LawnWeather

Modesto, CA Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Modesto usually comes around Feb 4 and the first fall frost around Dec 5, a growing season of about 304 days. Start tomatoes indoors Dec 24 – Jan 7 and plant them outside Feb 18 – Mar 4.

Last spring frostFeb 4
First fall frostDec 5
Growing season304 days

When to plant vegetables in Modesto

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesDec 24 – Jan 7Feb 18 – Mar 4—
PeppersDec 17 – Dec 31Feb 25 – Mar 11—
EggplantDec 17 – Dec 31Feb 25 – Mar 11—
Cucumbers—Feb 18 – Mar 4—
Zucchini & summer squash—Feb 18 – Mar 4—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Feb 25 – Mar 11—
Green beans—Feb 18 – Mar 4Sep 12 – Sep 26
Sweet corn—Feb 18 – Mar 4—
BasilJan 7 – Jan 21Feb 18 – Mar 4—
LettuceDec 10 – Dec 24Jan 7 – Feb 18Oct 10 – Oct 24
Spinach—Dec 24 – Jan 14Oct 10 – Oct 24
Peas—Dec 24 – Jan 14Sep 26 – Oct 10
Carrots—Jan 7 – Feb 11Sep 12 – Sep 26
Radishes—Dec 31 – Feb 18Oct 24 – Nov 7
BroccoliNov 26 – Dec 10Jan 7 – Jan 21Sep 12 – Sep 26
KaleDec 10 – Dec 24Dec 31 – Jan 14Sep 26 – Oct 10
Onions—Jan 7 – Jan 21—
Potatoes—Jan 14 – Feb 11—
Garlic——Nov 21 – Dec 26

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Modesto. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Modesto

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  2. FebruaryPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  3. MarchPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil
  4. AprilPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  5. MayPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Green beans, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  11. NovemberStart indoors: BroccoliPlant outside: Radishes, Garlic
  12. DecemberStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale, Garlic

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. How this works

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Modesto?

The median last spring frost is Feb 4 and the median first fall frost is Dec 5, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Modesto?

Start seeds indoors Dec 24 – Jan 7 and set plants outside Feb 18 – Mar 4, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Modesto?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Dec 5): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

More from Modesto