Foothill Farms, CA planting zone & frost dates
Foothill Farms is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around January 12 and the first fall frost around December 16, for a growing season of about 341 days.
Planting calendar for Foothill Farms
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (January 12) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Nov 17 – Dec 1 Transplant outdoors: Jan 19 – Jan 26 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 3 – Nov 17 Transplant outdoors: Jan 26 – Feb 2 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 3 – Nov 17 Transplant outdoors: Jan 26 – Feb 2 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 3 – Nov 17 Transplant outdoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 3 – Nov 17 Transplant outdoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 1 – Dec 15 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 1 – Dec 15 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Jan 19 – Jan 26 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Jan 19 – Jan 26 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Jan 19 – Jan 26 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Jan 19 – Jan 26 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 1 – Dec 15 Transplant outdoors: Jan 19 – Jan 26 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 21 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 16).
Useful for zone 9b gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Shade cloth — for hot summers
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Dec 18 | Jan 12 | Feb 8 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 14 | Dec 16 | Nov 28 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after February 8, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 28. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around December 31.
Nearby cities
- North Highlands zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Antelope zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Carmichael zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Citrus Heights zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Arden-Arcade zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Fair Oaks zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Roseville zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Rio Linda zone 9b, last frost Feb 22
Questions
What growing zone is Foothill Farms, CA?
Foothill Farms is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9b (average extreme winter low 25°F to 30°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Foothill Farms?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Foothill Farms is January 12. There is still a 10% chance of frost until February 8.
When can I plant tomatoes in Foothill Farms?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Jan 19 – Jan 26. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Sacramento 5 Ese, CA (USW00023271), 14.8 km (9.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 12 m, based on 30 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.