Hanford, CA planting zone & frost dates
Hanford is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around February 7 and the first fall frost around December 1, for a growing season of about 296 days.
Planting calendar for Hanford
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 7) 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 13 – Dec 27 Transplant outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 29 – Dec 13 Transplant outdoors: Feb 21 – Feb 28 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 29 – Dec 13 Transplant outdoors: Feb 21 – Feb 28 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 29 – Dec 13 Transplant outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 29 – Dec 13 Transplant outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 Transplant outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 6 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 1).
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 9 | Feb 7 | Mar 4 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 22 | Dec 1 | Nov 16 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 4, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 16. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 12.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Hanford
- 93230 zone 9a
- 93232 zone 9a
Nearby cities
Questions
What growing zone is Hanford, CA?
Hanford 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 Hanford?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Hanford is February 7. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 4.
When can I plant tomatoes in Hanford?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 14 – Feb 21. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Hanford 1 S, CA (USC00043747), 1.5 km (0.9 mi) from the city center, elevation 72 m, based on 26 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.