Zone 10 - Planting Calendar

USDA Gardening Zone 10 Monthly Planting Calendar: Your Guide to Tropical and Subtropical Gardening

January

• Vegetables: Plant cool-season crops like lettuce, kale, broccoli, and carrots. This is also a great time to plant peas and radishes.
• Herbs: Start herbs like cilantro, dill, and parsley from seed.
• Flowers: Plant cool-season flowers such as pansies, petunias, and snapdragons.
• Tips: Keep an eye on nighttime temperatures, as occasional cool spells can occur. Cover tender plants with frost cloth if temperatures dip unexpectedly.

February

• Vegetables: Continue planting cool-season vegetables like spinach, beets, and cabbage. Start tomatoes and peppers indoors for transplanting in March.
• Herbs: Plant perennial herbs like rosemary and thyme outdoors.
• Flowers: Add color with marigolds, zinnias, and impatiens.
• Tips: As the weather warms, begin preparing garden beds for spring planting by adding compost and organic matter.

March

• Vegetables: Transplant warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Direct-sow beans, cucumbers, and squash.
• Herbs: Plant basil, oregano, and mint outdoors.
• Flowers: Plant summer annuals like sunflowers, cosmos, and nasturtiums.
• Tips: Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and keep roots cool as temperatures rise.

April

• Vegetables: Continue planting warm-season vegetables like cucumbers, melons, and sweet potatoes. This is also a good time to plant corn.
• Herbs: Transplant herbs like basil, thyme, and sage outdoors.
• Flowers: Plant heat-tolerant flowers such as vinca, lantana, and hibiscus.
• Tips: Ensure consistent watering, especially during hot and dry periods. Consider installing a drip irrigation system to reduce water usage and provide efficient watering.

May

• Vegetables: Focus on heat-loving vegetables like okra, eggplant, and peppers. Continue planting melons and sweet potatoes.
• Herbs: Harvest herbs like basil regularly to encourage bushier growth.
• Flowers: Plant tropical flowers like bougainvillea, plumeria, and bird of paradise.
• Tips: Apply a slow-release fertilizer to keep plants nourished through the hot summer months. Provide shade for sensitive plants during peak heat.

June

• Vegetables: Plant late-summer crops like okra, southern peas, and pumpkins.
• Herbs: Continue planting heat-tolerant herbs like lemongrass and basil.
• Flowers: Add heat-resistant flowers like portulaca and pentas to your garden.
• Tips: Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture and protect plant roots from intense heat. Water early in the day to reduce evaporation and avoid leaf scorch.

July

• Vegetables: Start seeds for fall crops like pumpkins, winter squash, and sweet potatoes.
• Herbs: Harvest and dry herbs to preserve them for later use.
• Flowers: Maintain summer annuals by deadheading and trimming.
• Tips: Monitor plants for signs of heat stress, such as wilting or yellowing leaves. Consider using shade cloth to protect sensitive crops from the harsh sun.

August

• Vegetables: Begin planning for your fall garden by starting seeds indoors for crops like broccoli, cabbage, and kale.
• Herbs: Continue to harvest and prune herbs to keep them healthy and productive.
• Flowers: Prepare beds for fall flowers like chrysanthemums and asters.
• Tips: Evaluate your garden’s water needs during this hot month. Adjust your watering schedule to ensure plants stay hydrated.

September

• Vegetables: Transplant fall crops like broccoli, cabbage, and kale. Direct-seed cool-season crops like spinach, radishes, and lettuce.
• Herbs: Plant cool-weather herbs like cilantro, parsley, and dill.
• Flowers: Plant fall-blooming flowers like mums and pansies.
• Tips: As temperatures begin to cool slightly, reduce the frequency of watering. Remove any dead or diseased plants to maintain a healthy garden environment.

October

• Vegetables: Continue planting cool-season vegetables like carrots, beets, and onions.
• Herbs: Plant hardy herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme.
• Flowers: Plant spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils, which will bloom in early spring.
• Tips: Use this time to clean up the garden, removing spent plants and adding organic matter to beds. Prepare for any cooler nights by having frost cloths ready for tender plants.

November

• Vegetables: Plant garlic and shallots for a late spring harvest. Continue harvesting cool-season vegetables.
• Herbs: Protect perennial herbs from unexpected cold snaps by mulching around their bases.
• Flowers: Plant winter flowers like pansies and violas for a burst of color.
• Tips: Take advantage of the cooler weather to plan and plant a winter garden. Consider installing a protective cover over delicate plants if frost is expected.

December

• Vegetables: Harvest the last of your fall crops, and continue growing cool-season vegetables.
• Herbs: Grow herbs like basil and mint indoors on a sunny windowsill to enjoy fresh flavors throughout the winter.
• Flowers: Maintain winter blooms by deadheading spent flowers.
• Tips: Reflect on your gardening successes this year and begin planning for the upcoming season. Prepare garden beds by adding compost and organic matter to enrich the soil.

Tips for Successful Gardening in Zone 10

• Mulch Regularly: Mulching helps conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds, which is crucial in a hot climate.
• Water Wisely: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and avoid fungal diseases. Consider using drip irrigation to conserve water.
• Pest Control: Warm, humid conditions can attract pests. Monitor your garden regularly for signs of insects and disease, and address issues promptly using organic methods.
• Seasonal Adjustments: Take advantage of Zone 10’s mild winters by growing cool-season crops, and prepare for the heat by planting heat-tolerant varieties during the summer.