Native plants in Sacramento

Yard rebates in Sacramento

5 programs from the city, the county or local utilities pay residents for yard projects, plus 1 statewide. 1 ask for a plan or plant list before they approve a project.

• OpenPlan required

  City of Sacramento Grass Conversion Rebate

  City of Sacramento Department of Utilities

  $2.50 per sq ft (limited-time increased rate); single-family max $5,000; up to $200 more for front yard design help

  Up to $5,000 per household

• Open

  City of Sacramento Irrigation Upgrade and Smart Controller Rebate

  City of Sacramento Department of Utilities

  Single-family/duplex: up to $400 materials for drip/high-efficiency upgrade plus up to $400 for smart controller; up to $150 C-27 licensed contractor labor reimbursable (total up to $800 per city outdoor rebate summary)

  Up to $800 per household

• Open

  City of Sacramento Rain Barrel Rebate

  City of Sacramento Department of Utilities

  $0.75 per gallon of storage, up to $150

  Up to $150 per household

When to plant in Sacramento

The median last spring frost is Feb 2 and the median first fall frost is Dec 2 at the Sacramento weather station (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, USDA Zone 9b). Each crop’s guide explains the rule behind its dates.

• Broccoli

  Spring transplant: Feb – Mar

  Fall transplant: September

• Cabbage

  Spring transplant: Dec – Feb

  Fall transplant: Jun – Aug

• Carrots

  Spring sowing: Feb – Aug

  Fall crop sowing: Aug – Sep

• Corn

  First sowing: From March

  Last sowing (early variety): By end of July

• Cucumbers

  Direct sow or transplant: Apr–Jul

  Last sowing for fall harvest: By end of Jul

• Daffodil bulbs

  Plant bulbs: Mid- to late Nov

• Garlic

  Plant cloves (Zones 3–5): See Zones 6–10 column

  Plant cloves (Zones 6–10): Oct 28 – Dec 9

• Grass seed

  Cool-season grass (best): Sep – Oct

  Warm-season grass: Mid-Apr – mid-May

• Green beans

  Direct sow: Apr – May

  Last sowing for fall harvest: Jul – Aug

• Hydrangeas

  Spring planting: Feb 2 – Mar 16

  Fall planting: Fall (spring equally good)

• Lettuce

  Spring sowing: Nov 1 – Mar 31 (winter crop)

  Fall sowing: Aug 1 – Aug 31

• Onions

  Late winter or spring planting: Through Mar (season runs Nov – Mar)

  Fall planting (short-day types): From Nov (season runs Nov – Mar)

• Peas

  Direct sow: Sep – Jan (fall to winter)

  Fall sowing: See Direct sow

• Potatoes

  Plant seed potatoes: Feb – Mar

  Fall crop (optional): August

• Pumpkins

  Direct sow: May to mid-July

  Sow for Halloween: June to early July

• Radishes

  Spring sowing: Sep – Apr, one season

  Fall sowing: Same season

• Roses

  Bare-root roses: Jan – Feb, while dormant

  Container roses: Fall to spring; avoid midsummer

• Strawberries

  Plant dormant crowns (spring): Day-neutrals Feb – Mar; short-day types in summer

  Plant plugs (fall): Not fall: plant late Jul – early Aug

• Sweet potatoes

  Plant slips outdoors: About mid-May, when soil reaches 65–70°F (18–21°C)

• Tomatoes

  Frost-safe window: Mar 5 – Mar 26

• Tulip bulbs

  Plant bulbs: Pre-chill first; see next column

  Plant pre-chilled bulbs: Late Oct – late Nov (pre-chill 6–10 weeks)

• Watermelon

  Start planting (soil 65°F): Mid-April, once soil is warm

  Last sowing (early varieties): End of June

• Wildflower seeds

  Fall sowing window: Mid-Oct to late Nov

  What sets the date: Fall rains

• Zucchini

  Direct sow or transplant: Apr – Jul (UC interior valleys)

  Last sowing for fall harvest: By the end of Jul (UC interior valleys)

More of California

• Berkeley
• Oakland
• Redlands
• Chino Hills
• Upland
• Santa Cruz
• Corona
• Temecula
• Lake Forest
• Glendale
• Mission Viejo
• Richmond