Morgan Hill, CA planting zone & frost dates
Morgan Hill is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 24 and the first fall frost around November 27, for a growing season of about 277 days.
Planting calendar for Morgan Hill
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 24) 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: Dec 30 – Jan 13 Transplant outdoors: Mar 3 – Mar 10 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 16 – Dec 30 Transplant outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 17 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 16 – Dec 30 Transplant outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 17 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 16 – Dec 30 Transplant outdoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 16 – Dec 30 Transplant outdoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 3 – Mar 10 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 3 – Mar 10 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 3 – Mar 10 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 3 – Mar 10 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 13 – Jan 27 Transplant outdoors: Mar 3 – Mar 10 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 2 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 27).
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 | Jan 23 | Feb 24 | Apr 4 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 18 | Nov 27 | Nov 10 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 4, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 10. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 16.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Morgan Hill
- 95037 zone 9b
- 95038 zone 9b
Nearby cities
Questions
What growing zone is Morgan Hill, CA?
Morgan Hill 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 Morgan Hill?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Morgan Hill is February 24. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 4.
When can I plant tomatoes in Morgan Hill?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 3 – Mar 10. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Gilroy, CA (USC00043417), 16.4 km (10.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 59 m, based on 21 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.