It’s hard to know what’s seasonal when everything is always in stock at the grocery store, so give yourself a pass on not knowing when lettuce grows! But here’s a quick primer: Summer crops like tomatoes, peppers, squash, and eggplants thrive in the long, warm days and abundant sunshine typical of California’s climate. Cucumbers, melons, herbs, and green beans are other popular requests. These crops love the heat and are usually planted in late spring, growing vigorously throughout the summer months. They require consistent watering, as the dry California summers can lead to parched soil and tough crops. The spring/summer period lasts from April to the end of September.

Winter crops in California include greens like lettuce, kale, chard, and arugula; brassicas like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower; and root crops like carrots and turnips—all of which are well-suited for the cooler temperatures of fall and winter. Unlike colder regions, many parts of California do not experience frost, allowing these crops to grow steadily without the risk of freezing damage. These cool-season vegetables benefit from milder temperatures and shorter daylight hours, making them ideal for planting in late summer or early fall. They thrive with less intense sunlight and cooler nights, providing gardeners with a continuous harvest when most summer crops have finished their cycle. The fall/winter period runs from October through March.