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This document is a publication of the University of California Cooperative Extension Sonoma County Master Gardeners.

The primary purpose of this guide is to provide the best planting times for Sonoma County. It also provides other basic information. Some knowledge of vegetable gardening is assumed. See the Master Gardener publication Growing Vegetables for information on planning, preparing, and planting the garden. If you need more information, a number of excellent books are available from your library or bookstore.

C indicates cool weather crop, W indicates warm weather crops.

* next to C indicates hardy vegetables that can take temperatures below 20 deg F. Many cool weather crops may be planted in either early spring (to harvest in late spring and early summer) or in summer ( to harvest in late fall to early spring).

# next to W indicates vegetables that can be harvested earlier if special techniques are used to keep soil and plants warm early in the season.

✔ under direct seed column indicates that this crop is usually direct seeded. For crops that are usually transplanted, purchase seedlings when ready to plant or start seeds in flats 6 to 8 weeks before planting dates.

Space between plants and between rows is given in inches. Use “space between rows” if planting in traditional rows. If planting in raised beds or wide rows, leave “space between plants” between all plants within the bed.

“Recommended Dates” are the dates for direct seeding or transplanting. * in this column indicates that comments provide more information on planting dates.

“Days to Harvest” is only a rough indication. The actual number of days between planting and harvesting depends on the variety and on the weather in your area in that year. Vegetables planted in fall may take much longer to mature since the fall and winter growing season is so cool.

For additional advice, call the Master Gardener Information Desk, 565-2608.

To Master Gardeners: Please contact Marge Tobias to make additions or corrections to this summary. Thanks!

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