Fall in zone 9bPhoto: George Chernilevsky, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Frost dates for ZIP 96019 (Shasta Lake, CA)
Average last spring and first fall frost dates with 10%, 50% and 90% odds, from NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the nearest weather station, Shasta Dam, CA (2 miles away).
Freezes are uncommon here
NOAA's normals for this station show a 32°F night in about 86% of years (about 6 freezing night(s) a year on average). The dates below describe freeze timing for the station's record; in many years there may be no 32°F freeze at all.
- Average last spring frostFeb 850% chance of a 32°F freeze after this date
- Average first fall frostDec 2850% chance of a 32°F freeze by this date
- Growing season (frost-free)322 daysmedian, 32°F threshold
- USDA hardiness zone9b25 to 30°F avg. coldest night
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This week in your yard
As of Oct 18, 2026, from your frost dates, zone and soil temperature. Lawn timing · Vegetables · Pruning · Plants
Freezes are uncommon here, so frost-based timing is rough. Local extension calendars for frost-free areas use months.
Soil temperature now
2-inch depth
72°F 55°F or warmer
24-hour average · latest 69°F, as of Oct 18, 2:00 AM CDT
Measured at USDA NRCS SCAN station French Gulch, 11 mi away. Daily averages: Thu 72°, Fri 73°, Sat 72°.
4-inch depth
72°F 55°F or warmer
24-hour average · latest 73°F, as of Oct 18, 2:00 AM CDT
Measured at USDA NRCS SCAN station French Gulch, 11 mi away. Daily averages: Thu 72°, Fri 73°, Sat 72°.
Fall: Texas A&M AgriLife times fall pre-emergent (for winter weeds such as annual bluegrass) to soil cooling to about 70°F for several days. The 50–55°F band is the spring trigger. Always read and follow the product label.
7-day forecast and frost risk
The latest National Weather Service 7-day forecast and any Frost Advisory or Freeze Warning for 96019 load here. You can also open the NWS forecast for this ZIP.
Pre-emergent
Soil is 72°F at 4 inches. Fall pre-emergent (annual bluegrass, winter weeds): window open as soil cools through the 70s and 60s.
Fertilizer window
Lawn region: California coastal and valleys. Timing only; always follow the product label.
- Bermudagrass (warm-season): Spring: Several weeks after the lawn is fully green (April–May) (about Mar 26 here, using green-up about 3–4 weeks after your average last frost); Summer: Every 4–6 weeks through mid-August (heaviest feeder of the group); Late: Light, low-nitrogen/high-potassium feeding about 4 weeks before first frost, or skip. Avoid: Heavy late-fall nitrogen (linked to spring dead spot).
- Tall fescue (cool-season): Early fall: September (main feeding); Late fall: November, while still green; Late winter: Optional light feeding February–March. Avoid: Feeding after mid-spring and through summer in the transition zone (stress and brown patch).
Plant now
- Kale: fall sowing Sep 21–Oct 19
- Kale: fall transplant Oct 5–Nov 2
- Collards: fall sowing Sep 21–Oct 19
- Collards: fall transplant Oct 5–Nov 2
- Broccoli: fall transplant Sep 21–Oct 19
- Cabbage: fall transplant Sep 21–Oct 19
- Cauliflower: fall transplant Sep 21–Oct 19
- Carrot: fall sowing Oct 5–19
- Pea (garden, snap, snow): fall sowing Oct 5–19
- Bean, bush (snap): fall sowing Oct 5–19
- Cucumber: fall sowing Oct 5–19
- Summer squash / zucchini: fall sowing Oct 5–19
Coming up in the next 3 weeks
- Lettuce: fall sowing Oct 19–Nov 16
- Lettuce: fall transplant Nov 2–23
- Spinach: fall sowing Nov 2–23
- Kohlrabi: fall sowing Oct 19–Nov 2
- Bok choy / Asian greens: fall sowing Nov 2–16
- Arugula: fall sowing Nov 2–30
- Mustard greens: fall sowing Nov 2–16
- Swiss chard: fall sowing Oct 19–Nov 2
- Beet: fall sowing Oct 19–Nov 2
- Turnip: fall sowing Oct 19–Nov 2
- Green onion / scallion: fall sowing Oct 19–Nov 2
- Cilantro: fall sowing Nov 2–16
Prune now
No frost-timed pruning windows are open this week.
Spring-flowering shrubs are pruned right after their flowers fade, not by date. See the pruning guide.
Last spring frost odds
| Chance of a 32°F freeze after this date | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early: most years still freeze after this) | Dec 26 (prior Dec) |
| 50% (the "average" last frost) | Feb 8 |
| 10% (cautious: only 1 year in 10 freezes later) | Mar 28 |
Most gardeners plant frost-tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, basil) after the 50% date, and closer to the 10% date for less risk.
First fall frost odds
| Chance the first 32°F freeze has happened by this date | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early: 1 year in 10 freezes this soon) | Dec 1 |
| 50% (the "average" first frost) | Dec 28 |
| 90% (late: most years have frozen by now) | Feb 18 (next year) |
Light frost, freeze and hard freeze
| Threshold | Last spring (50%) | First fall (50%) |
|---|---|---|
| 36°F (light frost possible on clear, calm nights) | Mar 19 | Dec 6 |
| 32°F (freeze) | Feb 8 | Dec 28 |
| 28°F (hard freeze) | Jan 18 | Jan 4 (next year) |
n/a means NOAA did not publish a date at that threshold for this station (usually because it rarely gets that cold).
Vegetable planting calendar for 96019
Dates count from your average last spring frost (Feb 8) and first fall frost (Dec 28). Half of years have a frost after the spring date, so give tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) some slack.
| Crop | Start indoors | Spring planting | Fall planting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Dec 14–28 | Feb 15–Mar 1 (transplant) | Aug 31–Sep 28 (transplant) |
| Pepper (sweet and hot) | Nov 30–Dec 14 | Feb 22–Mar 8 (transplant) | Sep 7–28 (transplant) |
| Eggplant | Nov 30–Dec 14 | Feb 22–Mar 8 (transplant) | Sep 7–28 (transplant) |
| Tomatillo | Dec 14–28 | Feb 15–Mar 1 (transplant) | – |
| Lettuce | Dec 14–28 | Jan 18–Feb 8 (transplant) Jan 11–Feb 22 (sow outdoors) | Nov 2–23 (transplant) Oct 19–Nov 16 (sowing) |
| Spinach | – | Dec 28–Jan 18 (sow outdoors) | Nov 2–23 (sowing) |
| Kale | Dec 14–28 | Jan 11–25 (transplant) Jan 11–25 (sow outdoors) | Oct 5–Nov 2 (transplant) Sep 21–Oct 19 (sowing) |
| Collards | Dec 14–28 | Jan 11–Feb 8 (transplant) Jan 11–Feb 8 (sow outdoors) | Oct 5–Nov 2 (transplant) Sep 21–Oct 19 (sowing) |
| Broccoli | Nov 30–Dec 14 | Jan 11–25 (transplant) | Sep 21–Oct 19 (transplant) |
| Cabbage | Nov 30–Dec 14 | Jan 11–25 (transplant) | Sep 21–Oct 19 (transplant) |
| Cauliflower | Nov 30–Dec 14 | Jan 25–Feb 8 (transplant) | Sep 21–Oct 19 (transplant) |
| Brussels sprouts | Nov 16–30 | Jan 11–25 (transplant) | Sep 7–28 (transplant) |
| Kohlrabi | Dec 14–28 | Jan 11–25 (transplant) Jan 11–25 (sow outdoors) | Oct 19–Nov 2 (sowing) |
| Bok choy / Asian greens | – | Jan 11–25 (sow outdoors) | Nov 2–16 (sowing) |
| Arugula | – | Jan 11–Feb 8 (sow outdoors) | Nov 2–30 (sowing) |
| Mustard greens | – | Jan 11–Feb 1 (sow outdoors) | Nov 2–16 (sowing) |
| Swiss chard | Dec 28–Jan 11 | Jan 25–Feb 15 (transplant) Jan 25–Feb 22 (sow outdoors) | Oct 19–Nov 2 (sowing) |
| Beet | – | Jan 11–Feb 8 (sow outdoors) | Oct 19–Nov 2 (sowing) |
| Carrot | – | Jan 18–Feb 15 (sow outdoors) | Oct 5–19 (sowing) |
| Radish | – | Jan 4–Feb 15 (sow outdoors) | Nov 16–30 (sowing) |
| Turnip | – | Jan 11–Feb 1 (sow outdoors) | Oct 19–Nov 2 (sowing) |
| Parsnip | – | Jan 18–Feb 8 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Pea (garden, snap, snow) | – | Dec 14–Jan 11 (sow outdoors) | Oct 5–19 (sowing) |
| Onion (bulbing) | Nov 16–30 | Dec 28–Jan 11 (transplant) | – |
| Green onion / scallion | – | Dec 28–Jan 25 (sow outdoors) | Oct 19–Nov 2 (sowing) |
| Leek | Nov 16–30 | Jan 11–25 (transplant) | – |
| Garlic | – | – | Nov 16–Dec 14 (sowing) |
| Shallot | – | Dec 28–Jan 11 (transplant) | Nov 16–Dec 14 (sowing) |
| Potato | – | Jan 11–25 (transplant) | Sep 7–21 (transplant) |
| Sweet potato | – | Mar 1–15 (transplant) | – |
| Sweet corn | – | Feb 15–Mar 1 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Bean, bush (snap) | – | Feb 15–Mar 1 (sow outdoors) | Oct 5–19 (sowing) |
| Bean, pole | – | Feb 15–Mar 1 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Lima bean | – | Feb 22–Mar 8 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Southern pea (cowpea, black-eyed pea) | – | Mar 1–22 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Cucumber | Jan 11–18 | Feb 15–Mar 1 (transplant) Feb 15–Mar 1 (sow outdoors) | Oct 5–19 (sowing) |
| Summer squash / zucchini | Jan 11–18 | Feb 15–Mar 1 (transplant) Feb 15–Mar 1 (sow outdoors) | Oct 5–19 (sowing) |
| Winter squash | Jan 11–18 | Feb 15–Mar 1 (transplant) Feb 15–Mar 1 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Pumpkin | – | Feb 15–Mar 1 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Watermelon | Jan 11–18 | Feb 22–Mar 8 (transplant) Feb 22–Mar 8 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Cantaloupe / muskmelon | Jan 11–18 | Feb 22–Mar 8 (transplant) Feb 22–Mar 8 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Okra | Dec 28–Jan 11 | Feb 22–Mar 8 (transplant) Feb 22–Mar 8 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Celery | Nov 16–30 | Feb 15–22 (transplant) | – |
| Basil | Dec 28–Jan 11 | Feb 15–Mar 1 (transplant) Feb 15–Mar 1 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Cilantro | – | Jan 25–Feb 22 (sow outdoors) | Nov 2–16 (sowing) |
| Parsley | Nov 30–Dec 14 | Jan 25–Feb 8 (transplant) Jan 18–Feb 8 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Dill | – | Feb 8–22 (sow outdoors) | Nov 2–16 (sowing) |
| Sunflower | – | Feb 8–22 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Asparagus (crowns) | – | Jan 11–25 (transplant) | – |
| Rhubarb (crowns) | – | Jan 11–25 (transplant) | – |
| Strawberry (plants) | – | Jan 11–25 (transplant) | Oct 19–Nov 16 (transplant) |
Typical ranges from university extension planting calendars, adjusted to your frost dates. Probabilities, not guarantees. Fall windows that would overlap spring planting are left out, as are fall crops of frost-tender plants where the frost-free season is under 210 days.
Where these numbers come from
Station: Shasta Dam, CA (NOAA GHCN-Daily ID USC00048135), elevation 1,075 ft, 2.1 miles from the ZIP's center point. NOAA completeness flag: S (standard, 24+ years).
Nearby stations
| Station | Distance | Last frost (50%) | First frost (50%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whiskeytown Rsvr, CA | 9 mi | Feb 13 | Dec 13 |
| Redding 12 WNW, CA | 11 mi | Mar 19 | Nov 22 |
| Redding Muni AP, CA | 13 mi | Mar 3 | Nov 21 |
The average last-frost dates of these stations span 42 days, a rough guide to local variation. See data sources & methods.
Frost questions for 96019
When is the last frost in 96019?
The average (50% chance) last spring freeze of 32°F for ZIP 96019 is February 8. For a more cautious planting date, use March 28, when only 1 year in 10 still sees a later freeze.
When is the first frost in 96019?
The average first fall freeze is December 28. In 1 year in 10 it comes by December 1.
What hardiness zone is 96019?
ZIP 96019 is in USDA zone 9b (25 to 30°F average coldest winter night), per the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP listing.
What is the soil temperature in 96019 right now?
This page shows the latest 2-inch and 4-inch soil temperature from the nearest public soil station (USDA SCAN, NOAA USCRN or TexMesonet), or a labeled estimate when no station is close, against the 50–55°F spring pre-emergent band.
Nearby ZIP codes
96003 Redding 96001 Redding 96087 Shasta 96033 French Gulch 96002 Redding 96073 Palo Cedro 96008 Bella Vista 96051 Lakehead
Other ZIP codes in Shasta County
96001 96002 96003 96007 96008 96011 96013 96016 96017 96028 96033 96040 96047 96051 96062 96065 96069 96071 96073 96084 96087 96088 96096 All Shasta County frost dates · California frost dates
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Free. One weekly email plus alerts when your ZIP has a frost or a soil-temperature change worth acting on. After you submit, Kit (our email provider) sends a confirmation email: check your email and click the link to confirm. You aren't subscribed until you do. We collect only your email address and ZIP, sent to Kit to deliver The Dial. Unsubscribe anytime.