Use this planting calendar to find the best times of the year to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other popular plants in Watsonville, CA, based on the USDA Hardiness Zone 9b.
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Watsonville, CA Frost Dates & Growing Season
Last Spring Frost Date for Watsonville, CA
The average last frost date in spring for Watsonville is March 20th. For gardeners planting sensitive crops like tomatoes, peppers, and basil, it is generally recommended to wait until April 3rd before moving plants outdoors. Waiting these extra few weeks significantly reduces the risk of a late freeze damaging young transplants.
First Fall Frost Date for Watsonville, CA
The average first frost date in fall for Watsonville is November 25th. This date marks the approximate end of the growing season for tender plants. Gardeners should plan to harvest frost-sensitive vegetables or provide heavy protection (such as row covers) before this date to avoid crop loss.
Growing Season Length in Watsonville, CA
Based on historical frost data, the estimated growing season length in Watsonville is approximately 250 days. This duration determines which vegetable varieties have enough time to reach maturity before the winter cold sets in. Short-season varieties are recommended for crops that require a longer warm period.
Please note: These dates are climatological averages. Actual weather conditions vary by year. Always check the local 10-day forecast before planting.
Watsonville, CA Planting Calendar
This weekly planting calendar displays the ideal windows for starting seeds, transplanting, and harvesting your plants.
Watsonville, CA Monthly Planting Recommendations
January
In January, recommended activities include starting Petunia seeds indoors (from January 9th to January 23rd), starting Rosemary seeds indoors (from January 9th to January 23rd), and starting Pansy seeds indoors (from January 9th to January 23rd).
February
In February, recommended activities include direct sowing Bok Choy (from February 20th to March 6th), direct sowing Garden Cress (from February 20th to March 6th), starting Kale seeds indoors (from February 6th to February 20th), and direct sowing Kale (from February 20th to March 6th).
March
In March, recommended activities include direct sowing Cosmos (from March 27th to April 3rd), direct sowing Fenugreek (from March 20th to April 3rd), and direct sowing Cilantro (from March 6th to April 3rd).
April
In April, recommended activities include direct sowing Black Bean (from April 3rd to April 17th), direct sowing Corn (from April 3rd to April 10th), and direct sowing Okra (from April 3rd to April 17th).