Los Angeles might be known for traffic and palm trees, but beneath the concrete and sunshine lies one of the most garden-friendly climates in the U.S. Whether you’ve got a backyard, balcony, or raised bed—growing fresh food in LA is more than possible. It’s thriving.
But the secret to success? Timing.
This month-by-month guide will help you know exactly what to plant and when based on LA’s unique climate—so you can grow confidently year-round in USDA Zone 10b.
☀️ Why Los Angeles Is a Gardener’s Paradise
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USDA Zone 10b means mild winters and long growing seasons.
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Low frost risk allows for year-round planting.
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Tons of sunlight makes it ideal for sun-loving veggies and herbs.
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Diverse microclimates allow for flexibility across neighborhoods (from Echo Park to Santa Monica).
🌱 Month-by-Month Planting Guide for Los Angeles
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned green thumb, this guide breaks down the best crops to plant each month. Here’s how to make the most of every season:
🌼 January
Start indoors: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant
Direct sow: Spinach, carrots, onions, radishes, arugula
💐 February
Transplant: Broccoli, cabbage, kale
Sow: Beets, lettuce, peas
🌸 March
Start summer crops: Corn, cucumbers, squash
Transplant: Tomatoes, peppers, basil
☀️ April
Plant: Beans, melons, zucchini, herbs
Continue: Tomatoes, eggplant, okra
🌞 May
Warm-weather focus: Sweet potatoes, watermelon, basil
Start: Drought-tolerant flowers like zinnias, marigolds
🔥 June
Harvest: Early summer crops
Sow: Beans, sunflowers, cucumbers
☀️ July
Plant heat lovers: Okra, eggplant, melons
Mulch and water deeply to protect roots from heat
🌻 August
Sow for fall: Kale, carrots, turnips
Start indoors: Brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower)
🍁 September
Transplant: Kale, cabbage, broccoli
Plant: Radishes, garlic, lettuce, arugula
🎃 October
Sow: Spinach, mustard greens, onions
Harvest: Tomatoes, peppers, late melons
🍂 November
Best time for greens: Lettuce, Swiss chard, spinach
Start perennials: Asparagus, artichokes
❄️ December
Focus on maintenance
Sow: Peas, onions, cool-season greens
Prune trees and refresh soil
🌿 What Grows Best in LA?
🥬 Vegetables:
Tomatoes, kale, carrots, onions, squash, lettuce, beans, radishes
🌿 Herbs:
Basil, oregano, thyme, mint, chives, parsley
🍓 Fruits:
Strawberries, citrus (lemons, limes), figs, pomegranates
🌸 Flowers:
Sunflowers, marigolds, nasturtiums, zinnias
🌳 Trees & Shrubs:
Avocado, citrus trees, olives, rosemary, lavender
💧 Watering in a Dry Climate
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Water early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
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Use mulch to retain moisture and protect roots.
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Opt for drip irrigation or deep, infrequent watering to build root resilience.
🛠️ Urban Gardening Tips
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Raised beds & containers thrive in tight spaces like patios or rooftops.
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Use compost and worm castings to enrich the often-sandy soil.
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Grow vertically with trellises and plant walls for vining crops.
🌿 Ready to Grow Smarter?
Timing is everything when gardening in Los Angeles. Don’t leave your harvest to guesswork.
👉 Get the full Los Angeles Planting Calendar & Gardening Guide for month-by-month guidance, seasonal tips, and zone-specific plant lists. Whether you’re growing tomatoes in West LA or kale in Silver Lake—this is your personalized roadmap to success.
🛒 Top Gardening Tools for LA (Amazon Picks)
1. Raised Garden Bed Kit (Rust-Resistant Metal or Wood)
Perfect for rooftops, patios, or yards with poor soil.
2. Drip Irrigation Kit for Containers or Beds
Conserve water and deliver moisture straight to the roots.
3. All-in-One Soil Testing Kit
Check pH, moisture, and light levels before planting.
4. Organic Seaweed Fertilizer
Boosts growth and root development in dry conditions.
5. Seed Starter Trays with Dome & Grow Light
Start crops indoors year-round—even during the “off-season.”
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