Planting Guides for Valley Areas
Master Gardeners have developed vegetable planting guides for the valley areas of Shasta County. Typically, this includes gardens in USDA Hardiness Zones 9a and 9b in most parts of Anderson (9a), Cottonwood (9a), Redding (9b) and Shasta Lake (9b). The guides are displayed in two different views. You can choose which format you prefer.
- Shasta County Vegetable Planting Calendar (table view)
- Monthly Planting Guide for Shasta County (list view)
Valley Frosts and Chill Hours
The last frost for the valley areas of Shasta County is usually around April 15th; however, frosts vary and can occur until the first part of May. It is best to wait to plant vegetables until the soil warms to at least 65ºF.
The first fall frost for the Redding area is about mid-November.
Chill hours are the number of hours that many fruit trees need to successfully produce a fruit crop. The Redding area usually has around 600 to 700 chill hours each year.
Planting Guide for Colder Areas
If your garden is at a higher elevation, or has a colder microclimate, then you will need to adjust your planting schedule to account for late spring and early fall frosts. Butte County Master Gardeners have prepared a planting guide for the colder foothill areas: Foothill Planting Guide for Vegetables (From Butte County MGs)