Los Angeles Gardening Guide (2026)

Mild, near frost-free; long growing season.

USDA zone
10
Typical last frost
12/31
Typical first frost
12/31

Quick answer (Los Angeles): Gardeners here work in about a 0-day frost-free window around zone 10. State context: California (zones 5–11). Start warm crops indoors ~6 weeks before the last frost of 12/31.

🌆 Los Angeles microclimate

  • Mild coastal + inland heat
  • Near-frost-free (10a-10b)
  • Long season, dry summers

What to grow here, by environment

full sun
Tomato · Pepper · Eggplant · Squash
dry
Rosemary · Sage · Lavender · Succulents · California poppy
coastal
Cool-season greens year-round · Strawberries · Citrus (dwarf)
shade
Ferns · Azalea · Camellia

Your Los Angeles planting calendar

Pre-filled with Los Angeles's frost dates. Choose a crop to print your plan.

In California (typical zone 511, last frost ≈ Dec 31, first frost ≈ Dec 31, 0-day season), your Tomato plan:

Start seeds indoors
Nov 19
Sow / transplant outdoors
Jan 14
First harvest
Mar 25
Spacing / depth
24″ / 0.25

Month-by-month (California, 2026)

MonthAction
JanSow · Transplant
Feb
MarHarvest
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
NovStart indoors
Dec

Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost; transplant after soil warms. Zones 313 suitable. Dates are typical; confirm with your county extension and watch the 10-day forecast.

Common pests near Los Angeles

Pre-filled to California. Pick a pest for signs, organic-first treatment, and a printable IPM card.

Aphids

Targets
Most vegetables, roses, ornamentals
Signs
Clusters of tiny soft bugs on new growth; curled, sticky leaves (honeydew).
Organic / IPM first
Blast with water; release ladybugs; insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Chemical option (follow label)
Pyrethrin or imidacloprid soil drench for heavy infestations.
Prevention
Avoid excess nitrogen; attract beneficial insects with dill and alyssum.

Crops that fit zone 10

Vegetables and herbs suited to your metro zone — open any for a state-specific planting card: