What to plant this week in Fresno, CA
Fresno gardeners, your heatwave is already in full swing with the last frost long gone by late January. This week marks peak production for your summer staples like cantaloupe and zucchini as temperatures climb well above 25°F minimums.
The next 7 days
Fresno, CAGrowing in Fresno right now
- The famous Central Valley soil here drains quickly during our intense afternoon thunderstorms, so be ready to water early morning rather than evening to prevent fungal issues on basil and okra.
- With no last frost date after Jan 30, you have already secured your spring crops; now focus energy on maximizing yield for the harvest list including honeydew melons and pumpkins.
- Avoid planting transplants this week since the intense valley heat can shock bare-root varieties; instead, sow heat-lovers like scarlet runner beans directly into the warm ground.
- Protect pollinators in your zinnia and cosmos beds from potential heavy rains, as sudden downpours are common in Fresno during the growing season.
Sow this week
34 crops- Basil
- Black-Eyed Susan
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Pumpkin
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
36 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Pumpkin
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Start succession planting for bush beans and summer squash now to ensure a continuous harvest through the heat of August.
- Pinch back the tops of Basil, Shiso, and Thai Basil regularly today to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering.
- Divide overcrowded Sunflowers or Zinnias if they are becoming leggy, replanting them for a fresh round of blooms.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for squash vine borers attacking your pumpkins and winter squash vines as the hot, dry conditions favor their activity near irrigation lines.
- Spider mites can become a major problem on basil and edamame when temperatures soar, requiring frequent watering to reduce humidity stress.
- Monitor garlic clove storage areas against weevils, as Fresno's warm nights often allow overwintering pests to remain active in the soil.
Watering this week
Water deeply at the base of vegetable plants during the hottest part of the day to keep roots cool and soil moisture consistent.
Interplant fast-maturing Bush Beans with slower-growing Pumpkins or Winter Squash to maximize space in your garden bed.
Fresno gardening questions
3What is the best way to water my zucchini during this hot Fresno week?
Water your zucchini deeply in the early morning to keep foliage dry and prevent blossom end rot, which is common when heat stress disrupts calcium uptake. Avoid evening watering as our humid nights can promote powdery mildew on leaves.
Can I still sow bush beans if my Fresno garden is already that hot?
Yes, bush beans thrive in these temperatures and are actively listed for sowing now since they love Fresno's intense summer heat. Direct seed them deeply into the soil to ensure good germination before the midday sun peaks.
How do I extend the harvest window for my cantaloupes?
Harvest your cantaloupe soon when the skin changes from green to a creamy yellow and gives slightly under pressure. To prolong yield, space out plantings every two weeks if you plan to sow more warm-season varieties this month.
Other cities in zone 9b
10See the full zone 9b guide → · Plan your Fresno garden in SproutGuide →