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Bakersfield, CA Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Bakersfield usually comes around Feb 17. Start tomatoes indoors Jan 6 – Jan 20 and plant them outside Mar 3 – Mar 17.

Last spring frostFeb 17

When to plant vegetables in Bakersfield

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesJan 6 – Jan 20Mar 3 – Mar 17—
PeppersDec 30 – Jan 13Mar 10 – Mar 24—
EggplantDec 30 – Jan 13Mar 10 – Mar 24—
Cucumbers—Mar 3 – Mar 17—
Zucchini & summer squash—Mar 3 – Mar 17—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Mar 10 – Mar 24—
Green beans—Mar 3 – Mar 17—
Sweet corn—Mar 3 – Mar 17—
BasilJan 20 – Feb 3Mar 3 – Mar 17—
LettuceDec 23 – Jan 6Jan 20 – Mar 3—
Spinach—Jan 6 – Jan 27—
Peas—Jan 6 – Jan 27—
Carrots—Jan 20 – Feb 24—
Radishes—Jan 13 – Mar 3—
BroccoliDec 9 – Dec 23Jan 20 – Feb 3—
KaleDec 23 – Jan 6Jan 13 – Jan 27—
Onions—Jan 20 – Feb 3—
Potatoes—Jan 27 – Feb 24—
Garlic———

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

Month-by-month planting in Bakersfield

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Onions, Potatoes
  3. MarchPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Radishes
  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. SeptemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  10. OctoberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  11. NovemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  12. DecemberStart indoors: Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, Kale

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

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Bakersfield?

The median last spring frost is Feb 17, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Bakersfield?

Start seeds indoors Jan 6 – Jan 20 and set plants outside Mar 3 – Mar 17, once nights stay above 50°F.

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