Sutter, CA — Planting Guide for July
Free PDF, personalized for your town's frost dates & climate. Drop your email — we'll send the link.
This month in Sutter County, California
July rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Sutter County, California.
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It's harvest week for basil, cucumber, and green beans
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Get ahead of August
- First harvests: ageratum, alpine strawberries, and anise
- Fall sowing: california poppy
Sutter gardens in a dry climate (only 19" annual precipitation). Watering strategy matters more here than in most of the country — drip irrigation, deep mulching, and morning watering aren't optional, they're table stakes. The flip side: pest and disease pressure are far lower than in humid regions, and your soil temperatures climb fast in spring so you can plant heat-lovers earlier than the zone map suggests.
Soils trend Loam — the gold standard for vegetables. Add 2–3" of compost annually to maintain it and you'll outgrow most of your neighbors.
Sutter averages 27.3 drought weeks per year (US Drought Monitor, 2000–present, trend stable). Treat irrigation as a year-round system, not a summer add-on.
🌡️ USDA Zone
9b (25°F to 30°F min)
❄️ Avg. Last Frost
March 4
🍂 Avg. First Frost
November 26
📅 Growing Season
267 days
🌧️ Climate
Semi Arid 18.6" annual
💨 Wind
Moderate 6.6 mph avg
🥶 Frost Tier
Regular 0% frost-free years
🏜️ Drought
27.3 wk/yr trend stable
📍 ZIP Codes
1 ZIP
Monthly Watering Calendar for Sutter
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
Why this matters: Watering by the calendar wastes water. Watering by the soil moisture (or by a free rain gauge) cuts your water use 30%+ and produces healthier roots. Sutter's 19" annual baseline is the starting point.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.6 in | 10 days | — | None |
| Feb | 4.2 in | 8 days | 0.1 in | Low |
| Mar | 3.7 in | 7 days | 0.6 in | Moderate |
| Apr | 1.4 in | 5 days | 2.9 in | High |
| May | 0.6 in | 1 days | 3.7 in | Critical |
| Jun | 0.1 in | 0 days | 4.2 in | Critical |
| Jul | 0 in | 0 days | 4.3 in | Critical |
| Aug | 0 in | 0 days | 4.3 in | Critical |
| Sep | 0.2 in | 0 days | 4.1 in | Critical |
| Oct | 0.9 in | 2 days | 3.4 in | Critical |
| Nov | 1.8 in | 6 days | 2.5 in | High |
| Dec | 3.8 in | 8 days | — | None |
Annual total: 21.3 in. Water needs vary by crop — tomatoes need ~1.2"/week while herbs like rosemary need only 0.3"/week. Check individual plant pages for crop-specific water budgets that factor in your county's rainfall and soil drainage.
Sutter Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Frost Risk Probability
Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data from 3 stations
Beginners: Plant frost-sensitive crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) after the "Safe" date on the left. Harvest or cover them before the "Protect by" date on the right. Hardy crops (lettuce, peas, kale) can go in the yellow transition zones.
How to read this table: "Conservative" means you're safe from frost 9 out of 10 years — best for beginners and frost-sensitive crops. "Average year" is the typical date. "Aggressive" means only 1 in 10 years is that warm — experienced gardeners with frost protection can try these dates.
| Planting Strategy | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Frost-Free Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative (safest) | Apr 27 | Dec 17 | 234 days |
| Cautious | Apr 10 | Dec 4 | 238 days |
| Average year | Mar 4 | Nov 26 | 267 days |
| Optimistic | Feb 7 | Nov 13 | 279 days |
| Aggressive (risky) | Jan 13 | Nov 1 | 292 days |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±105 days year-to-year. Use the "Conservative" row in the table below, and keep row covers handy for surprise late frosts.
Yes — growing seasons are getting shorter here (about 11 days per decade). Use the "Conservative" dates and choose fast-maturing varieties.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Sutter County presents some gardening challenges. Choose adapted varieties and plan around frost dates.
Local Gardening Help in Sutter County
Free expert help is closer than you think. Your county's cooperative extension office connects you with trained gardeners, soil testing labs, and local programs — all specific to Sutter County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Sutter County University of California Cooperative Extension Extension Office
Phone: 530-750-1200
Visit Extension Office Website →
Extension offices are run by land-grant universities and funded by the USDA. Their advice is free, research-based, and tailored to your county's specific conditions.
Master Gardener Program
Free gardening help from trained volunteers
Master Gardeners are community volunteers who complete 40–60 hours of university horticultural training. They answer gardening questions, diagnose plant problems, and offer workshops — all free.
Many extension offices run a Master Gardener hotline where you can call or email with photos of plant problems for free diagnosis.
Soil Testing
Available through your extension office
Before amending your soil, get it tested. Your extension office offers soil testing (typically $10–$25) that tells you exact pH, nutrient levels, and amendment recommendations specific to what you want to grow.
Services Available in Sutter County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Sutter County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Sutter County's soil and climate that big-box stores can't. Plants from local growers are typically hardier because they're already acclimated to your zone.
How to Find Them
Search for "nurseries near Sutter County CA" or "garden center Sutter County" on Google Maps. Also check with your extension office — they often maintain lists of reputable local nurseries and plant sales.
Community gardens & gardening groups
Community gardens are a great way to learn from experienced gardeners in your area, especially if you're limited on space. Search "community garden Sutter County CA" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Sutter County Gardeners" or "California Gardening" are also excellent for local advice and plant swaps.
What to Plant After Your Harvest
After your first crops finish, use the remaining frost-free days to grow a second round.
Show 6 more succession options
Sunlight & Day Length in Sutter
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
What this means for you: Onion varieties are sold by "short-day," "intermediate-day," and "long-day." Sutter's latitude determines which to buy — and getting it wrong is the difference between baseball-sized bulbs and marbles.
Longest Day
14.7 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
9.3 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
12.9 hr/day peak (summer)
Peak sun hours (green dashed line below) account for cloud cover — this is the usable direct sunlight your garden actually receives. Most vegetables need 6+ peak sun hours.
Onion tip: Your long summer days (14+ hours) support long-day onion varieties like Walla Walla, Sweet Spanish, and Ailsa Craig.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Daylight Hours | Peak Sun Hours | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9.5 hr | 5.8 hr | Short day |
| February | 10.5 hr | 6.4 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.7 hr | 7.6 hr | Short day |
| April | 13 hr | 8.9 hr | Neutral |
| May | 14.1 hr | 11.8 hr | Long day |
| June | 14.7 hr | 12.7 hr | Long day |
| July | 14.5 hr | 12.9 hr | Long day |
| August | 13.5 hr | 12.4 hr | Neutral |
| September | 12.2 hr | 10.5 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.9 hr | 7.8 hr | Short day |
| November | 9.8 hr | 6 hr | Short day |
| December | 9.3 hr | 5 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting in Sutter
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Why it matters: Most root crops germinate well at 50-60°F. Most fruit-bearing crops want 65-75°F. Sutter's monthly soil curve maps these windows to actual months.
Plant Warm Crops When
Soil reaches 60°F+
Soil warm enough from Mar through Nov.
Best Month to Compost
Apr
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
12 months
Nearly year-round composting.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Soil 4" Deep | Soil 8" Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52°F | 58°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Feb | 52°F | 55°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Mar | 60°F | 60°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Apr | 65°F | 67°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| May | 76°F | 73°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jun | 85°F | 81°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jul | 93°F | 88°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 93°F | 91°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 88°F | 88°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Oct | 79°F | 79°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Nov | 66°F | 73°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Dec | 57°F | 62°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
Highlighted rows = soil 60°F+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.
Pest & Disease Pressure in Sutter
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
The practical takeaway: Pest pressure is a function of climate, not effort. Sutter's baseline tells you how much vigilance is normal. A bad pest year in low-pressure region = a normal year in high-pressure region.
Insect Pest Pressure
High — expect multiple pest generations. Preventative measures essential.
Disease Risk
Low disease risk — dry conditions reduce fungal problems.
Seasonal Risk
View 6 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | High | Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Whiteflies | High | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Spider mites | High | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Fire ants | Moderate | Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Thrips | Moderate | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Leaf miners | Moderate | Mar, Apr, May, Jun |
Organic pest management tips
- Use row covers on susceptible crops during peak pest months
- Apply neem oil preventatively every 7-14 days during active pest season
- Interplant with strong-scented herbs (basil, marigold) to confuse pests
- Hand-pick larger pests (beetles, caterpillars) in early morning when they're sluggish
- Practice crop rotation — never plant the same family in the same spot within 3 years
Cover Crops for Sutter
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with planting dates calibrated for your area.
Quick context: Bare soil is wasted soil — it loses nutrients to rain, dries out, compacts, and gets taken over by weeds. Cover crops (clovers, ryegrass, vetch, peas) are the "between seasons" trick that makes soil better every year. In Sutter, you can fit a cover crop into the gaps.
Spring Cover Crops (4 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | Mar 10 | Sep 24 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| Cowpeas (southern peas) | Mar 10 | Sep 24 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer for warm climates, edible |
| Sorghum-sudan grass | Mar 6 | Oct 1 | — | Massive biomass, breaks compaction, suppresses nematodes |
| White clover | Feb 4 | Oct 1 | ✓ Yes | Living mulch, fixes nitrogen, permanent ground cover |
Summer Cover Crops (1 options) — Fill gaps and suppress weeds between plantings
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflowers | Mar 25 | Oct 29 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
Fall Cover Crops (4 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austrian winter peas | Sep 19 | Feb 11 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, good for heavy clay soils |
| Crimson clover | Sep 20 | Feb 18 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, attracts pollinators in spring |
| Daikon radish | Oct 17 | Feb 18 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Sep 3 | Feb 18 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
Wind & Microclimate in Sutter
For new gardeners: Wind shapes the garden you don't think about: bee paths, evaporation, structural stress on tomato cages. Sutter's 6.6 mph background level is a baseline you should know before placing the tallest crops (sunflowers, pole beans, sweet corn).
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 11 mph Summer: 10 mph
Fall: 8 mph Winter: 7 mph
Prevailing wind: W. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
5.5/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Moderate
Some terrain variation (504 ft range). Garden on slopes or higher ground if possible to avoid late-season frost pockets.
Rainwater Harvesting in Sutter
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
Why it matters: Building a rainwater system is mostly about doing the math: roof area × annual rainfall × 0.6 = gallons you could realistically capture. For Sutter, that's your 19" times your roof.
Annual Collection
10,615 gal
Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)
Recommended Setup
7 rain barrels (55 gal each)
For a typical 500 sq ft garden. Serious collectors: consider a 2,250 gal tank.
Legal Status
Unrestricted
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state with no restrictions.
Best Collection Months
Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Dry months when you'll rely on stored water — size your storage for this gap.
Rainwater collection tips for your area
- Your county receives approximately 21.3 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 10,615 gallons annually
- Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
- Stock up on stored water before your dry season (May, Jun, Jul)
- Use a first-flush diverter to keep roof debris out of your collection
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Sutter
114 vegetables matched to Zone 9b with planting dates calibrated for Sutter.
Show all 114 vegetables with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Feb 4 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Jun 3 – Jul 8 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Jun 10 – Jul 29 | 90–120 |
| Artichoke | — | — | Mar 18 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 30 | 120–180 |
| Arugula | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 8 – Jun 10 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | Mar 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Feb 11 | — | Oct 1 | Apr 8 – May 6 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Jun 24 – Aug 19 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | May 13 – Jun 24 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | Mar 11 | — | — | Jun 10 – Jul 29 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 15 – May 20 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | May 6 – Jun 17 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 15 – May 20 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Jun 3 – Jul 29 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Feb 4 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Jun 10 – Jul 15 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | May 6 – Jul 1 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Jun 3 – Jul 29 | 80–120 |
| Cardoon | — | — | Mar 18 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 2 | 120–150 |
| Carrots | — | Feb 11 | — | Oct 1 | Apr 15 – May 20 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 29 – Jul 1 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Jun 17 – Jul 22 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | May 27 – Jul 22 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | May 6 – Jun 17 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 29 – Jun 17 | 50–60 |
| Chayote | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Jul 15 – Sep 23 | 120–180 |
| Chickpeas | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | May 27 – Jul 8 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | May 6 – Jun 17 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 29 – May 27 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Jun 3 – Jul 8 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 29 – Jul 1 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Mar 11 | — | — | May 13 – Jul 8 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | Mar 11 | — | — | May 13 – Jun 24 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Mar 18 – Apr 8 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Feb 4 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Apr 29 – May 27 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Feb 11 | — | Oct 1 | Jul 15 – Sep 16 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Feb 4 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | May 6 – Jul 1 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Feb 11 | — | Oct 1 | Apr 8 – May 6 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Feb 4 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Jun 3 – Jul 8 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | Mar 11 | — | — | May 27 – Jul 8 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | May 20 – Jul 22 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 22 – May 27 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 29 – May 27 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | May 20 – Jul 1 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | May 13 – Jun 24 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 15 | Jan 14 – Jul 1 | 90–240 |
| Ginger | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Nov 11 – Jan 6 | 240–300 |
| Green Beans | — | Mar 11 | — | — | May 6 – Jul 1 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | Mar 18 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 30 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | May 20 – Aug 26 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Feb 4 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Jun 24 – Jul 29 | 100–120 |
| Jicama | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Jul 15 – Sep 23 | 120–180 |
| Kabocha | Feb 4 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Jun 10 – Jul 8 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 22 – May 20 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 29 – Jun 24 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Mar 11 | — | — | Jun 10 – Jul 15 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 22 – May 27 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 8 – May 13 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Jun 3 – Aug 19 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | May 27 – Jul 8 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 8 – Jun 17 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Mar 11 | — | — | May 13 – Jun 24 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Jun 24 – Aug 26 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Jun 10 – Aug 26 | 90–150 |
| Mache | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 15 – May 20 | 40–60 |
| Malabar Spinach | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | May 6 – Jun 3 | 55–70 |
| Melon | Feb 4 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | May 20 – Jul 8 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Mar 11 – Apr 8 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Feb 25 | Oct 1 | Apr 22 – Jun 17 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 8 – May 6 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 8 – Jun 10 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 29 – Jun 3 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | May 6 – Jun 3 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | May 6 – Jul 1 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Jun 3 – Jul 22 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 15 – May 13 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Feb 11 | — | Oct 1 | May 27 – Jul 8 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Feb 4 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Apr 29 – May 27 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 29 – Jun 24 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | May 13 – Jul 22 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | May 6 – Jul 1 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | May 20 – Jul 29 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Feb 4 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Jun 10 – Jul 29 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 15 – May 20 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | May 6 – Jun 10 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Feb 11 | — | Oct 1 | Mar 11 – Apr 1 | 22–35 |
| Romanesco | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | May 20 – Jul 1 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Feb 11 | — | Oct 1 | May 6 – Jun 10 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Feb 11 | — | Oct 1 | May 27 – Jul 8 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | May 13 – Jul 8 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 29 – May 27 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | May 13 – Jun 17 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Jun 3 – Jul 22 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Jan 21 | Mar 11 | Mar 11 | — | May 6 – Jul 1 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | May 6 – Jul 1 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 29 – Jun 24 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | Mar 11 | — | — | Jun 3 – Jul 29 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Feb 4 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Jun 10 – Jul 8 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 8 – Jun 10 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Feb 4 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Apr 29 – Jul 1 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Feb 4 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Jun 3 – Jul 29 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | Mar 18 | — | Jul 8 – Sep 2 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Mar 11 | — | — | May 13 – Jun 24 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Jun 10 – Jul 29 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 8 – May 13 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | May 13 – Jul 22 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | May 13 – Jul 22 | 60–85 |
| Turmeric | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Nov 11 – Jan 6 | 240–300 |
| Turnip | — | Feb 11 | — | Oct 1 | Mar 25 – Apr 29 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Oct 1 | Apr 15 – May 20 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Feb 4 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | May 20 – Jul 8 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | Mar 11 | — | — | May 6 – Jul 1 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Jun 10 – Jul 29 | 90–120 |
| Yam | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Sep 9 – Jan 6 | 180–330 |
| Yard Long Beans | Jan 21 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | May 6 – Jun 17 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Feb 4 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — | Apr 29 – Jun 24 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Sutter
24 fruits matched to Zone 9b with planting dates calibrated for Sutter.
Show all 24 fruits with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Mar 18 | — | Jun 17 – Sep 30 | 90–180 |
| Blackberries | — | — | Mar 18 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | Mar 18 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Mar 18 | — | May 27 – Jul 1 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | Mar 18 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Dragon Fruit | — | — | Mar 18 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Mar 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Figs | — | — | Mar 18 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Mar 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Mar 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Mar 18 | — | May 27 – Jul 22 | 65–80 |
| Guava | — | — | Mar 18 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Mar 18 | — | Jun 10 – Jul 22 | 80–110 |
| Kiwi | — | — | Mar 18 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Loquat | — | — | Mar 18 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Mar 18 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Passion Fruit | — | — | Mar 18 | — | — | 365–545 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | Mar 18 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Mar 18 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Pomegranate | — | — | Mar 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Quince | — | — | Mar 18 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Mar 18 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Mar 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Mar 18 | — | Jun 17 – Jan 13 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Sutter
37 herbs matched to Zone 9b with planting dates calibrated for Sutter.
Show all 37 herbs with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anise | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Feb 25 | Oct 1 | May 27 – Aug 12 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Jan 21 | Mar 11 | Mar 11 | — | May 6 – Jul 8 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | Mar 11 | — | Jun 10 – Aug 26 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Feb 25 | Oct 1 | Apr 22 – Jun 10 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Feb 25 | Oct 1 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | Mar 11 | — | May 13 – Jul 15 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Feb 25 | Oct 1 | Apr 29 – Jul 8 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Feb 25 | Oct 1 | Apr 8 – Jun 10 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | Mar 11 | — | May 13 – Jul 22 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Feb 25 | Oct 1 | Apr 8 – Jun 10 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | Mar 11 | — | May 13 – Jul 22 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Feb 25 | Oct 1 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Feb 25 | Oct 1 | Apr 8 – Jun 10 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Jan 21 | Mar 11 | Mar 11 | — | Apr 29 – Jun 24 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Feb 25 | Oct 1 | Apr 29 – Jul 8 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | Mar 11 | — | Jun 10 – Aug 26 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | Mar 11 | — | May 13 – Jul 22 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | Mar 11 | — | May 27 – Jul 22 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | Mar 11 | — | May 20 – Jul 22 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | Mar 11 | — | May 13 – Jul 1 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | Mar 11 | — | May 20 – Jul 22 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Verbena | Jan 21 | Mar 11 | Mar 11 | — | May 13 – Jul 22 | 60–90 |
| Lemongrass | Jan 21 | Mar 11 | Mar 11 | — | May 27 – Aug 26 | 75–120 |
| Marjoram | — | — | Mar 11 | — | May 13 – Jul 22 | 60–90 |
| Mint | — | — | Mar 11 | — | May 13 – Jul 22 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | Mar 11 | — | May 13 – Jul 22 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Feb 25 | Oct 1 | Apr 29 – Jul 1 | 60–80 |
| Rosemary | — | — | Mar 11 | — | Jun 3 – Oct 21 | 80–180 |
| Rue | — | — | Mar 11 | — | May 20 – Jul 22 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | Mar 11 | — | May 27 – Jul 22 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | Mar 11 | — | May 6 – Jul 1 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Feb 25 | Oct 1 | Apr 8 – Jun 10 | 40–60 |
| Stevia | Jan 21 | Mar 11 | Mar 11 | — | May 13 – Jul 22 | 60–90 |
| Tarragon | — | — | Mar 11 | — | May 13 – Jul 22 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Jan 21 | Mar 11 | Mar 11 | — | May 6 – Jul 8 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | Mar 11 | — | May 20 – Jul 22 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | Mar 11 | — | Jul 15 – Oct 21 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Sutter
42 flowers matched to Zone 9b with planting dates calibrated for Sutter.
Show all 42 flowers with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Jan 21 | Feb 11 | Feb 11 | — | Apr 8 – Oct 7 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Nov 5 | Dec 3 – Dec 24 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | — | — | — | Oct 15 | Oct 15 – Nov 12 | 90–120 |
| Bachelor's Button | — | Dec 31 | Jan 28 | Sep 17 | Mar 25 – Jul 15 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Dec 24 | — | Feb 4 | — | Apr 15 – Oct 28 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Jan 7 | Feb 11 | Feb 18 | — | Apr 29 – Sep 16 | 60–80 |
| Calendula | — | Dec 31 | Jan 28 | Sep 3 | Mar 11 – Jul 1 | 50–70 |
| California Poppy | — | — | — | Aug 20 | Oct 29 – Mar 4 | 60–90 |
| Celosia | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Feb 11 | — | Apr 15 – Nov 4 | 60–90 |
| Coreopsis | Jan 7 | Feb 11 | Feb 18 | — | Apr 15 – Sep 16 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Feb 4 | Jan 28 | Jan 28 | — | Apr 8 – Oct 7 | 60–90 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Oct 29 | Oct 15 – Nov 5 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | — | Mar 4 | Mar 4 | — | May 13 – Nov 25 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Jan 7 | — | Feb 18 | — | Apr 29 – Oct 28 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Jan 7 | Dec 31 | Dec 31 | — | Feb 18 – Apr 15 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Jan 7 | Feb 18 | Feb 18 | — | Apr 29 – Sep 16 | 70–90 |
| Freesia | — | — | — | Oct 15 | Oct 22 – Nov 26 | 84–112 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Jan 21 | Feb 11 | Feb 11 | — | Apr 22 – Oct 21 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Dec 24 | — | Feb 4 | — | Apr 15 – Oct 28 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | Mar 4 | Mar 4 | — | May 13 – Nov 25 | 70–100 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Nov 5 | Nov 5 – Nov 26 | 14–28 |
| Impatiens | Jan 7 | — | Feb 11 | — | Apr 22 – Oct 21 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | Feb 11 | — | Apr 1 – May 6 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | — | — | Sep 24 | Dec 3 – Mar 11 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Jan 7 | — | Feb 11 | — | Apr 22 – Jul 15 | 90–120 |
| Lobelia | Jan 7 | — | Dec 31 | — | Feb 25 – Mar 25 | 70–80 |
| Marigolds | Jan 28 | Feb 11 | Feb 11 | — | Apr 8 – Sep 30 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Feb 4 | Feb 4 | Feb 4 | — | Apr 1 – Oct 14 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Dec 24 | — | Jan 28 | Sep 3 | Mar 18 – Jun 3 | 70–90 |
| Petunia | Jan 7 | — | Feb 11 | — | Apr 22 – Oct 7 | 70–90 |
| Portulaca | Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Feb 11 | — | Apr 1 – Oct 21 | 50–70 |
| Ranunculus | — | — | — | Oct 15 | Oct 22 – Nov 19 | 90–120 |
| Roses | Jan 7 | — | Feb 11 | — | Apr 22 – Oct 21 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Jan 7 | — | Feb 4 | — | Apr 15 – Oct 14 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Jan 7 | — | Feb 11 | — | Jun 3 – Aug 12 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | — | Dec 31 | Jan 28 | Sep 3 | Apr 1 – Aug 12 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Feb 11 | Feb 4 | Feb 4 | — | Apr 29 – Oct 14 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | — | Dec 31 | Jan 28 | Sep 17 | Mar 4 – Jun 3 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | — | — | — | Sep 17 | Nov 26 – Jan 7 | 65–85 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Dec 24 | — | Feb 4 | — | Apr 15 – Oct 28 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Jan 7 | Feb 11 | Feb 18 | — | Apr 15 – Aug 19 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Feb 4 | Feb 4 | Feb 4 | — | Apr 15 – Oct 14 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Sutter
ZIP Codes in Sutter
Click any ZIP to see its specific frost, soil, and climate measurements (some ZIPs differ noticeably from the town aggregate):
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Sutter County.
Your Sutter County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sutter County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Composting Guide for Homesteaders
Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that actually feeds the garden — instead of a pile that smells, attracts pests, and never breaks down.
- 14 sections on composting methods, soil science, and troubleshooting
- The 7-step hot-compost system from start to finish
- Bonus tools: troubleshooting chart, safety guide, monitoring log