Frost Dates for Waterford, CA 95386
Last spring frost March 5 · First fall frost November 16 · 256 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9b
ZIP 95386 has about 10,700 people.
Very long season: 256 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans March 22–April 10 (19 days). Fall frost risk spans October 29–November 22 (24 days).
Frost probability for 95386
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 10 | March 5 | March 22 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 29 | November 16 | November 22 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at MERCED (44.0 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 256-day season in Waterford
In Waterford (256 frost-free days, a very long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Jan 29 | Mar 19–Mar 26 | 214 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 214 available after Mar 19. | Jul 17 |
| Pepper | Jan 22 | Mar 19–Mar 26 | 214 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 214 available after Mar 19. | Jul 22 |
| Lettuce | Jan 8 | Feb 5–Feb 12 | 291 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 5 and again by Sep 25; both mature before Nov 23. | Sep 25 |
| Carrots | — | Feb 12–Feb 19 | 298 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 298 available after Feb 12. | Sep 14 |
| Cucumber | Feb 12 | Mar 19–Mar 26 | 228 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 20 |
| Beans | — | Mar 12–Mar 26 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 12 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Nov 9. | Aug 27 |
| Peas | — | Jan 8–Mar 19 | 319 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 319 available after Jan 8. | Sep 5 |
| Zucchini | Feb 19 | Mar 19–Mar 26 | 228 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 25 |
| Onion | Dec 11 | Feb 5–Feb 19 | 291 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 291 available after Feb 5. | — |
| Spinach | — | Jan 8–Feb 26 | 333 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 8 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 7. | Oct 14 |
| Kale | Dec 25 | Feb 5–Feb 19 | 305 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 5 and again by Sep 29; both mature before Dec 7. | Sep 29 |
| Broccoli | Jan 8 | Feb 5–Feb 19 | 291 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 291 available after Feb 5. | Aug 21 |
| Cabbage | Jan 8 | Feb 5–Feb 19 | 305 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 305 available after Feb 5. | Sep 14 |
| Radish | — | Jan 8–Apr 2 | 319 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 8 and again by Oct 15; both mature before Nov 23. | Oct 15 |
| Beets | — | Jan 8–Apr 2 | 319 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 8 and again by Sep 15; both mature before Nov 23. | Sep 15 |
| Potatoes | — | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 277 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 277 available after Feb 19. | — |
| Garlic | — | Nov 16 | 361 | overwinter: Plant Nov 16 to Dec 7; harvest the following summer. | Dec 7 |
| Strawberry | — | Jan 29–Mar 26 | 312 | perennial: A perennial: plant Jan 29; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Feb 5 | Mar 12–Mar 19 | 228 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 228 available after Mar 12. | Jul 29 |
| Pumpkin | Feb 19 | Mar 19–Mar 19 | 221 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 221 available after Mar 19. | Jul 4 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 22 | Feb 26–Mar 12 | 270 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 270 available after Feb 26. | Aug 26 |
| Swiss Chard | Jan 8 | Feb 19–Feb 19 | 277 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 19 and again by Sep 15; both mature before Nov 23. | Sep 15 |
| Arugula | — | Jan 8–Apr 2 | 333 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 8 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 7. | Oct 14 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Jan 8 | Feb 5–Feb 19 | 305 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 305 available after Feb 5. | Aug 15 |
| Butternut Squash | Feb 19 | Mar 19–Mar 26 | 221 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 221 available after Mar 19. | Jul 4 |
| Eggplant | Jan 15 | Mar 19–Mar 26 | 214 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 214 available after Mar 19. | Jul 27 |
| Okra | Feb 5 | Mar 12–Mar 19 | 235 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 12 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 25 |
| Basil | Jan 29 | Mar 26–Mar 26 | 221 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 20 |
| Cilantro | — | Feb 5–Feb 26 | 291 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 5 and again by Sep 20; both mature before Nov 23. | Sep 20 |
| Parsley | Dec 25 | Mar 12–Mar 19 | 256 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 256 available after Mar 12. | Aug 31 |
| Celery | Dec 25 | Mar 12–Mar 26 | 256 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 256 available after Mar 12. | Jul 12 |
| Scallions | Dec 25 | Feb 5–Feb 19 | 305 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 5 and again by Sep 24; both mature before Dec 7. | Sep 24 |
| Turnip | — | Feb 5–Feb 19 | 305 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 5 and again by Oct 4; both mature before Dec 7. | Oct 4 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Jan 22–Feb 5 | 319 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 22 and again by Sep 29; both mature before Dec 7. | Sep 29 |
| Bok Choy | Feb 5 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 270 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 26 and again by Sep 25; both mature before Nov 23. | Sep 25 |
| Collards | Dec 25 | Feb 5–Feb 19 | 305 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 5 and again by Sep 24; both mature before Dec 7. | Sep 24 |
| Cantaloupe | Feb 19 | Mar 19–Mar 26 | 214 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 214 available after Mar 19. | Jul 12 |
| Chives | Dec 11 | Mar 12–Mar 19 | 270 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 270 available after Mar 12. | — |
| Dill | — | Jan 8–Apr 2 | 319 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 8 and again by Sep 15; both mature before Nov 23. | Sep 15 |
| Oregano | Dec 25 | Mar 12–Mar 19 | 270 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 270 available after Mar 12. | — |
| Rosemary | Dec 11 | Mar 12–Mar 19 | 256 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 256 available after Mar 12. | — |
| Sage | Jan 8 | Mar 12–Mar 19 | 270 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 270 available after Mar 12. | — |
| Thyme | Dec 25 | Mar 12–Mar 19 | 270 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 270 available after Mar 12. | — |
| Calendula | Jan 22 | Feb 19–Mar 5 | 277 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 19 and again by Sep 20; both mature before Nov 23. | Sep 20 |
| Cosmos | Feb 5 | Mar 5–Mar 19 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 5 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 20 |
| Lavender | Dec 11 | Mar 5–Mar 19 | 277 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 277 available after Mar 5. | — |
| Marigolds | Jan 22 | Mar 5–Mar 12 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 5 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 30 |
| Melons | Feb 19 | Mar 19–Mar 26 | 214 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 214 available after Mar 19. | Jul 12 |
| Mint | — | Mar 5–Mar 19 | 277 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 277 available after Mar 5. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Feb 5 | Mar 5–Mar 12 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 5 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 25 |
| Pole Beans | — | Mar 12–Mar 26 | 235 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 235 available after Mar 12. | Aug 15 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Feb 19 | Mar 19–Mar 26 | 221 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 221 available after Mar 19. | Jul 14 |
| Sunflowers | — | Mar 5–Mar 19 | 242 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 242 available after Mar 5. | Aug 10 |
| Tomatillos | Jan 8 | Mar 12–Mar 19 | 221 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 221 available after Mar 12. | Jul 22 |
| Watermelon | Feb 19 | Mar 12–Mar 19 | 221 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 221 available after Mar 12. | Jul 17 |
| Yellow Squash | Feb 19 | Mar 19–Mar 26 | 228 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 25 |
| Zinnias | Feb 5 | Mar 5–Mar 19 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 5 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 20 |
Month by month in Waterford
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Broccoli (Jan 8), Brussel Sprouts (Jan 8), Cabbage (Jan 8), Lettuce (Jan 8), Sage (Jan 8), Swiss Chard (Jan 8), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Jan 8), Beets (Jan 8), Dill (Jan 8), Peas (Jan 8), Radish (Jan 8), Spinach (Jan 8), +1 more. Plant: Strawberry (Jan 29). |
| February | Start indoors: Bok Choy (Feb 5), Corn (Feb 5), Cosmos (Feb 5), Nasturtiums (Feb 5), Okra (Feb 5), Zinnias (Feb 5), +9 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Feb 5), Turnip (Feb 5), Carrots (Feb 12), Potatoes (Feb 19). Transplant from: Broccoli (Feb 5), Brussel Sprouts (Feb 5), Cabbage (Feb 5), Collards (Feb 5), Kale (Feb 5), Lettuce (Feb 5), +6 more. |
| March | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Mar 5), Beans (Mar 12), Pole Beans (Mar 12). Transplant from: Cosmos (Mar 5), Lavender (Mar 5), Marigolds (Mar 5), Mint (Mar 5), Nasturtiums (Mar 5), Zinnias (Mar 5), +23 more. Last frost around March 5. |
| April | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| May | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| June | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jul 4), Pumpkin (Jul 4), Cantaloupe (Jul 12), Celery (Jul 12), Melons (Jul 12), Spaghetti Squash (Jul 14), +6 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Aug 10), Brussel Sprouts (Aug 15), Pole Beans (Aug 15), Basil (Aug 20), Cosmos (Aug 20), Cucumber (Aug 20), +10 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Peas (Sep 5), Cabbage (Sep 14), Carrots (Sep 14), Beets (Sep 15), Dill (Sep 15), Swiss Chard (Sep 15), +8 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Turnip (Oct 4), Arugula (Oct 14), Spinach (Oct 14), Radish (Oct 15). |
| November | Direct sow from: Garlic (Nov 16). First frost around November 16. |
| December | Start indoors: Chives (Dec 11), Lavender (Dec 11), Onion (Dec 11), Rosemary (Dec 11), Celery (Dec 25), Collards (Dec 25), +5 more. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Dec 7). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Waterford, CA (ZIP 95386)?
The median last spring frost date for Waterford, CA (ZIP code 95386) is around March 5. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before March 22; one in ten it runs past April 10.
What is the first fall frost date in Waterford, CA?
The median first fall frost date for Waterford, CA is around November 16. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around October 29 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Waterford, CA?
The frost-free growing season in Waterford is about 256 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Waterford (256 frost-free days, a very long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Waterford, CA?
Waterford, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Waterford, CA?
Start tomatoes indoors Jan 29 and plant out Mar 19 in Waterford. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Waterford?
Two: plant Feb 5 and again by Sep 25; both mature before Nov 23.
When do I plant garlic in Waterford?
Nov 16 to Dec 7; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Waterford?
Yes: plant out Mar 19 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jul 17 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Oakdale (ZIP 95361) has 308 frost-free days, 52 more than Waterford (ZIP 95386). See Oakdale ZIP 95361 frost dates
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