South Lake Tahoe, CA planting zone & frost dates
South Lake Tahoe is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around June 5 and the first fall frost around October 9, for a growing season of about 126 days.
Planting calendar for South Lake Tahoe
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (June 5) 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: Apr 10 – Apr 24 Transplant outdoors: Jun 12 – Jun 19 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 Transplant outdoors: Jun 19 – Jun 26 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 Transplant outdoors: Jun 19 – Jun 26 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 Transplant outdoors: May 8 – May 22 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 Transplant outdoors: May 8 – May 22 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: May 8 – May 22 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 22 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 22 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: May 8 – May 22 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Jun 12 – Jun 19 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Jun 12 – Jun 19 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Jun 12 – Jun 19 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Jun 12 – Jun 19 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Apr 24 – May 8 Transplant outdoors: Jun 12 – Jun 19 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 14 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 9).
Useful for zone 6b 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
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | May 12 | Jun 5 | Jun 22 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 28 | Oct 9 | Sep 24 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after June 22, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 24. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around May 12.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in South Lake Tahoe
- 96150 zone 6b
- 96151 zone 6b
- 96152 zone 6b
- 96154 zone 6b
- 96155 zone 7a
- 96156 zone 6b
- 96157 zone 6b
- 96158 zone 6b
Nearby cities
- Truckee zone 6a, last frost Jun 9
- Placerville zone 9b, last frost Mar 31
- Diamond Springs zone 9b, last frost Mar 31
- Cameron Park zone 9b, last frost Mar 31
- Auburn zone 9b, last frost Feb 25
- North Auburn zone 9b, last frost Feb 25
- Grass Valley zone 9a, last frost Apr 10
- El Dorado Hills zone 9b, last frost Feb 25
Questions
What growing zone is South Lake Tahoe, CA?
South Lake Tahoe is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b (average extreme winter low -5°F to 0°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 7a.
When is the last frost in South Lake Tahoe?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in South Lake Tahoe is June 5. There is still a 10% chance of frost until June 22.
When can I plant tomatoes in South Lake Tahoe?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Jun 12 – Jun 19. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Glenbrook, NV (USC00263205), 16.2 km (10.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 1936 m, based on 20 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.