When to Plant in Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles spans multiple microclimates — from the fog-cooled coast to the hot inland valleys. Most of LA is essentially frost-free (Zone 10a/10b), making year-round vegetable gardening possible, though summer heat inland can be extreme.

LA gardeners deal with two main challenges: water scarcity and microclimate diversity. The Westside's coastal fog keeps temperatures moderate, while the San Fernando Valley and eastern areas can reach 100°F+ in summer. Year-round growing is the norm.

What to plant now in Los Angeles

Fall & Winter (Oct–Mar): The best growing season for most vegetables — tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, broccoli, kale, and beans.
Spring: Plant warm-season crops again. Get tomatoes in early before summer heat peaks.
Summer: Inland areas: okra, sweet potatoes, basil. Coastal areas: year-round cool-season crops.
Year-round: Herbs and greens grow continuously in most LA locations.

Los Angeles has a year-round, frost-free season. Cool-season crops: Lettuce, Carrots, Peas, Onion, Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Radish, Beets, Potatoes, Garlic, Strawberry, Cauliflower, Swiss Chard, Arugula, Brussel Sprouts, Cilantro, Parsley, Celery, Scallions, Turnip, Kohlrabi, Bok Choy, Collards, Chives, Dill, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Calendula, Lavender, Mint. Warm-season crops: Tomato, Pepper, Cucumber, Beans, Zucchini, Corn, Pumpkin, Butternut Squash, Eggplant, Okra, Basil, Cantaloupe, Cosmos, Marigolds, Melons, Nasturtiums, Pole Beans, Spaghetti Squash, Sunflowers, Tomatillos, Watermelon, Yellow Squash, Zinnias.

Month by month in Los Angeles

Month	What to do
January	Plant cool-season crops. Start tomato seeds indoors late January for early spring.
February	Transplant tomatoes and peppers in warmer areas. Direct sow beans.
March	Full spring planting: squash, cucumbers, beans, and corn.
April	Set up drip irrigation. Spring garden in full swing.
May	Summer crops established. Begin watering deeply.
June	Summer garden producing. Coastal fog limits some crops.
July	Inland: peak heat. Coastal: great for cool-season crops.
August	Start seeds for fall garden. Plant fall tomatoes.
September	Expand fall garden as heat eases.
October	Full fall planting: broccoli, kale, lettuce, carrots, garlic.
November	Cool-season crops growing fast.
December	Harvest winter crops. Excellent conditions for greens.

Frost dates for Los Angeles ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
90011	—	—	10b
90046	—	—	10b

FAQ

Does LA have a last frost date?

Most of LA is essentially frost-free — the average last frost date is around December 15th for inland areas, and coastal neighborhoods rarely see frost at all.

Can I really garden year-round in Los Angeles?

Yes! LA's mild climate supports year-round vegetable production. Focus on warm-season crops in spring and summer, and cool-season crops in fall and winter. The cool season is often the most productive.

How does coastal LA differ from inland LA for gardening?

Coastal neighborhoods (Santa Monica, Venice) stay cool year-round due to marine fog. Inland areas (San Fernando Valley, East LA) get much hotter — 95–105°F in summer — and grow heat-lovers like peppers and eggplant better.

How much do I need to water in LA?

Significantly. LA gets almost no rain from May through October. Drip irrigation and deep mulching are essential for any productive garden. Water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

How does Plan My Garden help LA gardeners?

Enter your LA zip code — we'll look up your microclimate and build a year-round planting schedule tuned to your specific neighborhood.