When to Plant Carrots in San Mateo County, CA
May to-do list for San Mateo County, California
Welcome to May in Zone 10a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
Carrots are a popular root vegetable available in orange, purple, white, and yellow varieties. They are rich in beta-carotene and have a sweet, earthy flavor.
San Mateo County, California is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 18 and the first fall frost is December 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 328 days.
At an elevation of 277 feet, San Mateo County receives approximately 16.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Carrots to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Carrots successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
San Mateo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in San Mateo County
How your county's soil matches Carrots's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.2) is more alkaline than Carrots prefers (6.0–6.8). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in San Mateo County is excellent for Carrots — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Carrots.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Carrots.
How to Plant Carrots
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Carrots
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 17.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Carrots
Carrots needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Carrots Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Feb | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.5" | 2.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.5" | 1.2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3.5" | 0.4" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 0.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 0" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 0" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 0.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 0.7" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 1.4" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 3.5" | 2.9" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in San Mateo County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Carrots Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Carrots Planting Timeline — San Mateo County, CA
Carrots Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | December 28 | Dec 28 – Jan 18 |
| Harvest | March 1 | Mar 1 – Apr 5 |
| Fall Sowing | October 17 | Oct 17 – Oct 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Direct Sow |
| February | — |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | Direct Sow |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.8 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10a
📆 Growing Season
328 days in San Mateo County
Growing Tips for Carrots in San Mateo County
Direct sow Carrots outdoors after January 18 in San Mateo County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Carrots in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Sow seeds directly in loose, stone-free soil for straight roots. Keep soil moist until germination which can take 2-3 weeks. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot). Biennial — requires two seasons.
Carrots in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Carrots in San Mateo County, CA?
San Mateo County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of January 18. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is San Mateo County, CA?
San Mateo County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 18 and first fall frost is December 12.
Your San Mateo County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for San Mateo County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.