California, US
Planting calendar for Modesto
Frost is rare here, so sowing goes by warmth: tender crops like tomatoes go outdoors Mar 30 to Apr 24, and Aug 2 to Sep 5.
- 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 Modesto. 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: Sow 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 under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Chile pepper | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow 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 under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Bell pepper | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow 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 under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Eggplant | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow 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 under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Zucchini | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | 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: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Cucumber | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | 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: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Winter squash | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow 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 under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Sweet corn | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | 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: 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 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: 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 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: Not this month |
 Parsnip | 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 outdoors and 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 under cover | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Sow under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow under cover | December: Sow under cover |
 Potato | January: Plant outdoors and under cover | February: Plant outdoors and under cover | March: Plant under cover | April: Not this month | 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 |
 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 under cover | July: Sow 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 under cover | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Sow 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 under cover | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Sow 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 under cover | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Sow under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow 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 outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
| Beans and peas | ||||||||||||
 Runner bean | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | 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: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Green bean | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | 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: Not this month |
 Fava bean | January: Sow under cover | 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: Sow 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 under cover | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Sow 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 under cover | April: Not this month | 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 outdoors and under cover | November: Plant outdoors and under cover | December: Plant outdoors and under cover |
 Garlic | January: Plant outdoors and under cover | 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: Plant 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 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 |
 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 outdoors and 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 under cover | 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 |
 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 under cover | 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: 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 under cover | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Sow under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Sow under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Brussels sprout | 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 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 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: Not this month |
 Bok choy | January: Sow 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: Not this month | August: Sow 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: 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 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: 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 under cover | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Sow 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 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: 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 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: Not this month | December: Plant under cover |
 Raspberry | January: Plant outdoors and under cover | 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: 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 Mar 30 to Apr 24, and Aug 2 to Sep 5; Under cover Mar 2 to May 22, and Jul 5 to Oct 3
- Sow outdoors
- Mar 30 to Apr 24, and Aug 2 to Sep 5
- Under cover
- Mar 2 to May 22, and Jul 5 to Oct 3
- First harvest
- About 72 days after sowing. Sown on March 30, ready around June 10.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Chile pepperOutdoors Mar 29 to Apr 24, and Aug 2 to Sep 4; Under cover Mar 1 to May 22, and Jul 5 to Oct 2
- Sow outdoors
- Mar 29 to Apr 24, and Aug 2 to Sep 4
- Under cover
- Mar 1 to May 22, and Jul 5 to Oct 2
- First harvest
- About 84 days after sowing. Sown on March 29, ready around June 21.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Bell pepperOutdoors Apr 3 to Apr 29, and Aug 2 to Sep 6; Under cover Mar 6 to May 27, and Jul 5 to Oct 4
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 3 to Apr 29, and Aug 2 to Sep 6
- Under cover
- Mar 6 to May 27, and Jul 5 to Oct 4
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around June 20.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
EggplantOutdoors Apr 3 to Apr 24, and Aug 2 to Sep 4; Under cover Mar 6 to May 22, and Jul 5 to Oct 2
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 3 to Apr 24, and Aug 2 to Sep 4
- Under cover
- Mar 6 to May 22, and Jul 5 to Oct 2
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around July 2.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
ZucchiniOutdoors Mar 29 to May 9, and Aug 2 to Sep 23; Under cover Mar 1 to Jun 6, and Jul 5 to Oct 21
- Sow outdoors
- Mar 29 to May 9, and Aug 2 to Sep 23
- Under cover
- Mar 1 to Jun 6, and Jul 5 to Oct 21
- First harvest
- About 51 days after sowing. Sown on March 29, ready around May 19.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
CucumberOutdoors Mar 29 to May 9, and Aug 2 to Sep 19; Under cover Mar 1 to Jun 6, and Jul 5 to Oct 17
- Sow outdoors
- Mar 29 to May 9, and Aug 2 to Sep 19
- Under cover
- Mar 1 to Jun 6, and Jul 5 to Oct 17
- First harvest
- About 57 days after sowing. Sown on March 29, ready around May 25.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Winter squashOutdoors Mar 29 to Apr 29, and Aug 2 to Sep 6; Under cover Mar 1 to May 27, and Jul 5 to Oct 4
- Sow outdoors
- Mar 29 to Apr 29, and Aug 2 to Sep 6
- Under cover
- Mar 1 to May 27, and Jul 5 to Oct 4
- First harvest
- About 72 days after sowing. Sown on March 29, ready around June 9.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Sweet cornOutdoors Mar 24 to Apr 29, and Aug 2 to Sep 8; Under cover Feb 24 to May 27, and Jul 5 to Oct 6
- Sow outdoors
- Mar 24 to Apr 29, and Aug 2 to Sep 8
- Under cover
- Feb 24 to May 27, and Jul 5 to Oct 6
- First harvest
- About 73 days after sowing. Sown on March 24, ready around June 5.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Roots
CarrotOutdoors Feb 1 to May 12, and Aug 2 to Sep 24; Under cover Jan 4 to Jun 9, and Jul 5 to Oct 22
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 1 to May 12, and Aug 2 to Sep 24
- Under cover
- Jan 4 to Jun 9, and Jul 5 to Oct 22
- First harvest
- About 103 days after sowing. Sown on February 1, ready around May 15.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
BeetOutdoors Feb 1 to May 17, and Aug 2 to Sep 29; Under cover Jan 4 to Jun 14, and Jul 5 to Oct 27
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 1 to May 17, and Aug 2 to Sep 29
- Under cover
- Jan 4 to Jun 14, and Jul 5 to Oct 27
- First harvest
- About 76 days after sowing. Sown on February 1, ready around April 18.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ParsnipOutdoors Aug 2 to Sep 20, and Nov 16 to Mar 27; Under cover Jul 5 to Apr 24
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 2 to Sep 20, and Nov 16 to Mar 27
- Under cover
- Jul 5 to Apr 24
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 2, ready around October 19.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
RadishOutdoors Jan 10 to May 5, and Aug 27 to Nov 4; Under cover Jul 30 to Dec 2, and Dec 13 to Jun 2
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 10 to May 5, and Aug 27 to Nov 4
- Under cover
- Jul 30 to Dec 2, and Dec 13 to Jun 2
- First harvest
- About 35 days after sowing. Sown on January 10, ready around February 14.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
PotatoOutdoors Aug 4 to Sep 25, and Dec 19 to Mar 6; Under cover Jul 7 to Oct 23, and Nov 21 to Apr 3
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 4 to Sep 25, and Dec 19 to Mar 6
- Under cover
- Jul 7 to Oct 23, and Nov 21 to Apr 3
- First harvest
- About 60 days after planting. Planted on August 4, ready around October 3.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
TurnipOutdoors Jan 10 to May 14, and Aug 21 to Oct 11; Under cover Jul 24 to Nov 8, and Dec 13 to Jun 11
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 10 to May 14, and Aug 21 to Oct 11
- Under cover
- Jul 24 to Nov 8, and Dec 13 to Jun 11
- First harvest
- About 74 days after sowing. Sown on January 10, ready around March 25.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
Leaves
LettuceOutdoors Jan 10 to Apr 27, and Sep 3 to Oct 9; Under cover Aug 6 to Nov 6, and Dec 13 to May 25
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 10 to Apr 27, and Sep 3 to Oct 9
- Under cover
- Aug 6 to Nov 6, and Dec 13 to May 25
- First harvest
- About 85 days after sowing. Sown on January 10, ready around April 5.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
SpinachOutdoors Jan 10 to Apr 27, and Sep 3 to Nov 9; Under cover Aug 6 to May 25
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 10 to Apr 27, and Sep 3 to Nov 9
- Under cover
- Aug 6 to May 25
- First harvest
- About 56 days after sowing. Sown on January 10, ready around March 7.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Swiss chardOutdoors Feb 1 to Oct 11; Under cover Jan 4 to Nov 8
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 1 to Oct 11
- Under cover
- Jan 4 to Nov 8
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on February 1, ready around April 8.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ArugulaOutdoors Jan 10 to Apr 27, and Sep 3 to Nov 6; Under cover Aug 6 to Dec 4, and Dec 13 to May 25
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 10 to Apr 27, and Sep 3 to Nov 6
- Under cover
- Aug 6 to Dec 4, and Dec 13 to May 25
- First harvest
- About 50 days after sowing. Sown on January 10, ready around March 1.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
CeleryOutdoors Aug 4 to Oct 2, and Nov 4 to Mar 10; Under cover Jul 7 to Apr 7
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 4 to Oct 2, and Nov 4 to Mar 10
- Under cover
- Jul 7 to Apr 7
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 4, ready around October 21.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Beans and peas
Runner beanOutdoors Mar 24 to May 9, and Aug 2 to Sep 12; Under cover Feb 24 to Jun 6, and Jul 5 to Oct 10
- Sow outdoors
- Mar 24 to May 9, and Aug 2 to Sep 12
- Under cover
- Feb 24 to Jun 6, and Jul 5 to Oct 10
- First harvest
- About 70 days after sowing. Sown on March 24, ready around June 2.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Green beanOutdoors Mar 24 to May 24, and Aug 2 to Sep 21; Under cover Feb 24 to Jun 21, and Jul 5 to Oct 19
- Sow outdoors
- Mar 24 to May 24, and Aug 2 to Sep 21
- Under cover
- Feb 24 to Jun 21, and Jul 5 to Oct 19
- First harvest
- About 59 days after sowing. Sown on March 24, ready around May 22.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Fava beanOutdoors Nov 5 to Dec 26; Under cover Oct 8 to Jan 23
- Sow outdoors
- Nov 5 to Dec 26
- Under cover
- Oct 8 to Jan 23
- First harvest
- About 220 days after sowing. Sown on November 5, ready around June 13.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
PeaOutdoors Jan 9 to Apr 11, and Aug 27 to Sep 22; Under cover Jul 30 to Oct 20, and Dec 12 to May 9
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 9 to Apr 11, and Aug 27 to Sep 22
- Under cover
- Jul 30 to Oct 20, and Dec 12 to May 9
- First harvest
- About 48 days after sowing. Sown on January 9, ready around February 26.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Onion family
OnionOutdoors Aug 2 to Mar 1; Under cover Jul 5 to Mar 29
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 2 to Mar 1
- Under cover
- Jul 5 to Mar 29
- First harvest
- About 84 days after planting. Planted on August 2, ready around October 25.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
GarlicOutdoors Nov 5 to Jan 9; Under cover Oct 8 to Feb 6
- Plant outdoors
- Nov 5 to Jan 9
- Under cover
- Oct 8 to Feb 6
- First harvest
- About 250 days after planting. Planted on November 5, ready around July 13.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
LeekOutdoors Aug 2 to Apr 26; Under cover Jul 5 to May 24
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 2 to Apr 26
- Under cover
- Jul 5 to May 24
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on August 2, ready around October 31.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
ScallionOutdoors Dec 7 to Nov 11; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- Dec 7 to Nov 11
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on December 7, ready around January 18.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
ShallotOutdoors Aug 2 to Oct 2, and Nov 4 to Mar 24; Under cover Jul 5 to Apr 21
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 2 to Oct 2, and Nov 4 to Mar 24
- Under cover
- Jul 5 to Apr 21
- First harvest
- About 78 days after planting. Planted on August 2, ready around October 19.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Brassicas
CabbageOutdoors Aug 4 to Oct 2, and Nov 28 to May 11; Under cover Jul 7 to Jun 8
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 4 to Oct 2, and Nov 28 to May 11
- Under cover
- Jul 7 to Jun 8
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on August 4, ready around October 9.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
BroccoliOutdoors Feb 1 to May 2, and Aug 4 to Sep 20; Under cover Jan 4 to May 30, and Jul 7 to Oct 18
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 1 to May 2, and Aug 4 to Sep 20
- Under cover
- Jan 4 to May 30, and Jul 7 to Oct 18
- First harvest
- About 94 days after sowing. Sown on February 1, ready around May 6.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
CauliflowerOutdoors Aug 27 to Sep 18, and Nov 30 to Apr 11; Under cover Jul 30 to Oct 16, and Nov 2 to May 9
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 27 to Sep 18, and Nov 30 to Apr 11
- Under cover
- Jul 30 to Oct 16, and Nov 2 to May 9
- First harvest
- About 72 days after sowing. Sown on August 27, ready around November 7.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Brussels sproutOutdoors Aug 4 to Mar 11; Under cover Jul 7 to Apr 8
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 4 to Mar 11
- Under cover
- Jul 7 to Apr 8
- First harvest
- About 108 days after sowing. Sown on August 4, ready around November 20.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
KaleOutdoors Feb 1 to May 17, and Aug 2 to Sep 26; Under cover Jan 4 to Jun 14, and Jul 5 to Oct 24
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 1 to May 17, and Aug 2 to Sep 26
- Under cover
- Jan 4 to Jun 14, and Jul 5 to Oct 24
- First harvest
- About 85 days after sowing. Sown on February 1, ready around April 27.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Bok choyOutdoors Feb 20 to Apr 27, and Sep 3 to Oct 23; Under cover Jan 23 to May 25, and Aug 6 to Nov 20
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 20 to Apr 27, and Sep 3 to Oct 23
- Under cover
- Jan 23 to May 25, and Aug 6 to Nov 20
- First harvest
- About 47 days after sowing. Sown on February 20, ready around April 8.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.
Herbs
BasilOutdoors Feb 20 to May 22, and Aug 2 to Sep 25; Under cover Jan 23 to Jun 19, and Jul 5 to Oct 23
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 20 to May 22, and Aug 2 to Sep 25
- Under cover
- Jan 23 to Jun 19, and Jul 5 to Oct 23
- First harvest
- About 63 days after sowing. Sown on February 20, ready around April 24.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.
ParsleyOutdoors Dec 26 to Oct 18; Under cover Nov 28 to Nov 15
- Sow outdoors
- Dec 26 to Oct 18
- Under cover
- Nov 28 to Nov 15
- First harvest
- About 45 days after sowing. Sown on December 26, ready around February 9.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
CilantroOutdoors Feb 1 to Apr 27, and Sep 3 to Oct 24; Under cover Jan 4 to May 25, and Aug 6 to Nov 21
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 1 to Apr 27, and Sep 3 to Oct 24
- Under cover
- Jan 4 to May 25, and Aug 6 to Nov 21
- First harvest
- About 55 days after sowing. Sown on February 1, ready around March 28.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.
ChivesOutdoors Jan 9 to Mar 27, and Aug 2 to Sep 25; Under cover Jul 5 to Oct 23, and Dec 12 to Apr 24
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 9 to Mar 27, and Aug 2 to Sep 25
- Under cover
- Jul 5 to Oct 23, and Dec 12 to Apr 24
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
MintOutdoors Feb 1 to Dec 19; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 1 to Dec 19
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Fruit
StrawberryOutdoors Aug 2 to Sep 26, and Dec 31 to Mar 11; Under cover Jul 5 to Oct 24, and Dec 3 to Apr 8
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 2 to Sep 26, and Dec 31 to Mar 11
- Under cover
- Jul 5 to Oct 24, and Dec 3 to Apr 8
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
RaspberryOutdoors Nov 30 to Jan 9; Under cover Nov 2 to Feb 6
- Plant outdoors
- Nov 30 to Jan 9
- Under cover
- Nov 2 to Feb 6
- 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 Modesto
Does it frost in Modesto?
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 Modesto?
Yes. Plant them outdoors Mar 30 to Apr 24, and Aug 2 to Sep 5, or under cover Mar 2 to May 22, and Jul 5 to Oct 3.
What can I sow in Modesto in November?
Outdoors: parsnip, spinach, celery, fava bean, onion, garlic, leek, scallion, shallot, Brussels sprout, mint. Under cover: radish, potato, turnip, Swiss chard, arugula, cabbage, cauliflower, 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 Modesto. 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