Novato, CA planting zone & frost dates
Novato is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around January 11 and the first fall frost around December 21, for a growing season of about 349 days.
Planting calendar for Novato
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (January 11) 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: Nov 16 – Nov 30 Transplant outdoors: Jan 18 – Jan 25 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 2 – Nov 16 Transplant outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 1 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 2 – Nov 16 Transplant outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 1 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 2 – Nov 16 Transplant outdoors: Dec 14 – Dec 28 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 2 – Nov 16 Transplant outdoors: Dec 14 – Dec 28 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Dec 14 – Dec 28 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Nov 30 – Dec 14 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Nov 30 – Dec 14 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Dec 14 – Dec 28 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Dec 14 – Dec 28 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Dec 14 – Dec 28 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Jan 18 – Jan 25 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Jan 18 – Jan 25 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Jan 18 – Jan 25 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Jan 18 – Jan 25 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Nov 30 – Dec 14 Transplant outdoors: Jan 18 – Jan 25 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 26 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 21).
Useful for zone 9b 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 | Dec 14 | Jan 11 | Feb 25 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Feb 9 | Dec 21 | Dec 2 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after February 25, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before December 2. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around December 31.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Novato
- 94945 zone 9b
- 94947 zone 9b
- 94948 zone 9b
- 94949 zone 9b
- 94998 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- San Anselmo zone 9b, last frost Jan 16
- San Rafael zone 10a, last frost Jan 16
- Petaluma zone 9a, last frost Feb 28
- Larkspur zone 10a, last frost Jan 16
- Mill Valley zone 10a, last frost Jan 16
- Sonoma zone 9b, last frost Mar 2
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley zone 10a, last frost Jan 16
- Agua Caliente zone 9b, last frost Mar 2
Questions
What growing zone is Novato, CA?
Novato is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9b (average extreme winter low 25°F to 30°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Novato?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Novato is January 11. There is still a 10% chance of frost until February 25.
When can I plant tomatoes in Novato?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Jan 18 – Jan 25. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station San Rafael Civic Ctr, CA (USC00047880), 12.5 km (7.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 37 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.