Barstow, CA planting zone & frost dates
Barstow is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around February 22 and the first fall frost around November 23, for a growing season of about 271 days.
Planting calendar for Barstow
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 22) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Dec 28 – Jan 11 Transplant outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 8 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 14 – Dec 28 Transplant outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 15 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 14 – Dec 28 Transplant outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 15 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 14 – Dec 28 Transplant outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 14 – Dec 28 Transplant outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 11 – Jan 25 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 11 – Jan 25 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 8 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 8 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 8 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 8 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 11 – Jan 25 Transplant outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 8 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 28 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 23).
Useful for zone 9a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Shade cloth — for hot summers
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Jan 29 | Feb 22 | Mar 24 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 8 | Nov 23 | Nov 9 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 24, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 9. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 30.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Barstow
- 92311 zone 9a
- 92312 zone 9a
Nearby cities
- Barstow Heights zone 9a, last frost Feb 22
- Apple Valley zone 8b, last frost Mar 18
- Victorville zone 8b, last frost Mar 18
- Adelanto zone 8b, last frost Mar 18
- Hesperia zone 8b, last frost Feb 28
- Big Bear City zone 7a, last frost May 27
- Lake Arrowhead zone 8a, last frost May 5
- Crestline zone 8b, last frost May 5
Questions
What growing zone is Barstow, CA?
Barstow is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9a (average extreme winter low 20°F to 25°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Barstow?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Barstow is February 22. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 24.
When can I plant tomatoes in Barstow?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 1 – Mar 8. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Barstow, CA (USC00040521), 0.6 km (0.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 677 m, based on 25 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.