
Brussels Sprouts brassica Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant May 25 – Jun 19
Buckwheat cover crop — Feb 15 Plant Out Mar 17 – Apr 1
Bull's Blood Beets root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 11
Burgess Buttercup Winter Squash squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 23
Burgundy Boston lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 14 – Mar 19
Buttercrunch lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 10 – Mar 19
Butterhead Lettuce lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 14 – Mar 29
Butternut Squash squash Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 29
C
Cal Sweet Watermelon melon Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Calabrese Broccoli brassica Jan 18 Feb 1 Transplant Apr 7
Calendula flower — Feb 15 Plant Out Apr 6 – Apr 16
California Bluebell flower Jan 9 Jan 16 Transplant Mar 12 – Mar 22
California Giant Mix Zinnia Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 26
California Wonder Peppers pepper Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant May 12 – May 15
Calypso Cilantro herb — Feb 15 Plant Out Apr 6 – Apr 11
Calypso Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 13
Canary Bird Zinnia Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 26
Canary Yellow lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 14 – Mar 24
Cantaloupe melon Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 20 – May 30
Caraway herb Jan 18 Jan 25 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Cardoon (Purple Artichoke Thistle) vegetable Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Carentan Leeks allium Jan 11 Feb 1 Transplant May 2 – May 22
Caribbean Red Scotch Bonnet Pepper pepper Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant Jun 4 – Jun 29
Caribe Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 18
Carolina Cross Watermelon melon Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 28
Carolina Reaper peppers pepper Jan 18 Mar 1 Transplant May 30 – Jun 29
Cascadia Sugar Snap Pea legume Jan 18 Jan 25 Transplant Mar 31 – Apr 2
Caserta Summer Squash squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 28
Casper Eggplant vegetable Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 10
Catmint herb Jan 25 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Catnip Herb herb Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Cayenne Peppers pepper Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant May 25 – Jun 4
Celebrity Tomatoes tomato Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 3 – May 5
Celeste Fig berry — Mar 1 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Champion Radishes root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Mar 12 – Mar 17
Chantenay Carrots root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 26
Charleston Wakefield Cabbage brassica Jan 11 Jan 25 Transplant Apr 10
Chayote squash vegetable Mar 1 Mar 1 Transplant Jun 29 – Jul 29
Cherokee Purple Tomatoes tomato Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant May 18 – May 25
Cherry Belle Radish root vegetable — Feb 22 Direct Sow Mar 15 – Mar 24
Cherry Bomb peppers pepper Jan 18 Mar 1 Transplant May 15 – May 20
Cherry Queen Zinnia Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 26
Chervil herb Jan 18 Jan 25 Transplant Mar 1 – Mar 11
Chicago Hardy Fig berry — Mar 1 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) brassica — Jan 23 Direct Sow Feb 22 – Mar 14
Chinese Forget-Me-Not Flowers flower Jan 9 Jan 16 Transplant Mar 22 – Apr 11
Chinese Snake Cucumber cucumber Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 8
Chioggia Beet root vegetable — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 18 – Apr 28
Chives herb — Feb 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Chocolate Bell Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 5 – May 20
Chocolate Cherry Sunflowers flower Feb 1 Feb 15 Transplant May 1 – May 16
Chocolate Cherry Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 13
Chocolate Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 18 – Jun 7
Cinderella Pumpkin squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Jun 12
Cinnamon Basil herb Feb 8 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 28 – May 13
Clasping Coneflower flower Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 18 – Jun 2
Classic Cumin herb Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Jun 2 – Jun 22
Classic Tomatillos vegetable Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 13 – May 18
Clemson Spineless Okra vegetable — Feb 15 Plant Out Apr 11 – Apr 20
Cocozelle Summer Squash squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 13
Common Milkweed Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Common Sage herb Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Congo Watermelon melon Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 23 – May 28
Contender Bush Bean legume — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 8 – Apr 18
Copenhagen Cabbage brassica Jan 18 Feb 1 Transplant Apr 7
Corno di Toro Pepper pepper Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant May 15 – May 20
Cosmic Purple Carrot root vegetable — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 21 – May 8
Cosmos flower — Feb 15 Plant Out Apr 26 – May 16
Cosmos Sensations Mix Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 26 – May 1
Crackerjack Mix Marigolds flower Jan 25 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 16 – May 1
Crego Mix Aster Flowers flower Jan 25 Feb 15 Transplant May 6 – May 16
Creole Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 13 – May 23
Crimson Cherry Rhubarb Root vegetable Jan 11 Jan 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Crimson Clover cover crop — Feb 15 Plant Out Apr 16 – May 16
Crimson Forest Bunching Onions root vegetable Jan 25 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 16
Crimson Sweet Watermelon melon — Feb 15 Plant Out May 6 – May 16
Crisphead lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Apr 1 – Apr 8
Crosby's Egyptian Beets root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 11 – Apr 16
Crosne tubers root vegetable Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Cubanelle Peppers pepper Feb 1 Mar 8 Transplant May 9 – May 17
Culinary Turmeric root vegetable Feb 8 Mar 8 Transplant Nov 3 2026 – Jan 2 2027
Cupid Grape Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 28 – May 3
Curly Kale lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 19 – Mar 29
Curly Parsley herb Jan 11 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 26 – May 6
Cylindra Beets root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 16
D
Daikon Radishes root vegetable Jan 25 Feb 1 Transplant Mar 18 – Mar 28
Dandelion herb Jan 18 Jan 25 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Danish Ballhead Cabbage brassica Jan 18 Feb 1 Transplant May 12 – May 22
Danvers Carrot root vegetable — Feb 22 Direct Sow May 3 – May 13
Dark Green Italian Giant Parsley herb Jan 25 Feb 1 Transplant Apr 2 – Apr 17
Dark Green Romaine lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 24 – Apr 3
Dark Green Summer Squash squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 13
Datil peppers pepper Jan 18 Mar 1 Transplant May 30 – Jun 19
Delica kabocha squash squash Feb 15 Mar 1 Transplant Jun 4 – Jun 19
Delicata Squash squash — Feb 22 Direct Sow May 13 – Jun 2
Delicatesse Blue Kohlrabi brassica Jan 18 Jan 25 Transplant Mar 21 – Mar 26
Delicatesse White Kohlrabi brassica Jan 18 Jan 25 Transplant Mar 21 – Mar 26
Delicious Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 13
Detroit Dark Red Beet root vegetable — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 18 – Apr 23
Devils Tongue Yellow Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 23 – Jun 12
Di Cicco Broccoli brassica Jan 18 Feb 1 Transplant Apr 7
Dill herb — Feb 15 Plant Out Mar 27 – Apr 11
Dragon Tongue Bean legume — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 18 – Apr 23
Drumhead Cabbage brassica Jan 18 Feb 1 Transplant May 2 – May 12
Dukat Dill herb Jan 25 Feb 1 Transplant Mar 13 – Mar 23
Dutch Lamb's Lettuce lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 4 – Mar 14
Dutch Yellow Shallots allium Jan 11 Jan 18 Transplant Apr 18 – May 18
Dwarf Jewel Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 16
Dwarf Long Pod Okra vegetable Mar 1 Mar 8 Transplant May 2 – May 7
E
Early Girl Tomatoes tomato Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant Apr 22 – May 2
Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage brassica Jan 11 Jan 25 Transplant Mar 31 – Apr 10
Early Purple Broccoli brassica Jan 18 Feb 1 Transplant Apr 7
Early Wonder Beets root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 6
Easter Egg Radishes root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Mar 15 – Mar 19
Echinacea flower — Feb 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Edamame legume — Feb 22 Direct Sow May 8 – May 28
Egg Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 13
Eight Ball Zucchini squash Feb 8 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 8 – Apr 18
Elephant Garlic root vegetable — Nov 4 Plant Out May 3 2027 – Jul 2 2027
Emerald Giant Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 15 – May 25
Emerald Green Velvet Okra vegetable Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant Apr 25 – Apr 28
Empress of India Nasturtium Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 16
Endive / Escarole lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 9 – Mar 29
English Lavender flower — Feb 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
English Lavender herb Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
English Thyme herb Jan 18 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
English White Daisy Flowers flower Jan 18 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Epazote herb Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 18 – Apr 28
Evening Sun Sunflowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant May 6 – May 16
Everbearing Cucumber cucumber Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 23
Evergreen Bunching Onions root vegetable Jan 25 Feb 15 Transplant Jun 15
Evergreen Parsley herb Jan 25 Feb 1 Transplant Apr 12 – Apr 27
F
Fairy Dwarf Mix Candytuft Flowers flower Jan 25 Feb 1 Transplant Mar 18 – Apr 2
Fall Rutabagas root vegetable — Feb 22 Direct Sow May 18 – Jun 2
Fava Bean legume — Feb 22 Direct Sow May 8 – Jun 2
Fenugreek herb Jan 25 Feb 1 Transplant Mar 8 – Mar 23
Firecracker Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 13 – Jun 22
Flat-Leaf Parsley herb Jan 11 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 26 – May 16
Floradade Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 3 – May 8
Florida Broadleaf lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 4 – Mar 14
Florida Giant Watermelon melon Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 18
Florida Market Eggplant vegetable Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 20 – May 30
Fordhook Giant lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 9 – Mar 19
Foxglove Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
French Breakfast Radish root vegetable — Feb 22 Direct Sow Mar 15 – Mar 22
French Lamb's Lettuce lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 4 – Mar 14
French Marigold flower — Feb 15 Plant Out Apr 6 – Apr 16
French Red Shallots allium Jan 11 Jan 18 Transplant Apr 18 – May 18
French Tarragon herb — Feb 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Fresno Peppers pepper Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant May 15 – May 20
Full Heart Batavian lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Apr 18 – Apr 23
G
Gaillardia Annual Mix Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 26 – May 16
Gardener's Delight Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 23 – May 8
Garlic Chives herb — Feb 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Genovese Basil herb Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant Apr 30 – May 10
Georgia Rattlesnake Watermelon melon Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 23 – May 28
Georgia Southern Collard Greens lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 24 – Apr 13
German Chamomile herb — Feb 15 Plant Out Apr 16 – Apr 21
Giant Imperial Mix Larkspur Flowers flower Jan 25 Feb 1 Transplant May 12 – Jun 1
Giant Maximum Mix Snapdragon Flowers flower Jan 4 Feb 1 Transplant Apr 22 – May 7
Giant Musselburgh Leeks allium Jan 11 Feb 1 Transplant May 12 – May 17
Giant Red lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 9
Ginger root vegetable Feb 8 Mar 8 Transplant Nov 3 2026 – Jan 2 2027
Globe Gilia Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 16 – May 6
Glorious Gleam Nasturtium Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 11 – Apr 26
Glory of Enkhuizen Cabbage brassica Jan 18 Feb 1 Transplant May 2
Gold Rush Zucchini squash Feb 8 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 8 – Apr 13
Golden Acre Cabbage brassica Jan 18 Feb 1 Transplant Apr 7
Golden Bantam Sweet Corn vegetable Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant May 9 – May 15
Golden Beet root vegetable — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 18 – Apr 28
Golden Bush Scallop Summer Squash squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 28
Golden Celery vegetable Jan 18 Feb 22 Transplant May 18 – May 28
Golden Detroit Beets root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 11 – Apr 16
Golden Globe Turnips root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 1 – Apr 6
Golden Hubbard Winter Squash squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Jun 2
Golden Marconi Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 5 – May 20
Golden Sunray Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 13
Golden Wax Bush Bean legume Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 23
Grano Red Onions root vegetable Jan 18 Feb 15 Transplant Jun 15
Grano White Onions root vegetable Jan 18 Feb 15 Transplant Jun 15
Greek Basil herb Feb 8 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 28 – May 8
Greek Oregano herb — Feb 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Green Arrow Pea legume Jan 18 Jan 25 Transplant Mar 31 – Apr 5
Green Cabbage brassica Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant Apr 30 – Jun 9
Green Fingers Persian Cucumber cucumber Feb 8 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 18 – Apr 23
Green Flesh Honeydew Melon melon Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 18 – Jun 2
Green Globe Artichoke vegetable Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Green Hubbard Winter Squash squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Jun 12
Green Ice lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 9
Green Marrow Summer Squash squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 18
Green Onion vegetable — Feb 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Green Purslane vegetable Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Mar 29 – Apr 13
Green shiso leaves herb Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 23 – May 3
Green Striped Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Jun 2
Green Wave lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 9
Green Zebra Tomatoes tomato Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant May 15 – May 18
H
Habanero Pepper pepper Jan 25 Mar 8 Transplant Jun 6 – Jul 6
Hailstone Radishes root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Mar 17
Hairy vetch cover crop stands cover crop Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant Apr 30 – May 30
Hamburg Rooted Parsley herb Jan 25 Feb 1 Transplant May 2 – May 22
Hard Red Wheat Cover Crop cover crop Jan 18 Jan 25 Transplant Apr 10 – Apr 30
Harris Model Parsnips root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant May 16
Harvester Bush Bean legume Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 18
Heart of Gold Cantaloupe Melon melon Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 18 – Jun 2
Heirloom Red Kuri Squash squash Feb 8 Feb 22 Transplant May 23 – Jun 2
Herb Fennel herb — Feb 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Heritage Rainbow Blend Carrots root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 26 – May 1
Heritage Raspberry berry — Feb 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Highbush Blueberries berry Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Holiday Marbles Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 23 – Jun 12
Holland Red Shallots allium Jan 11 Jan 18 Transplant Apr 18 – May 18
Homemade Pickles Cucumber cucumber Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 18 – Apr 23
Homestead Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 13 – May 18
Honey Rock Cantaloupe Melon melon Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 18 – Jun 2
Honeydew Melon melon Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 24
Horehound Herb herb Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Horseradish vegetable — Feb 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Hot Pink lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 14 – Mar 24
Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper pepper Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant May 5 – May 15
I
Iceberg lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Apr 1 – Apr 8
Igloo Cauliflower brassica Jan 18 Feb 1 Transplant Apr 7 – Apr 12
Imperial Star Artichoke vegetable Jan 11 Feb 15 Transplant May 16 – May 26
Improved Meyer Lemon berry — Mar 1 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Indian Spring Mix Hollyhock Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Jun 15 – Aug 14
Isis Candy Cherry Tomatoes tomato Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 3 – May 13
Italian Large Leaf Basil herb Feb 8 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 23 – May 8
Italian Oregano herb Jan 25 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
J
Jack Be Little Pumpkin squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Jun 2
Jack O'Lantern Pumpkin squash — Feb 22 Direct Sow May 23 – Jun 12
Jacob's Cattle beans legume Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant May 20 – May 30
Jade Bush Bean legume Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 18 – Apr 23
Jalapeño Peppers pepper Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant May 5 – May 15
Japanese Eggplant vegetable — Feb 15 Plant Out Apr 6 – Apr 21
Jersey Knight Asparagus vegetable — Feb 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Jerusalem artichoke tubers root vegetable Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Jewel Strawberries berry Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Jicama Mexican Yam Bean legume Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant Jul 19 – Aug 8
Jimmy Nardello Peppers pepper Feb 1 Mar 8 Transplant May 27 – Jun 6
Jubilee Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 13
Jubilee Watermelon melon Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 23 – May 28
Juliet Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 22 – Apr 24
K
Kagraner Sommer lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 14 – Mar 22
Kellogg's Breakfast tomatoes tomato Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 18
Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean legume Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 28 – May 5
King Arthur Peppers pepper Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant May 2 – May 8
King of the Garden Pole Lima Bean legume Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 24 – May 31
King's Cure-All Evening Primrose Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Kuroda Carrots root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 26
L
Lacinato Kale lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 24 – Mar 29
Lacy Phacelia Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 11 – May 1
Lanceleaf Coreopsis Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Landreth Bush Bean legume Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 18
Large Leaf Sorrel lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
Large Red Cherry Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 3 – May 13
Leaf Lettuce Mix lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 9 – Mar 19
Lebanese White Bush Summer Squash squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 8
Leek vegetable — Feb 15 Plant Out May 26 – Jun 25
Lemon Balm herb — Feb 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Lemon Cucumber cucumber — Feb 15 Plant Out Apr 16 – Apr 26
Lemon Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 18 – Jun 7
Lemon Mint Herb herb Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Lemon Verbena herb — Feb 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Lemongrass herb Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Lettuce Leaf Basil herb Feb 8 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 28 – May 13
Licorice Basil herb Feb 8 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 28 – May 13
Lima Bean legume — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 23 – May 13
Lime Basil herb Feb 8 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 28 – May 8
Little Fingers Carrots root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 11
Little Gem lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 14 – Mar 20
Little Marvel Pea legume Jan 18 Jan 25 Transplant Mar 26 – Mar 29
Lollo Bionda lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 14 – Mar 24
Lollo Rossa lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 17 – Mar 20
Long Green Louisiana Eggplant vegetable Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 5 – May 10
Long Island Cheese Winter Squash squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Jun 2
Long Ping Tung Eggplant vegetable Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant Apr 25 – Apr 30
Long Purple Italian Eggplant vegetable Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 15
Lovage Herb herb Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Love-in-a-Mist Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 21 – May 11
Luffa gourds vegetable Feb 8 Mar 1 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 29
Luminosa Zinnia Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 26
Lunar White Carrots root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant May 1 – May 6
Lunaria Silver Dollar Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Lunchbox Mini Peppers pepper Feb 1 Mar 8 Transplant May 2 – May 7
M
Magenta Sunset lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 19 – Mar 24
Mammoth Dill herb Jan 25 Feb 1 Transplant Mar 18 – Apr 7
Mammoth Melting Sugar Snow Pea legume Jan 18 Jan 25 Transplant Apr 3 – Apr 9
Mammoth Sunflower flower — Feb 15 Plant Out Apr 21 – May 6
Manitoba Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 18 – Apr 28
Marglobe Improved Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 3 – May 13
Marglobe Supreme Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 3 – May 13
Marion Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 13
Marketer Cucumber cucumber Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 18
Marketmore 76 Cucumber cucumber Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant Apr 28 – May 8
Marvel of Four Seasons lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 9 – Mar 24
Mary Washington Asparagus vegetable Jan 25 Feb 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Matador Viking lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 9 – Mar 12
Matt's Wild Cherry Tomatoes tomato Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 18 – Apr 28
Maximillian Sunflowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
McKana Giants Mix Columbine Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Medium Red Clover Cover Crop cover crop Jan 25 Feb 1 Transplant Apr 2 – Apr 17
Mesclun Mix lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Feb 13 – Feb 22
Michihili Cabbage brassica Jan 11 Jan 25 Transplant Apr 5
Midnight Snack Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 5 – May 10
Millennium Asparagus vegetable Jan 25 Feb 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Mizuna lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 4 – Mar 14
Money Maker Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 18
Monstrueux de Viroflay lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 9 – Mar 14
Moon & Stars Red-Flesh Watermelon melon Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 23 – Jun 2
Moon & Stars Yellow-Flesh Watermelon melon Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 23 – Jun 2
Morris Heading lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Apr 8 – Apr 13
Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes tomato Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant May 20 – May 25
Mountain Magic Tomatoes tomato Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant May 12 – May 15
Mr. Stripey Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 18 – May 28
Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil herb Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 23 – May 3
Mucho Nacho Jalapeño Peppers pepper Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 8 – May 10
Mugwort herb Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Muncher Cucumber cucumber Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 23 – Apr 28
Mustard Greens lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Feb 27 – Mar 14
Mâche (Corn Salad) lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 24 – Apr 17
N
Nagami Kumquat berry — Mar 1 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Nantes Carrot root vegetable — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 25 – May 8
Napa Cabbage brassica — Jan 23 Direct Sow Apr 3 – Apr 23
Nasturtium flower — Feb 15 Plant Out Apr 6 – Apr 21
National Pickling Cucumber cucumber — Feb 15 Plant Out Apr 6 – Apr 14
New England Aster Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
New Sunn Hemp Cover Crop cover crop Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 23 – May 23
New Zealand Spinach lettuce Feb 8 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 23
Noble Giant lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 10 – Mar 14
Nodding Catchfly Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 16 – May 16
Nopales pads vegetable Mar 1 Mar 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
NuMex Twilight Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 23 – Jun 22
Nutri-Red Carrots root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 26 – May 1
O
OG American Flag Leeks allium Jan 11 Feb 1 Transplant May 2 – May 12
Old Fashion lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 9 – Mar 14
Orange lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 9 – Mar 19
Orange Flesh Honeydew Melon melon Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 18 – Jun 2
Orange Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 18 – Jun 7
Orange Horizon Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 15 – May 20
Orange King Zinnia Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 26
Orange Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 18
Orange Sulphur Cosmos Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 11 – Apr 26
Oregon Giant Snow Pea legume Jan 18 Jan 25 Transplant Apr 5 – Apr 9
Oregon Sugar Pod Snow Pea legume Jan 18 Jan 25 Transplant Mar 26 – Apr 3
Orion Florence Fennel vegetable Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 13 – May 23
Ox-Eye Daisy Flowers flower Jan 18 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Ozark Beauty Strawberry berry — Feb 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
P
Pacific Giant Pumpkin squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Jun 17 – Jun 27
Padron Peppers pepper Feb 1 Mar 8 Transplant May 7 – May 12
Pandora Striped Eggplant vegetable Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 15 – May 20
Paris Market Carrots root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 11
Paris Yellow Pumpkin squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Jun 2
Parsnip root vegetable — Feb 22 Direct Sow Jun 2 – Jul 2
Pasilla de Oaxaca Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 18
Patio Princess Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 28 – May 3
Pattypan Squash squash — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 10 – Apr 18
Paul Robeson tomatoes tomato Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 3 – May 18
Peach Melba Nasturtium Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 16
Peppermint herb — Feb 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Pepperoncini Pepper pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 28 – May 8
Phacelia cover crop and bee forage cover crop Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant Apr 15 – Apr 30
Pimento Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 25 – May 30
Pineapple Tomatillos vegetable Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 3 – May 13
Pineapple Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 18 – May 28
Pink Banana Jumbo Winter Squash squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Jun 2 – Jun 12
Pink Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 13 – May 23
Pinkeye Purple Hull Cowpea legume Jan 4 Mar 1 Transplant Apr 30 – May 10
Pixie Delight Lupine Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant May 16 – Jun 5
Plains Coreopsis flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 26
Planters Jumbo Cantaloupe Melon melon Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 18
Poblano Peppers pepper Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant May 5 – May 15
Polar Bear Zinnia Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 26
Ponderosa Red Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 13
Popcorn vegetable — Feb 15 Plant Out May 11 – Jun 15
Potato onion clusters root vegetable Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant May 30 – Jun 29
Powderpuff Aster Flowers flower Jan 25 Feb 15 Transplant May 1 – May 11
Premier lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 14 – Mar 24
Pretty Purple Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 23 – Jun 22
Prizewinner Runner Pole Bean legume Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 15
Progress No. 9 Shelling Pea legume Jan 18 Jan 25 Transplant Mar 24 – Mar 28
Provider Bush Bean legume — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 18
Purple Basil herb Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 10 – May 25
Purple Beauty Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 10 – May 15
Purple Carrots root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 26 – May 1
Purple Haze Carrots root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 26 – Apr 29
Purple Passion Asparagus vegetable Jan 25 Feb 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Purple Plum Radishes root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Mar 15 – Mar 17
Purple Tiger Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 23 – Jun 2
Purple Tomatillos vegetable Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 18
Pápalo leaves herb Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 26 – May 6
Q
Queen Anne's Lace Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant May 11 – May 26
Queensland Blue Winter Squash squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Jun 2 – Jun 22
R
Radicchio lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 24 – Apr 18
Rainbow Corn vegetable Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Jun 7 – Jun 17
Rainbow Mix lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 14 – Mar 24
Rambo Radish Microgreens microgreen Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant Mar 7 – Mar 11
Rapeseed Cover Crop cover crop Jan 9 Jan 16 Transplant Mar 2 – Mar 27
Rapini Broccoli Raab brassica Jan 25 Feb 1 Transplant Apr 7
Raspberry Shortcake berry — Feb 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Rattlesnake Pole Bean legume Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 23 – May 3
Red Acre Cabbage brassica Jan 11 Jan 25 Transplant Apr 10 – Apr 15
Red Burgundy Okra vegetable Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant Apr 25 – Apr 30
Red Burgundy Onions root vegetable Jan 18 Feb 15 Transplant Jun 5 – Jun 15
Red Cabbage brassica Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant May 10 – Jun 19
Red Caribbean Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 18 – Jun 7
Red Cayenne Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 18
Red Cherry Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 18
Red Garnet Amaranth vegetable Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 18 – Apr 23
Red Leaf Lettuce lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 9 – Mar 19
Red Mushroom Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 18
Red Pear Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 28 – May 8
Red Pontiac Potato root vegetable — Feb 22 Direct Sow May 23 – Jun 12
Red Prairie Mexican Hat Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Red Romaine lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 24 – Apr 3
Red Russian Kale lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 14 – Mar 24
Red Vein Sorrel lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
Red Velvet Leaf Basil herb Feb 8 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 28 – May 13
Red-Stem Malabar Spinach lettuce Feb 8 Mar 1 Transplant Apr 25 – May 10
Rio Grande Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 13
Roma II Bush Bean legume Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 22
Roma VF Tomatoes tomato Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant May 15 – May 20
Romaine Lettuce lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 29 – Apr 8
Roman Chamomile herb Jan 25 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Romanesco brassica Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant May 15 – Jun 9
Romano Pole Bean legume Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 23 – May 1
Roselle calyces and leaves vegetable Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant Jul 22 – Aug 21
Rosemary herb — Mar 1 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Round de Nice Zucchini Summer Squash squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 8
Round Mauve Eggplant vegetable Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 20 – May 30
Royal Burgundy Bush Bean legume Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 18
Royal Carpet Alyssum Flowers flower Jan 25 Feb 1 Transplant Mar 18 – Apr 2
Ruby Red lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 19 – Mar 24
Rue herb Jan 25 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Russian Tarragon herb Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Rutgers Tomato tomato Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 10 – May 20
S
Salad Bowl Green lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 13 – Mar 14
Salad Burnet herb Feb 1 Feb 8 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
San Andreas Strawberries berry Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
San Marzano Tomatoes tomato Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant May 18 – May 28
Santa Fe Grande Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 13
Savoy Perfection Cabbage brassica Jan 18 Feb 1 Transplant May 2 – May 7
Scarlet Flax Flowers flower Jan 25 Feb 1 Transplant Mar 28 – Apr 12
Scarlet Runner Bean legume — Feb 22 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
Scarlet Sage Flowers flower Jan 25 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Seascape Strawberry berry — Feb 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Serrano Peppers pepper Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant May 10 – May 20
Shallot vegetable — Feb 15 Plant Out May 16 – Jun 15
Shasta Daisy Flowers flower Jan 11 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Shelling Pea legume — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 18 – May 3
Shishito Peppers pepper Feb 1 Mar 8 Transplant May 7 – May 12
Showy Pink Ladies Evening Primrose Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Shungiku (Edible Chrysanthemum) lettuce Jan 25 Feb 1 Transplant Mar 13 – Mar 28
Siberian Dwarf lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 14 – Mar 19
Signet marigold edible flowers flower Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant Apr 30 – May 5
Silver Queen Sweet Corn vegetable — Feb 15 Plant Out May 16 – May 18
Single Mix China Aster Flowers flower Jan 25 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 26 – May 6
Slenderette Bush Bean legume Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 20
Slow-Bolt (Slo-Bolt) Cilantro/Coriander herb Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Mar 15 – Mar 27
Smooth Blue Aster Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Snow Crown Cauliflower brassica Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant Apr 20 – Apr 30
Snow Pea legume — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 15 – May 3
Snow White Carrots root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 26 – May 1
Snowball Self-Blanche Cauliflower brassica Jan 18 Feb 1 Transplant Apr 7
Soapwort flower Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Softneck Garlic root vegetable — Nov 4 Plant Out Jul 2 2027 – Aug 1 2027
Solar Yellow Carrots root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 26 – May 1
Southport Red Globe Onions root vegetable Jan 18 Feb 15 Transplant Jun 15
Southport White Globe Onions root vegetable Jan 18 Feb 15 Transplant Jun 15
Spacemaster Bush Cucumber cucumber Feb 8 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 23 – Apr 28
Spaghetti Squash squash — Feb 22 Direct Sow May 21 – Jun 2
Spanish Sweet White Onions root vegetable Jan 18 Feb 15 Transplant Jun 5 – Jun 15
Sparkler Radishes root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Mar 12 – Mar 17
Sparky Mix Marigolds flower Jan 25 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 11 – Apr 26
Spearmint herb — Feb 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens microgreen Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant Mar 9 – Mar 15
St. Valery Carrots root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 26
Stevia herb — Feb 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Straight Eight Cucumber cucumber Feb 8 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 23 – Apr 28
Sugar Ann Snap Pea legume Jan 18 Jan 25 Transplant Mar 18 – Mar 22
Sugar Baby Watermelon melon Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 15 – May 20
Sugar Pie Pumpkin squash — Feb 22 Direct Sow May 23 – Jun 12
Sugar Snap Pea legume — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 18 – May 3
Summer Bibb lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 19 – Mar 24
Summer Carnival Mix Hollyhock Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Jun 15 – Aug 14
Summer Max Mix Cover Crop cover crop Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 1 – Apr 16
Summer Savory herb Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 18 – Apr 28
Sun Gold Sunflowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant May 6 – May 21
Sun Gold Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 20 – Apr 28
Sunbright Yellow Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 15 – May 20
Sunray Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 13
Sunshine Blue Blueberry berry — Feb 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Sunshine Kabocha Squash squash Feb 8 Feb 22 Transplant May 28 – Jun 2
Sunspot Sunflowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 11 – Apr 26
Sweet 100 Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 23 – Apr 28
Sweet Alyssum flower — Feb 15 Plant Out Mar 27 – Apr 11
Sweet Marjoram herb Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 23
Sweet Million Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant Apr 30 – May 5
Sweet Woodruff herb Jan 25 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Swiss Chard lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 14 – Mar 24
T
Tabasco Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 13 – May 23
Tall Trailing Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 11 – Apr 26
Tall Utah 52-70 Celery vegetable — Feb 15 Plant Out May 26 – Jun 25
Tango lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Feb 24 – Mar 4
Tansy herb Jan 25 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Tatsoi lettuce Jan 4 Jan 18 Transplant Feb 12 – Mar 4
Taylor Dwarf Bush Bean legume Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 28 – May 1
Tendercrisp Celery vegetable Jan 18 Feb 22 Transplant May 18 – Jun 2
Tendergreen lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 4 – Mar 14
Tendergreen Burpless Cucumber cucumber Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 28
Tendergreen Bush Bean legume Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 18
Tendersweet Carrots root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 26
Tendersweet Orange Watermelon melon Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 23 – May 28
Tepin Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant Jun 22 – Sep 10
Texas 1015Y SuperSweet Onion root vegetable Dec 14 Jan 18 Transplant May 3 – May 13
Texas Bluebonnet Lupine Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant May 1 – May 21
Thai Basil herb Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant Apr 30 – May 5
Thai Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant May 15 – May 25
Thessaloniki Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 13
Thorogreen Bush Lima Bean legume Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 1 – May 11
Tigerella Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 18 – May 3
Tiny Tim Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant Apr 15 – Apr 25
Tom Thumb lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 14 – Apr 3
Tom Watson Watermelon melon Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 18
Tomatillo vegetable — Feb 15 Plant Out Apr 16 – May 11
Top Crop Bush Bean legume Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 18
Tri Color Amaranth (Joseph's Coat) vegetable Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Mar 24 – Apr 8
Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers pepper Jan 18 Mar 1 Transplant May 20 – Jun 29
Tropical Milkweed Flowers flower Jan 18 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Trucker's Favorite Corn vegetable Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 18
True Watercress vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Tumbling Tom Red Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 5 – May 10
Turkish Orange Eggplant vegetable Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 25 – May 30
Turnip root vegetable — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 23
Tuscany Black lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 24 – Apr 8
U
Upland Cress vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
V
Vates lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 14 – Mar 19
Vates lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 24 – Apr 8
Velvet Queen Sunflowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant May 1 – May 16
Verde Tomatillos vegetable Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 18
Verona Red lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Apr 18 – Apr 25
Victoria Rhubarb vegetable Jan 11 Feb 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Vienna Purple Kohlrabi brassica Jan 18 Jan 25 Transplant Mar 21 – Mar 31
Vienna White Kohlrabi brassica Jan 18 Jan 25 Transplant Mar 31
Viola and pansy edible flowers flower Dec 28 Feb 1 Transplant Apr 2 – Apr 12
Violetta Purple Cauliflower brassica Jan 18 Feb 1 Transplant Apr 7
VR Moscow Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 13 – May 23
W
Waltham 29 Broccoli brassica Jan 25 Mar 1 Transplant May 15 – May 30
Wando Pea legume Jan 18 Jan 25 Transplant Mar 29 – Apr 3
Watermelon Radishes root vegetable — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 28
Wee Be Little Pumpkin squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 18
West Indian Burr Gherkin Cucumber cucumber Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 18 – Apr 28
Whirlybird Nasturtium Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 16
White Boston lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 4 – Mar 14
White Cherry Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 3 – May 8
White Cloud Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 10 – May 15
White clover living mulch cover crop Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
White Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Jun 2
White Detroit Beets root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 11 – Apr 16
White Emergo Runner Pole Bean legume Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 13
White Icicle Radishes root vegetable Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Mar 17 – Mar 27
White Lisbon Bunching Onions root vegetable Jan 25 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 21
White Marrow Summer Squash squash Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant May 18
White Wonder Cucumber cucumber Feb 15 Feb 22 Transplant Apr 18 – Apr 23
Winner Kohlrabi brassica — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 9 – Mar 14
Winter Density lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 18 – Mar 24
Winter Giant lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow Mar 9 – Mar 14
Winter rye cover crop stands cover crop Feb 22 Mar 1 Transplant Aug 28 – Oct 7
Witloof White lettuce — Jan 23 Direct Sow May 9 – Jun 1
Wormwood herb Jan 25 Feb 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Y
Yard Long Bean legume — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 23 – May 23
Yarrow flower — Feb 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Yellow Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 18
Yellow Crookneck Squash squash — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 23
Yellow Jalapeno (Caloro) Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 18
Yellow Mushroom Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 8 – May 18
Yellow Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Yellow Pear Tomatoes tomato Feb 1 Feb 22 Transplant May 3 – May 13
Yellow Scotch Bonnet Hot Peppers pepper Jan 25 Feb 22 Transplant May 23 – Jun 22
Yellow Sulphur Cosmos Flowers flower Feb 8 Feb 15 Transplant Apr 11 – Apr 26
Yellow Sweet Blossom Clover Cover Crop cover crop Jan 9 Jan 16 Transplant Mar 17 – Apr 16
Yolo Wonder Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant May 10 – May 20
Yukon Gold Potato root vegetable — Feb 22 Direct Sow May 13 – Jun 2
Z
Zinnia flower — Feb 15 Plant Out Apr 16 – May 16

Browse Zone 9A by Month

See exactly what to plant, transplant, and harvest each month in Zone 9A.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Zone 9A Growing Tips

States in Zone 9A

Zone 9A spans parts of these states. Note that zone boundaries run within states — check your specific ZIP code for your exact zone.

Texas (south central) Florida (central) California (Los Angeles basin, Sacramento valley) Arizona (Phoenix metro) New Mexico (south)

What works well in Zone 9A

Zone 9a (Phoenix-style hot desert) runs on an inverted calendar: production from October through May, summer dormancy June through September. With 8 inches of annual rainfall and 106°F July highs, gardens are water-limited and heat-limited more than frost-limited. (Coastal California 9a is much milder and less of a summer-shutdown desert calendar.)

Drip irrigation / soaker hose kit

Critical

Every gardener benefits from putting water at the root zone instead of on the leaves, because drip and soaker systems reduce foliar disease pressure by limiting leaf wetness and soil splash. A quality kit should include a backflow preventer, filter, pressure reducer, and UV-resistant tubing.

Source: Iowa State University Extension; Colorado State University Extension; UMass Extension

Budget Quick-Connect Drip Starter Kit Right-sized for 1-2 raised beds. Quick-connect fittings, adjustable nozzles, and 1/2" + 1/4" tubing included. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Best value Complete Garden Drip Irrigation Kit Designed for beginners with a step-by-step setup guide. Adjustable emitters, both tubing sizes, and all connectors included. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Premium Landscape Drip Irrigation Kit Professional-grade from the company that builds irrigation systems for golf courses and farms. Includes drippers, micro-bubblers, and micro-sprays. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs.

Garden shade cloth

Critical

K-State Research and Extension and University of Maryland Extension recommend shade cloth as a heat-management tool for vegetable gardens, with 30 percent shade rating most effective for tomatoes, peppers, and fruiting crops, and 40 to 50 percent for protecting heat-sensitive greens during hot summer months. University of Delaware research found 30 percent black shade cloth tripled marketable yield for bell peppers compared to unshaded plants, and Purdue trials showed shade cloth reduced maximum daily temperatures by 8 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose knitted polyethylene with reinforced grommets every 18 to 24 inches, mount on hoops or a frame with open sides for airflow, and remove or vent during prolonged wet weather to avoid increased humidity in the canopy.

Source: K-State Research and Extension; University of Maryland Extension; University of Delaware Cooperative Extension; Purdue University Extension

Budget 30% Sun-Block Shade Cloth (6x8 ft, with clips) 30 percent shade rating, the extension-recommended density for tomatoes, peppers, and other fruiting crops. Agfabric is one of the most-cited horticultural shade cloth brands. Includes clips for fast install over hoops or a simple PVC frame. Best for one raised bed or a small group of containers. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Best value 30% Sun-Block Shade Cloth (6x10 ft) Same 30 percent rating in the typical home-garden size that fits a 4 by 8 raised bed plus working overhang. Knitted polyethylene with grommets for tie-down. Strong volume signal (3.8K reviews) supports consistent product quality across orders. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Premium 30% UV-Block Shade Cloth (6x15 ft roll) Coolaroo is the gold-standard horticultural shade fabric brand, used by professional growers and university research stations. Tear-resistant breathable knit at the same 30 percent rating, sized as a 6 by 15 foot roll for serious gardens with multiple beds. Cut to fit, secure with clips or grommets at the edges. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs.

Mulch / landscape fabric

High

Nearly every garden benefits from mulch for weed suppression, moisture conservation, and soil temperature moderation. For most home gardeners, quality organic mulch is the better buy over landscape fabric.

Source: Penn State Extension; Wisconsin Horticulture; Illinois Extension

Budget Seeding Straw Mulch (1 cu ft, covers ~250 sq ft) Processed wheat straw with biodegradable tackifier for slope retention. The most-reviewed garden straw on Amazon (1.8K+ reviews). Covers about 250 square feet at proper 2 to 3 inch depth, which fits a typical home raised-bed setup. Apply after seedlings are established and soil has warmed. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Best value Cleaned Wheat Straw Mulch (3 cu ft, ~20 lbs) Thoroughly cleaned wheat straw at 3 cubic feet, marketed specifically for vegetable gardens rather than animal bedding or decoration. Better per-pound economics than the 1 cu ft option, with the same extension-recommended material. Strong sales volume (2K+ bought past month) supports product consistency. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Premium Long-Needle Pine Straw (covers ~100 sq ft) Long-needle pine straw harvested in the US, premium type that decomposes more slowly than wheat straw. Pine straw is the regional preferred mulch in the humid Southeast (recommended by NC State, UF/IFAS, and Texas A&M extension) because it resists matting in heavy rain and stays in place better than chopped straw. Best for Zones 7a-9b vegetable beds. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs.

Soil moisture meter (root-zone probe)

High

University of Arizona Cooperative Extension notes that most vegetables root in the top 12 to 24 inches of soil and that hot, dry periods require more frequent irrigation, but watering by habit often wets only the top inch while leaving the root zone dry. A dedicated soil moisture meter with a long probe gives gardeners a deterministic reading at root depth instead of guessing from surface appearance, which is most critical in low-rainfall desert zones (Zone 9a Phoenix) and in raised beds or containers that dry from the top down. Look for a single-purpose moisture meter (not a 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 combo, which trade accuracy for feature count) with a probe that reaches 8 to 12 inches and a clear analog or digital display.

Source: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension

Budget Soil Moisture Meter (stainless steel probe) The original XLUX moisture meter with a 304 stainless steel probe — won't corrode in alkaline desert soils or humid Gulf Coast beds. Single-purpose tool, no batteries required, instant-read dial. The most-reviewed soil moisture meter on Amazon (66K+ reviews, 7K+ bought past month). Best entry-level choice when probe durability matters more than maximum depth. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Best value Deep-Probe Soil Moisture Meter (12-inch probe) Extended 12-inch probe specifically designed to reach the 8 to 12 inch root zone where University of Arizona Extension recommends measuring. Critical for Zone 9a desert gardens, raised beds, and large containers where surface moisture readings don't reflect actual root-zone water status. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Premium Deep-Probe Soil Moisture Meter (2-pack, 12-inch probe) Same 12-inch deep-use probe in a 2-pack for gardeners with multiple beds or who want to leave one meter staged in a primary bed and one for spot-checking. Better per-unit economics for serious desert gardens or any setup with separated growing areas. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs.

Reflective plastic mulch (white-on-black or silver)

Medium

North Carolina State Extension reports that white-on-black plastic mulch can reduce soil temperature by 5 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and silver mulch by about 6 degrees, the opposite effect of black mulch which warms soil. This makes reflective mulch the appropriate plasticulture choice for hot zones (especially Zone 9a desert and other high-heat low-humidity areas) where overheating limits warm-season crop performance more than cold soil. Silver mulch adds documented aphid and thrips repellency from the reflective surface. Use only with drip irrigation installed underneath, never use plastic mulch without irrigation, and reserve for late spring or early fall plantings where the surrounding heat is the primary stress.

Source: North Carolina State Extension; University of Arizona Cooperative Extension

Budget White-on-Black Plastic Mulch (4 ft x 100 ft, 1.0 mil) 1.0 mil embossed white-on-black mulch film at home-garden roll size. The white-up face reflects sunlight and reduces soil temperature 5 to 20 degrees F per NCSU; the black-down face suppresses weeds and prevents light from reaching the soil. Same proven Grower's Solution film used in our black/red mulch picks. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Best value Silver Reflective Plastic Mulch (4 ft x 100 ft, 1.0 mil) 1.0 mil embossed silver metallic mulch film. Silver provides about 6 degrees F of soil cooling per NCSU plus documented aphid and thrips repellency from the reflective surface — a dual benefit white-on-black does not offer. Best for desert and high-heat zones where pest pressure is also a concern. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Premium Silver Reflective Plastic Mulch (4 ft x 250 ft, 1.0 mil) Same silver metallic film at 2.5x the length for only a few dollars more. Better per-foot economics for gardeners with multiple beds or planning multiple seasons of use. Store unused portion rolled and dry between seasons. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs.
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Frost dates from NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals (dataset gov.noaa.ncdc:C01619; methodology Palecki et al. 2021), aggregated across 1,767 ZIP codes in Zone 9A. Growing season data from University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Planting dates are averages based on zone frost dates and standard horticultural timing — adjust for your local microclimate.