Spring is finally here, and after an unusually warm and dry winter in San Diego, many gardeners faced challenges growing winter crops. For us, this past winter was one of the most difficult and trying seasons. The lack of rainfall and higher-than-average temperatures made it difficult for cool-season vegetables to thrive, leading to lower yields, early bolting and flowering, and soil dehydration. Now that spring has arrived it is the time to focus on replenishing moisture, improving soil health, and selecting heat-tolerant crops to make the most of the spring growing season.
What to Plant Now and in the Coming Months
Here’s what you can start planting each month to ensure a productive spring and summer garden:
March:
- Tomatoes (start indoors or outdoors in warm areas)
- Peppers (start indoors or outdoors in warm areas)
- Carrots
- Beets
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Swiss chard
- Radishes
- Herbs like cilantro, dill, and parsley
- Strawberries
- Onions
- Broccoli (last chance before heat sets in)
April:
- Beans (bush and pole)
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Eggplant
- Basil
- Sunflowers
- Sweet corn
- Melons
- Peppers (if not started earlier)
- Tomatoes (continue planting for successive harvests)
May:
- Pumpkins
- Squash (winter and summer varieties)
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- More beans and cucumbers for successive planting
- Heat-tolerant greens like amaranth and Malabar spinach
June:
- Amaranth
- More melons and squash
- Late-season corn
- Watermelon
- Heat-tolerant greens (Malabar spinach, New Zealand spinach)
- Sweet potatoes (last chance for planting)
July:
- More beans for late summer harvest
- Tomatoes for a fall crop
- Peppers (for a late season boost)
- Basil and other heat-loving herbs
- Pumpkins (for fall harvest)
- Okra (thrives in heat)
- Watermelon (last chance to plant)
Not sure what to plant?
Reach out to us with your gardening goals and preferences on the plants you’d like to grow, and we’ll be happy to offer personalized recommendations!
Preparing Your Garden After a Warm, Dry Winter
With the lack of rain and unseasonably warm temperatures, many gardeners are facing dry soil conditions and increased pest activity this spring. To ensure a successful growing season, take these steps:
- Deep water your soil to restore moisture levels and encourage strong root growth.
- Apply mulch to help retain soil moisture and reduce water evaporation.
- Add organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility.
- Monitor for early pest activity, as warm winters can lead to an increase in garden pests.
- Plant heat-tolerant crops and consider shade protection for delicate plants during hotter days.
Photo by Kampus Production