What to plant this week in Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield gardeners in zone 9b are deep into the dry heat of summer, with last frost firmly behind us since late January and no risk of early freeze until mid-December. This week marks a critical harvest window for your Acorn Squash, Basil, Bush Beans, and Cucumber crops before the peak afternoon temperatures set in.
The next 7 days
Bakersfield, CAGrowing in Bakersfield right now
- The San Joaquin Valley's intense summer sun requires heavy mulching around transplants like Malabar Spinach and Purslane to keep soil moisture manageable during dry spells.
- With limited natural rainfall now until winter, rely on drip irrigation for water-intensive crops such as Watermelon, Honeydew Melon, and Sweet Corn to prevent stress.
- Hot winds common in Bakersfield can scorch delicate flowers like Cleome and Garden Verbena; provide afternoon shade cloth if temperatures spike above 95°F.
- Soil here tends to be heavy clay or alkaline; amend beds with compost before planting heat-lovers like Okra and Butternut Squash to improve drainage and nutrient uptake.
Sow this week
1 crops- Daikon Radish
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
44 crops- Acorn Squash
- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Butternut Squash
- Cantaloupe
- Celosia (Cockscomb)
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Delicata Squash
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth)
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Morning Glory
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Pumpkin
- Purslane
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Spaghetti Squash
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Start succession planting cool-season greens now that the ground has warmed up slightly after the last frost date.
- Apply a light layer of mulch around established squash and melons to retain moisture as summer heat approaches.
- Divide and transplant perennials like borage and verbena while they are still dormant or just starting to grow.
Pest & disease watch
- Spider mites are exploding in the dry, dusty conditions on Broad Beans (Bush/Pole) and Tomato plants; spray with insecticidal soap early in the morning.
- Aphids frequently cluster on new growth of Basil, Zinnia, and Cosmos; encourage ladybugs or use a strong water jet to dislodge them.
- Cutworms may attack young seedlings of Sunflowers and Fennel at night; collar pots with cardboard or copper tape as a preventative barrier.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the early morning to conserve heat and reduce evaporation during these mild days.
Harvest your acorn and butternut squash soon while the skin is still hardening to ensure long-term storage success.
Bakersfield gardening questions
3When should I harvest my Acorn Squash and Winter Squash in Bakersfield?
Check your vines for yellowing leaves, then cut the squash when they develop a hard rind but before the first frost date of December 15. Leave a few inches of stem attached to help them store longer in your cool cellar.
Can I still plant Daikon Radish now, or is it too hot?
Daikon can be sown directly into the ground this week as long as you have moisture available, though germination will be slower in high heat. Keep the seedbed consistently moist with frequent light watering to encourage sprouting before summer stress sets in.
Which herbs from my list thrive best in Bakersfield's intense afternoon sun?
Thai Basil, Summer Savory, and Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus) are excellent choices that love the full sun and heat of the valley. Water them deeply every other day to maintain vigorous growth without encouraging root rot.
Other cities in zone 9b
10See the full zone 9b guide → · Plan your Bakersfield garden in SproutGuide →