California, US
Planting calendar for Berkeley
Frost is rare here, so sowing goes by warmth: tender crops like tomatoes go outdoors May 5 to Jun 20.
- Frost
- Frost is rare here
Frost comes in fewer than half of years, so there’s no last or first frost date to work from. Dates below go by how warm it is instead. On a clear, still winter night a light frost can still happen, so cover tender plants then.
Sow now: November
See the whole yearThe year at a glance
When each crop can be sown in Berkeley. Tap a crop for exact dates and when it’s ready to harvest.
Sow outdoorsSow under cover (indoors, a greenhouse or a cold frame)
| Crop | JJan | FFeb | MMar | AApr | MMay | JJun | JJul | AAug | SSep | OOct | NNov | DDec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruiting | ||||||||||||
 Tomato | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Chile pepper | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Bell pepper | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Eggplant | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Zucchini | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Cucumber | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Winter squash | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Sweet corn | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
| Roots | ||||||||||||
 Carrot | January: Sow under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Beet | January: Sow under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Parsnip | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Sow under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Radish | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow under cover |
 Potato | January: Plant outdoors and under cover | February: Plant outdoors and under cover | March: Plant outdoors and under cover | April: Plant outdoors and under cover | May: Plant under cover | June: Not this month | July: Plant under cover | August: Plant outdoors and under cover | September: Plant outdoors and under cover | October: Plant under cover | November: Not this month | December: Plant under cover |
 Turnip | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow under cover | December: Sow under cover |
| Leaves | ||||||||||||
 Lettuce | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Not this month | December: Sow under cover |
 Spinach | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow under cover |
 Swiss chard | January: Sow under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow under cover | December: Not this month |
 Arugula | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow under cover |
 Celery | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow under cover | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Sow under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
| Beans and peas | ||||||||||||
 Runner bean | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Green bean | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Fava bean | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow under cover | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Pea | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Sow under cover |
| Onion family | ||||||||||||
 Onion | January: Plant outdoors and under cover | February: Plant outdoors and under cover | March: Plant outdoors and under cover | April: Plant under cover | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Plant under cover | August: Plant outdoors and under cover | September: Plant outdoors and under cover | October: Plant under cover | November: Plant under cover | December: Plant outdoors and under cover |
 Garlic | January: Plant outdoors and under cover | February: Plant under cover | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Plant outdoors and under cover | November: Plant outdoors and under cover | December: Plant outdoors and under cover |
 Leek | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Scallion | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Shallot | January: Plant outdoors and under cover | February: Plant outdoors and under cover | March: Plant outdoors and under cover | April: Plant under cover | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Plant under cover | August: Plant outdoors and under cover | September: Plant outdoors and under cover | October: Plant under cover | November: Plant under cover | December: Plant outdoors and under cover |
| Brassicas | ||||||||||||
 Cabbage | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Sow under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Broccoli | January: Sow under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Cauliflower | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Sow under cover |
 Brussels sprout | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow under cover | June: Not this month | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Kale | January: Sow under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Bok choy | January: Not this month | February: Sow under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow under cover | December: Not this month |
| Herbs | ||||||||||||
 Basil | January: Not this month | February: Sow under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Parsley | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow under cover | December: Sow under cover |
 Cilantro | January: Sow under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow under cover | December: Not this month |
 Chives | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Sow under cover |
 Mint | January: Sow under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
| Fruit | ||||||||||||
 Strawberry | January: Plant outdoors and under cover | February: Plant outdoors and under cover | March: Plant outdoors and under cover | April: Plant outdoors and under cover | May: Plant under cover | June: Not this month | July: Plant under cover | August: Plant outdoors and under cover | September: Plant outdoors and under cover | October: Plant under cover | November: Not this month | December: Plant under cover |
 Raspberry | January: Plant outdoors and under cover | February: Plant under cover | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Plant under cover | December: Plant outdoors and under cover |
 RhubarbWinters too mild here | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.
Crop by crop
Fruiting
TomatoOutdoors May 5 to Jun 20; Under cover Apr 7 to Jul 18
- Sow outdoors
- May 5 to Jun 20
- Under cover
- Apr 7 to Jul 18
- First harvest
- About 87 days after sowing. Sown on May 5, ready around July 31.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Chile pepperOutdoors May 3 to Jun 20; Under cover Apr 5 to Jul 18
- Sow outdoors
- May 3 to Jun 20
- Under cover
- Apr 5 to Jul 18
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on May 3, ready around August 1.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Bell pepperOutdoors May 12 to Jun 29; Under cover Apr 14 to Jul 27
- Sow outdoors
- May 12 to Jun 29
- Under cover
- Apr 14 to Jul 27
- First harvest
- About 83 days after sowing. Sown on May 12, ready around August 3.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
EggplantOutdoors May 12 to Jun 20; Under cover Apr 14 to Jul 18
- Sow outdoors
- May 12 to Jun 20
- Under cover
- Apr 14 to Jul 18
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on May 12, ready around August 10.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
ZucchiniOutdoors May 3 to Jul 15, and Aug 18 to Sep 12; Under cover Apr 5 to Oct 10
- Sow outdoors
- May 3 to Jul 15, and Aug 18 to Sep 12
- Under cover
- Apr 5 to Oct 10
- First harvest
- About 61 days after sowing. Sown on May 3, ready around July 3.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
CucumberOutdoors May 3 to Jul 15, and Aug 18 to Sep 5; Under cover Apr 5 to Sep 5, and Sep 15 to Oct 3
- Sow outdoors
- May 3 to Jul 15, and Aug 18 to Sep 5
- Under cover
- Apr 5 to Sep 5, and Sep 15 to Oct 3
- First harvest
- About 69 days after sowing. Sown on May 3, ready around July 11.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Winter squashOutdoors May 3 to Jun 29; Under cover Apr 5 to Jul 27
- Sow outdoors
- May 3 to Jun 29
- Under cover
- Apr 5 to Jul 27
- First harvest
- About 88 days after sowing. Sown on May 3, ready around July 30.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Sweet cornOutdoors Apr 23 to Jun 29; Under cover Mar 26 to Jul 27
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 23 to Jun 29
- Under cover
- Mar 26 to Jul 27
- First harvest
- About 91 days after sowing. Sown on April 23, ready around July 23.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Roots
CarrotOutdoors Feb 2 to Aug 1, and Aug 18 to Sep 17; Under cover Jan 5 to Oct 15
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 2 to Aug 1, and Aug 18 to Sep 17
- Under cover
- Jan 5 to Oct 15
- First harvest
- About 120 days after sowing. Sown on February 2, ready around June 2.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
BeetOutdoors Feb 2 to Sep 23; Under cover Jan 5 to Oct 21
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 2 to Sep 23
- Under cover
- Jan 5 to Oct 21
- First harvest
- About 86 days after sowing. Sown on February 2, ready around April 29.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ParsnipOutdoors Aug 18 to Sep 3, and Dec 21 to May 25; Under cover Jul 21 to Aug 6, and Aug 18 to Sep 3, and Sep 15 to Oct 1, and Nov 23 to Jun 22
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 18 to Sep 3, and Dec 21 to May 25
- Under cover
- Jul 21 to Aug 6, and Aug 18 to Sep 3, and Sep 15 to Oct 1, and Nov 23 to Jun 22
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 18, ready around November 4.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
RadishOutdoors Jan 17 to Nov 8; Under cover Dec 20 to Dec 6
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 17 to Nov 8
- Under cover
- Dec 20 to Dec 6
- First harvest
- About 35 days after sowing. Sown on January 17, ready around February 21.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
PotatoOutdoors Jan 12 to Apr 15, and Aug 18 to Sep 18; Under cover Jul 21 to Oct 16, and Dec 15 to May 13
- Plant outdoors
- Jan 12 to Apr 15, and Aug 18 to Sep 18
- Under cover
- Jul 21 to Oct 16, and Dec 15 to May 13
- First harvest
- About 60 days after planting. Planted on January 12, ready around March 13.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
TurnipOutdoors Jan 17 to Oct 11; Under cover Dec 20 to Nov 8
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 17 to Oct 11
- Under cover
- Dec 20 to Nov 8
- First harvest
- About 79 days after sowing. Sown on January 17, ready around April 6.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
Leaves
LettuceOutdoors Jan 17 to Oct 9; Under cover Dec 20 to Nov 6
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 17 to Oct 9
- Under cover
- Dec 20 to Nov 6
- First harvest
- About 92 days after sowing. Sown on January 17, ready around April 19.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
SpinachOutdoors Jan 11 to Nov 22; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 11 to Nov 22
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 27 days after sowing. Sown on January 11, ready around February 7.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Swiss chardOutdoors Feb 2 to Oct 11; Under cover Jan 5 to Nov 8
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 2 to Oct 11
- Under cover
- Jan 5 to Nov 8
- First harvest
- About 74 days after sowing. Sown on February 2, ready around April 17.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ArugulaOutdoors Jan 17 to Nov 15; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 17 to Nov 15
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 51 days after sowing. Sown on January 17, ready around March 9.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
CeleryOutdoors Aug 18 to Sep 15, and Dec 10 to Mar 28; Under cover Jul 21 to Oct 13, and Nov 12 to Apr 25
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 18 to Sep 15, and Dec 10 to Mar 28
- Under cover
- Jul 21 to Oct 13, and Nov 12 to Apr 25
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 18, ready around November 4.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Beans and peas
Runner beanOutdoors Apr 23 to Jul 15, and Aug 18 to Aug 26; Under cover Mar 26 to Aug 26, and Sep 15 to Sep 23
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 23 to Jul 15, and Aug 18 to Aug 26
- Under cover
- Mar 26 to Aug 26, and Sep 15 to Sep 23
- First harvest
- About 86 days after sowing. Sown on April 23, ready around July 18.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Green beanOutdoors Apr 23 to Sep 9; Under cover Mar 26 to Oct 7
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 23 to Sep 9
- Under cover
- Mar 26 to Oct 7
- First harvest
- About 72 days after sowing. Sown on April 23, ready around July 4.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Fava beanOutdoors Oct 25 to Jan 16; Under cover Sep 27 to Feb 13
- Sow outdoors
- Oct 25 to Jan 16
- Under cover
- Sep 27 to Feb 13
- First harvest
- About 220 days after sowing. Sown on October 25, ready around June 2.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
PeaOutdoors Jan 17 to Jun 20, and Aug 18 to Sep 15; Under cover Dec 20 to Oct 13
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 17 to Jun 20, and Aug 18 to Sep 15
- Under cover
- Dec 20 to Oct 13
- First harvest
- About 104 days after sowing. Sown on January 17, ready around May 1.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Onion family
OnionOutdoors Aug 18 to Sep 17, and Nov 27 to Mar 28; Under cover Jul 21 to Oct 15, and Oct 30 to Apr 25
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 18 to Sep 17, and Nov 27 to Mar 28
- Under cover
- Jul 21 to Oct 15, and Oct 30 to Apr 25
- First harvest
- About 84 days after planting. Planted on August 18, ready around November 10.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
GarlicOutdoors Oct 25 to Jan 16; Under cover Sep 27 to Feb 13
- Plant outdoors
- Oct 25 to Jan 16
- Under cover
- Sep 27 to Feb 13
- First harvest
- About 250 days after planting. Planted on October 25, ready around July 2.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
LeekOutdoors Aug 18 to Jul 15; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 18 to Jul 15
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on August 18, ready around November 16.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
ScallionOutdoors all year
- Sow outdoors
- all year
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on January 1, ready around February 12.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
ShallotOutdoors Aug 18 to Sep 15, and Dec 10 to Apr 1; Under cover Jul 21 to Oct 13, and Nov 12 to Apr 29
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 18 to Sep 15, and Dec 10 to Apr 1
- Under cover
- Jul 21 to Oct 13, and Nov 12 to Apr 29
- First harvest
- About 78 days after planting. Planted on August 18, ready around November 4.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Brassicas
CabbageOutdoors Dec 21 to Sep 27; Under cover Nov 23 to Oct 25
- Sow outdoors
- Dec 21 to Sep 27
- Under cover
- Nov 23 to Oct 25
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on December 21, ready around February 25.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
BroccoliOutdoors Feb 2 to Jul 15, and Aug 18 to Sep 12; Under cover Jan 5 to Oct 10
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 2 to Jul 15, and Aug 18 to Sep 12
- Under cover
- Jan 5 to Oct 10
- First harvest
- About 110 days after sowing. Sown on February 2, ready around May 23.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
CauliflowerOutdoors Aug 18 to Sep 5, and Dec 31 to Jun 20; Under cover Aug 18 to Sep 5, and Sep 15 to Oct 3, and Dec 3 to Aug 8
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 18 to Sep 5, and Dec 31 to Jun 20
- Under cover
- Aug 18 to Sep 5, and Sep 15 to Oct 3, and Dec 3 to Aug 8
- First harvest
- About 72 days after sowing. Sown on August 18, ready around October 29.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Brussels sproutOutdoors Aug 18 to Apr 24; Under cover Jul 21 to May 22
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 18 to Apr 24
- Under cover
- Jul 21 to May 22
- First harvest
- About 108 days after sowing. Sown on August 18, ready around December 4.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
KaleOutdoors Feb 2 to Sep 21; Under cover Jan 5 to Oct 19
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 2 to Sep 21
- Under cover
- Jan 5 to Oct 19
- First harvest
- About 98 days after sowing. Sown on February 2, ready around May 11.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Bok choyOutdoors Mar 2 to Oct 25; Under cover Feb 2 to Nov 22
- Sow outdoors
- Mar 2 to Oct 25
- Under cover
- Feb 2 to Nov 22
- First harvest
- About 51 days after sowing. Sown on March 2, ready around April 22.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.
Herbs
BasilOutdoors Mar 2 to Sep 14; Under cover Feb 2 to Oct 12
- Sow outdoors
- Mar 2 to Sep 14
- Under cover
- Feb 2 to Oct 12
- First harvest
- About 77 days after sowing. Sown on March 2, ready around May 18.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.
ParsleyOutdoors Jan 5 to Oct 23; Under cover Dec 8 to Nov 20
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 5 to Oct 23
- Under cover
- Dec 8 to Nov 20
- First harvest
- About 45 days after sowing. Sown on January 5, ready around February 19.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
CilantroOutdoors Feb 2 to Oct 28; Under cover Jan 5 to Nov 25
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 2 to Oct 28
- Under cover
- Jan 5 to Nov 25
- First harvest
- About 61 days after sowing. Sown on February 2, ready around April 4.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.
ChivesOutdoors Jan 17 to May 25, and Aug 18 to Sep 19; Under cover Jul 21 to Oct 17, and Dec 20 to Jun 22
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 17 to May 25, and Aug 18 to Sep 19
- Under cover
- Jul 21 to Oct 17, and Dec 20 to Jun 22
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
MintOutdoors Feb 2 to Jan 2; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 2 to Jan 2
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Fruit
StrawberryOutdoors Jan 17 to Apr 24, and Aug 18 to Sep 22; Under cover Jul 21 to Oct 20, and Dec 20 to May 22
- Plant outdoors
- Jan 17 to Apr 24, and Aug 18 to Sep 22
- Under cover
- Jul 21 to Oct 20, and Dec 20 to May 22
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
RaspberryOutdoors Dec 2 to Jan 16; Under cover Nov 4 to Feb 13
- Plant outdoors
- Dec 2 to Jan 16
- Under cover
- Nov 4 to Feb 13
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
RhubarbNot here: winters too mild here
- Plant outdoors
- Not here: winters too mild here
- Under cover
- No
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
Questions about growing in Berkeley
Does it frost in Berkeley?
Not often: frost comes in fewer than half of years, so sowing here goes by warmth rather than frost dates. A light frost can still happen on a clear, still winter night.
Can I grow tomatoes outdoors in Berkeley?
Yes. Plant them outdoors May 5 to Jun 20, or under cover Apr 7 to Jul 18.
What can I sow in Berkeley in November?
Outdoors: radish, spinach, arugula, fava bean, garlic, leek, scallion, Brussels sprout, mint. Under cover: parsnip, turnip, Swiss chard, celery, onion, shallot, cabbage, bok choy, parsley, cilantro, raspberry.
How accurate are these dates?
They’re worked out from 30 years of climate data for this spot, adjusted for its height, so they’re a good guide for a typical year. Check the forecast before planting out anything tender.
Get these dates as reminders
Bia turns this calendar into a nudge when it’s time to sow, plant out and harvest, for your backyard or community garden plot in Berkeley. Free for 2 months.
App StoreComing soonHow these dates are worked out: climate records for this spot (ERA5-Land, 1995 to 2024), the local frost dates and the height above sea level turn a seed-packet date into a local one. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information; towns from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). How sowing dates work