Parkway, CA planting zone & frost dates
Parkway is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 2 and the first fall frost around December 2, for a growing season of about 301 days.
Planting calendar for Parkway
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 2) 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 8 – Dec 22 Transplant outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 24 – Dec 8 Transplant outdoors: Feb 16 – Feb 23 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 24 – Dec 8 Transplant outdoors: Feb 16 – Feb 23 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 24 – Dec 8 Transplant outdoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 24 – Dec 8 Transplant outdoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 22 – Jan 5 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 22 – Jan 5 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 22 – Jan 5 Transplant outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 7 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 2).
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 2 | Feb 2 | Mar 5 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 2 | Dec 2 | Nov 16 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 5, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 16. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 4.
Nearby cities
- Florin zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Sacramento zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Rosemont zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- West Sacramento zone 9b, last frost Feb 2
- Vineyard zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Elk Grove zone 9b, last frost Feb 2
- La Riviera zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Arden-Arcade zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
Questions
What growing zone is Parkway, CA?
Parkway 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 Parkway?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Parkway is February 2. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 5.
When can I plant tomatoes in Parkway?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 9 – Feb 16. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Sacramento Executive Ap, CA (USW00023232), 3.4 km (2.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 5 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.