California, US
Planting calendar for Santa Clara
Frost is rare here, so sowing goes by warmth: tender crops like tomatoes go outdoors May 6 to Jun 13, and Aug 19 to Aug 31.
- 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 Santa Clara. 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: 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: Not this month | April: Sow 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: 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: 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: Not this month | April: Sow 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: 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 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 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: 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: 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: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | 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 outdoors and 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 outdoors and 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: 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: 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: 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 outdoors and 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 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 outdoors and 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 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 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: 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 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 outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and 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 outdoors and 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 |
 RaspberryWinters 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 |
 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 13, and Aug 19 to Aug 31; Under cover Apr 8 to Jul 11, and Jul 22 to Aug 3, and Aug 19 to Aug 31, and Sep 16 to Sep 28
- Sow outdoors
- May 6 to Jun 13, and Aug 19 to Aug 31
- Under cover
- Apr 8 to Jul 11, and Jul 22 to Aug 3, and Aug 19 to Aug 31, and Sep 16 to Sep 28
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on May 6, ready around July 23.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Chile pepperOutdoors May 4 to Jun 13, and Aug 19 to Sep 8; Under cover Apr 6 to Jul 11, and Jul 22 to Oct 6
- Sow outdoors
- May 4 to Jun 13, and Aug 19 to Sep 8
- Under cover
- Apr 6 to Jul 11, and Jul 22 to Oct 6
- First harvest
- About 84 days after sowing. Sown on May 4, ready around July 27.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Bell pepperOutdoors May 13 to Jun 19, and Aug 19 to Sep 5; Under cover Apr 15 to Aug 8, and Aug 19 to Sep 5, and Sep 16 to Oct 3
- Sow outdoors
- May 13 to Jun 19, and Aug 19 to Sep 5
- Under cover
- Apr 15 to Aug 8, and Aug 19 to Sep 5, and Sep 16 to Oct 3
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on May 13, ready around July 30.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
EggplantOutdoors May 13 to Jun 13, and Aug 19 to Sep 17; Under cover Apr 15 to Jul 11, and Jul 22 to Oct 15
- Sow outdoors
- May 13 to Jun 13, and Aug 19 to Sep 17
- Under cover
- Apr 15 to Jul 11, and Jul 22 to Oct 15
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on May 13, ready around August 11.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
ZucchiniOutdoors May 4 to Jun 30, and Aug 19 to Sep 23; Under cover Apr 6 to Oct 21
- Sow outdoors
- May 4 to Jun 30, and Aug 19 to Sep 23
- Under cover
- Apr 6 to Oct 21
- First harvest
- About 57 days after sowing. Sown on May 4, ready around June 30.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
CucumberOutdoors May 4 to Jun 30, and Aug 19 to Sep 17; Under cover Apr 6 to Oct 15
- Sow outdoors
- May 4 to Jun 30, and Aug 19 to Sep 17
- Under cover
- Apr 6 to Oct 15
- First harvest
- About 63 days after sowing. Sown on May 4, ready around July 6.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Winter squashOutdoors May 4 to Jun 19, and Aug 19 to Sep 2; Under cover Apr 6 to Aug 5, and Aug 19 to Sep 2, and Sep 16 to Sep 30
- Sow outdoors
- May 4 to Jun 19, and Aug 19 to Sep 2
- Under cover
- Apr 6 to Aug 5, and Aug 19 to Sep 2, and Sep 16 to Sep 30
- First harvest
- About 79 days after sowing. Sown on May 4, ready around July 22.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Sweet cornOutdoors Apr 24 to Jun 19, and Aug 19 to Sep 3; Under cover Mar 27 to Aug 6, and Aug 19 to Sep 3, and Sep 16 to Oct 1
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 24 to Jun 19, and Aug 19 to Sep 3
- Under cover
- Mar 27 to Aug 6, and Aug 19 to Sep 3, and Sep 16 to Oct 1
- First harvest
- About 83 days after sowing. Sown on April 24, ready around July 16.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Roots
CarrotOutdoors Jan 1 to Jul 9, and Aug 19 to Oct 4; Under cover Dec 4 to Nov 1
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 1 to Jul 9, and Aug 19 to Oct 4
- Under cover
- Dec 4 to Nov 1
- First harvest
- About 60 days after sowing. Sown on January 1, ready around March 2.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
BeetOutdoors Jan 16 to Jul 13, and Aug 19 to Oct 4; Under cover Dec 19 to Nov 1
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 16 to Jul 13, and Aug 19 to Oct 4
- Under cover
- Dec 19 to Nov 1
- First harvest
- About 92 days after sowing. Sown on January 16, ready around April 18.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ParsnipOutdoors Aug 19 to Sep 28, and Dec 4 to May 23; Under cover Jul 22 to Oct 26, and Nov 6 to Jun 20
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 19 to Sep 28, and Dec 4 to May 23
- Under cover
- Jul 22 to Oct 26, and Nov 6 to Jun 20
- 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 16 to Nov 17; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 16 to Nov 17
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 35 days after sowing. Sown on January 16, ready around February 20.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
PotatoOutdoors Aug 19 to Oct 5, and Dec 30 to Apr 16; Under cover Jul 22 to Nov 2, and Dec 2 to May 14
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 19 to Oct 5, and Dec 30 to Apr 16
- Under cover
- Jul 22 to Nov 2, and Dec 2 to May 14
- First harvest
- About 60 days after planting. Planted on August 19, ready around October 18.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
TurnipOutdoors Jan 16 to Oct 21; Under cover Dec 19 to Nov 18
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 16 to Oct 21
- Under cover
- Dec 19 to Nov 18
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on January 16, ready around April 4.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
Leaves
LettuceOutdoors Jan 16 to Oct 22; Under cover Dec 19 to Nov 19
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 16 to Oct 22
- Under cover
- Dec 19 to Nov 19
- First harvest
- About 92 days after sowing. Sown on January 16, ready around April 18.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
SpinachOutdoors all year
- Sow outdoors
- all year
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 27 days after sowing. Sown on January 1, ready around January 28.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Swiss chardOutdoors Jan 16 to Oct 21; Under cover Dec 19 to Nov 18
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 16 to Oct 21
- Under cover
- Dec 19 to Nov 18
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on January 16, ready around April 4.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ArugulaOutdoors Jan 8 to Dec 1; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 8 to Dec 1
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 24 days after sowing. Sown on January 8, ready around February 1.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
CeleryOutdoors Aug 19 to Oct 19, and Nov 13 to Mar 27; Under cover Jul 22 to Apr 24
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 19 to Oct 19, and Nov 13 to Mar 27
- Under cover
- Jul 22 to Apr 24
- 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 Jun 30, and Aug 19 to Sep 9; Under cover Mar 27 to Oct 7
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 24 to Jun 30, and Aug 19 to Sep 9
- Under cover
- Mar 27 to Oct 7
- First harvest
- About 79 days after sowing. Sown on April 24, ready around July 12.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Green beanOutdoors Apr 24 to Jul 13, and Aug 19 to Sep 20; Under cover Mar 27 to Oct 18
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 24 to Jul 13, and Aug 19 to Sep 20
- Under cover
- Mar 27 to Oct 18
- First harvest
- About 68 days after sowing. Sown on April 24, ready around July 1.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Fava beanOutdoors Oct 31 to Jan 15; Under cover Oct 3 to Feb 12
- Sow outdoors
- Oct 31 to Jan 15
- Under cover
- Oct 3 to Feb 12
- First harvest
- About 220 days after sowing. Sown on October 31, ready around June 8.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
PeaOutdoors Jan 16 to Jun 13, and Aug 19 to Sep 27; Under cover Jul 22 to Oct 25, and Dec 19 to Jul 11
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 16 to Jun 13, and Aug 19 to Sep 27
- Under cover
- Jul 22 to Oct 25, and Dec 19 to Jul 11
- First harvest
- About 104 days after sowing. Sown on January 16, ready around April 30.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Onion family
OnionOutdoors Aug 19 to Mar 27; Under cover Jul 22 to Apr 24
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 19 to Mar 27
- Under cover
- Jul 22 to Apr 24
- 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 31 to Jan 15; Under cover Oct 3 to Feb 12
- Plant outdoors
- Oct 31 to Jan 15
- Under cover
- Oct 3 to Feb 12
- First harvest
- About 250 days after planting. Planted on October 31, ready around July 8.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
LeekOutdoors Aug 19 to Jun 30; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 19 to Jun 30
- 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 Oct 19, and Nov 13 to Mar 31; Under cover Jul 22 to Apr 28
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 19 to Oct 19, and Nov 13 to Mar 31
- Under cover
- Jul 22 to Apr 28
- 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 Aug 19 to Oct 24, and Nov 29 to Jul 13; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 19 to Oct 24, and Nov 29 to Jul 13
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on August 19, ready around October 24.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
BroccoliOutdoors Jan 16 to Jun 30, and Aug 19 to Sep 26; Under cover Dec 19 to Oct 24
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 16 to Jun 30, and Aug 19 to Sep 26
- Under cover
- Dec 19 to Oct 24
- First harvest
- About 116 days after sowing. Sown on January 16, ready around May 12.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
CauliflowerOutdoors Aug 19 to Sep 26, and Dec 17 to Jun 13; Under cover Jul 22 to Oct 24, and Nov 19 to Jul 11
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 19 to Sep 26, and Dec 17 to Jun 13
- Under cover
- Jul 22 to Oct 24, and Nov 19 to Jul 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 16 to Jul 13, and Aug 19 to Oct 3; Under cover Dec 19 to Oct 31
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 16 to Jul 13, and Aug 19 to Oct 3
- Under cover
- Dec 19 to Oct 31
- First harvest
- About 104 days after sowing. Sown on January 16, ready around April 30.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Bok choyOutdoors Feb 24 to Nov 4; Under cover Jan 27 to Dec 2
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 24 to Nov 4
- Under cover
- Jan 27 to Dec 2
- First harvest
- About 52 days after sowing. Sown on February 24, ready around April 17.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.
Herbs
BasilOutdoors Feb 24 to Jul 13, and Aug 19 to Sep 24; Under cover Jan 27 to Oct 22
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 24 to Jul 13, and Aug 19 to Sep 24
- Under cover
- Jan 27 to Oct 22
- First harvest
- About 79 days after sowing. Sown on February 24, ready around May 14.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.
ParsleyOutdoors Dec 14 to Nov 14; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- Dec 14 to Nov 14
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 45 days after sowing. Sown on December 14, ready around January 28.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
CilantroOutdoors Jan 16 to Nov 8; Under cover Dec 19 to Dec 6
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 16 to Nov 8
- Under cover
- Dec 19 to Dec 6
- First harvest
- About 65 days after sowing. Sown on January 16, ready around March 22.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.
ChivesOutdoors Jan 16 to May 23, and Aug 19 to Oct 1; Under cover Jul 22 to Oct 29, and Dec 19 to Jun 20
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 16 to May 23, and Aug 19 to Oct 1
- Under cover
- Jul 22 to Oct 29, and Dec 19 to Jun 20
- 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 11 to Apr 25, and Aug 19 to Oct 6; Under cover Jul 22 to Nov 3, and Dec 14 to May 23
- Plant outdoors
- Jan 11 to Apr 25, and Aug 19 to Oct 6
- Under cover
- Jul 22 to Nov 3, and Dec 14 to May 23
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
RaspberryNot 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.
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 Santa Clara
Does it frost in Santa Clara?
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 Santa Clara?
Yes. Plant them outdoors May 6 to Jun 13, and Aug 19 to Aug 31, or under cover Apr 8 to Jul 11, and Jul 22 to Aug 3, and Aug 19 to Aug 31, and Sep 16 to Sep 28.
What can I sow in Santa Clara in November?
Outdoors: radish, spinach, arugula, celery, fava bean, onion, garlic, leek, scallion, shallot, Brussels sprout, parsley, cilantro, mint. Under cover: parsnip, turnip, lettuce, Swiss chard, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy.
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 Santa Clara. 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