California, US
Planting calendar for Oakland
Frost is rare here, so sowing goes by warmth: tender crops like tomatoes go outdoors May 6 to Jun 22.
- 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 Oakland. 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 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: 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 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: Not this month | December: Sow under cover |
 Beet | 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: Not this month | December: Sow under cover |
 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 outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | 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: Sow under cover | 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 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 |
 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 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 outdoors and 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 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 outdoors and under cover | November: Sow under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Broccoli | 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: Not this month | December: Sow under cover |
 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 outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | 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 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: Not this month | December: Sow under cover |
 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 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 |
 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 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 |
| 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 6 to Jun 22; Under cover Apr 8 to Jul 20
- Sow outdoors
- May 6 to Jun 22
- Under cover
- Apr 8 to Jul 20
- First harvest
- About 84 days after sowing. Sown on May 6, ready around July 29.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Chile pepperOutdoors May 4 to Jun 22; Under cover Apr 6 to Jul 20
- Sow outdoors
- May 4 to Jun 22
- Under cover
- Apr 6 to Jul 20
- First harvest
- About 87 days after sowing. Sown on May 4, ready around July 30.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Bell pepperOutdoors May 14 to Jun 30; Under cover Apr 16 to Jul 28
- Sow outdoors
- May 14 to Jun 30
- Under cover
- Apr 16 to Jul 28
- First harvest
- About 79 days after sowing. Sown on May 14, ready around August 1.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
EggplantOutdoors May 14 to Jun 22; Under cover Apr 16 to Jul 20
- Sow outdoors
- May 14 to Jun 22
- Under cover
- Apr 16 to Jul 20
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on May 14, ready around August 12.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
ZucchiniOutdoors May 4 to Jul 16, and Aug 19 to Sep 15; Under cover Apr 6 to Oct 13
- Sow outdoors
- May 4 to Jul 16, and Aug 19 to Sep 15
- Under cover
- Apr 6 to Oct 13
- First harvest
- About 60 days after sowing. Sown on May 4, ready around July 3.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
CucumberOutdoors May 4 to Jul 16, and Aug 19 to Sep 9; Under cover Apr 6 to Oct 7
- Sow outdoors
- May 4 to Jul 16, and Aug 19 to Sep 9
- Under cover
- Apr 6 to Oct 7
- First harvest
- About 68 days after sowing. Sown on May 4, ready around July 11.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Winter squashOutdoors May 4 to Jun 30; Under cover Apr 6 to Jul 28
- Sow outdoors
- May 4 to Jun 30
- Under cover
- Apr 6 to Jul 28
- First harvest
- About 86 days after sowing. Sown on May 4, ready around July 29.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Sweet cornOutdoors Apr 24 to Jun 30; Under cover Mar 27 to Jul 28
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 24 to Jun 30
- Under cover
- Mar 27 to Jul 28
- First harvest
- About 89 days after sowing. Sown on April 24, ready around July 22.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Roots
CarrotOutdoors Jan 9 to Aug 2, and Aug 19 to Sep 23; Under cover Dec 12 to Oct 21
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 9 to Aug 2, and Aug 19 to Sep 23
- Under cover
- Dec 12 to Oct 21
- First harvest
- About 60 days after sowing. Sown on January 9, ready around March 10.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
BeetOutdoors Jan 22 to Sep 27; Under cover Dec 25 to Oct 25
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 22 to Sep 27
- Under cover
- Dec 25 to Oct 25
- First harvest
- About 89 days after sowing. Sown on January 22, ready around April 21.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ParsnipOutdoors Aug 19 to Sep 12, and Dec 15 to May 26; Under cover Jul 22 to Oct 10, and Nov 17 to Jun 23
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 19 to Sep 12, and Dec 15 to May 26
- Under cover
- Jul 22 to Oct 10, and Nov 17 to Jun 23
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 19, ready around November 5.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
RadishOutdoors Jan 17 to Nov 12; Under cover Dec 20 to Dec 10
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 17 to Nov 12
- Under cover
- Dec 20 to Dec 10
- 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 7 to Apr 15, and Aug 19 to Sep 25; Under cover Jul 22 to Oct 23, and Dec 10 to May 13
- Plant outdoors
- Jan 7 to Apr 15, and Aug 19 to Sep 25
- Under cover
- Jul 22 to Oct 23, and Dec 10 to May 13
- First harvest
- About 60 days after planting. Planted on January 7, ready around March 8.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
TurnipOutdoors Jan 17 to Oct 15; Under cover Dec 20 to Nov 12
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 17 to Oct 15
- Under cover
- Dec 20 to Nov 12
- 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 14; Under cover Dec 20 to Nov 11
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 17 to Oct 14
- Under cover
- Dec 20 to Nov 11
- 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 Dec 30 to Dec 4; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- Dec 30 to Dec 4
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 27 days after sowing. Sown on December 30, ready around January 26.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Swiss chardOutdoors Jan 22 to Oct 15; Under cover Dec 25 to Nov 12
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 22 to Oct 15
- Under cover
- Dec 25 to Nov 12
- First harvest
- About 77 days after sowing. Sown on January 22, ready around April 9.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ArugulaOutdoors Jan 17 to Nov 22; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 17 to Nov 22
- 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 19 to Sep 26, and Dec 1 to Mar 28; Under cover Jul 22 to Oct 24, and Nov 3 to Apr 25
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 19 to Sep 26, and Dec 1 to Mar 28
- Under cover
- Jul 22 to Oct 24, and Nov 3 to Apr 25
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 19, ready around November 5.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Beans and peas
Runner beanOutdoors Apr 24 to Jul 16, and Aug 19 to Aug 30; Under cover Mar 27 to Aug 30, and Sep 16 to Sep 27
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 24 to Jul 16, and Aug 19 to Aug 30
- Under cover
- Mar 27 to Aug 30, and Sep 16 to Sep 27
- First harvest
- About 84 days after sowing. Sown on April 24, ready around July 17.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Green beanOutdoors Apr 24 to Sep 13; Under cover Mar 27 to Oct 11
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 24 to Sep 13
- Under cover
- Mar 27 to Oct 11
- First harvest
- About 71 days after sowing. Sown on April 24, ready around July 4.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Fava beanOutdoors Oct 26 to Jan 16; Under cover Sep 28 to Feb 13
- Sow outdoors
- Oct 26 to Jan 16
- Under cover
- Sep 28 to Feb 13
- First harvest
- About 220 days after sowing. Sown on October 26, ready around June 3.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
PeaOutdoors Jan 17 to Jun 22, and Aug 19 to Sep 19; Under cover Dec 20 to Oct 17
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 17 to Jun 22, and Aug 19 to Sep 19
- Under cover
- Dec 20 to Oct 17
- 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 19 to Oct 2, and Nov 15 to Mar 28; Under cover Jul 22 to Apr 25
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 19 to Oct 2, and Nov 15 to Mar 28
- Under cover
- Jul 22 to Apr 25
- First harvest
- About 84 days after planting. Planted on August 19, ready around November 11.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
GarlicOutdoors Oct 26 to Jan 16; Under cover Sep 28 to Feb 13
- Plant outdoors
- Oct 26 to Jan 16
- Under cover
- Sep 28 to Feb 13
- First harvest
- About 250 days after planting. Planted on October 26, ready around July 3.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
LeekOutdoors Aug 19 to Jul 16; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 19 to Jul 16
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on August 19, ready around November 17.
- 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 19 to Sep 26, and Dec 1 to Apr 1; Under cover Jul 22 to Oct 24, and Nov 3 to Apr 29
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 19 to Sep 26, and Dec 1 to Apr 1
- Under cover
- Jul 22 to Oct 24, and Nov 3 to Apr 29
- First harvest
- About 78 days after planting. Planted on August 19, ready around November 5.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Brassicas
CabbageOutdoors Dec 13 to Oct 7; Under cover Nov 15 to Nov 4
- Sow outdoors
- Dec 13 to Oct 7
- Under cover
- Nov 15 to Nov 4
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on December 13, ready around February 17.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
BroccoliOutdoors Jan 22 to Jul 16, and Aug 19 to Sep 17; Under cover Dec 25 to Oct 15
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 22 to Jul 16, and Aug 19 to Sep 17
- Under cover
- Dec 25 to Oct 15
- First harvest
- About 114 days after sowing. Sown on January 22, ready around May 16.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
CauliflowerOutdoors Aug 19 to Sep 13, and Dec 26 to Jun 22; Under cover Nov 28 to Oct 11
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 19 to Sep 13, and Dec 26 to Jun 22
- Under cover
- Nov 28 to Oct 11
- First harvest
- About 72 days after sowing. Sown on August 19, ready around October 30.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Brussels sproutOutdoors Aug 19 to Apr 25; Under cover Jul 22 to May 23
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 19 to Apr 25
- Under cover
- Jul 22 to May 23
- First harvest
- About 108 days after sowing. Sown on August 19, ready around December 5.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
KaleOutdoors Jan 22 to Sep 25; Under cover Dec 25 to Oct 23
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 22 to Sep 25
- Under cover
- Dec 25 to Oct 23
- First harvest
- About 102 days after sowing. Sown on January 22, ready around May 4.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Bok choyOutdoors Feb 28 to Oct 29; Under cover Jan 31 to Nov 26
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 28 to Oct 29
- Under cover
- Jan 31 to Nov 26
- First harvest
- About 51 days after sowing. Sown on February 28, ready around April 20.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.
Herbs
BasilOutdoors Feb 28 to Sep 17; Under cover Jan 31 to Oct 15
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 28 to Sep 17
- Under cover
- Jan 31 to Oct 15
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on February 28, ready around May 17.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.
ParsleyOutdoors Dec 28 to Oct 31; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- Dec 28 to Oct 31
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 45 days after sowing. Sown on December 28, ready around February 11.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
CilantroOutdoors Jan 22 to Nov 2; Under cover Dec 25 to Nov 30
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 22 to Nov 2
- Under cover
- Dec 25 to Nov 30
- First harvest
- About 63 days after sowing. Sown on January 22, ready around March 26.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.
ChivesOutdoors Jan 17 to May 26, and Aug 19 to Sep 24; Under cover Jul 22 to Oct 22, and Dec 20 to Jun 23
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 17 to May 26, and Aug 19 to Sep 24
- Under cover
- Jul 22 to Oct 22, and Dec 20 to Jun 23
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
MintOutdoors all year
- Sow outdoors
- all year
- 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 25, and Aug 19 to Sep 27; Under cover Jul 22 to Oct 25, and Dec 20 to May 23
- Plant outdoors
- Jan 17 to Apr 25, and Aug 19 to Sep 27
- Under cover
- Jul 22 to Oct 25, and Dec 20 to May 23
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
RaspberryOutdoors Dec 4 to Jan 16; Under cover Nov 6 to Feb 13
- Plant outdoors
- Dec 4 to Jan 16
- Under cover
- Nov 6 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 Oakland
Does it frost in Oakland?
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 Oakland?
Yes. Plant them outdoors May 6 to Jun 22, or under cover Apr 8 to Jul 20.
What can I sow in Oakland in November?
Outdoors: radish, spinach, arugula, fava bean, onion, garlic, leek, scallion, Brussels sprout, mint. Under cover: parsnip, turnip, lettuce, Swiss chard, celery, 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 Oakland. 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