Goleta, CA planting zone & frost dates
Goleta is in USDA hardiness zone 10a. The last spring frost usually comes around January 11 and the first fall frost around December 16, for a growing season of about 342 days.
Planting calendar for Goleta
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (January 11) 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 16 – Nov 30 Transplant outdoors: Jan 18 – Jan 25 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 2 – Nov 16 Transplant outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 1 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 2 – Nov 16 Transplant outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 1 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 2 – Nov 16 Transplant outdoors: Dec 14 – Dec 28 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 2 – Nov 16 Transplant outdoors: Dec 14 – Dec 28 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Dec 14 – Dec 28 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Nov 30 – Dec 14 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Nov 30 – Dec 14 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Dec 14 – Dec 28 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Dec 14 – Dec 28 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Dec 14 – Dec 28 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Jan 18 – Jan 25 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Jan 18 – Jan 25 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Jan 18 – Jan 25 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Jan 18 – Jan 25 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Nov 30 – Dec 14 Transplant outdoors: Jan 18 – Jan 25 |
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).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Dec 14 | Jan 11 | Feb 13 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 18 | Dec 16 | Dec 1 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after February 13, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before December 1. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around December 30.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Goleta
- 93116 zone 10a
- 93117 zone 10a
- 93118 zone 10a
- 93199 zone 10a
Nearby cities
- Isla Vista zone 10a
- Santa Barbara zone 10b
- Carpinteria zone 10b
- Ventura zone 10a
- Lompoc zone 10a, last frost Jan 20
- Oxnard zone 10b
- Port Hueneme zone 10b
- Orcutt zone 9b, last frost Feb 4
Questions
What growing zone is Goleta, CA?
Goleta is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 10a (average extreme winter low 30°F to 35°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Goleta?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Goleta is January 11. There is still a 10% chance of frost until February 13.
When can I plant tomatoes in Goleta?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Jan 18 – Jan 25. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Santa Barbara Muni Ap, CA (USW00023190), 1.8 km (1.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 3 m, based on 26 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.