What to plant this week in Long Beach, CA
Long Beach gardeners are in full swing this week with no frost worries, enjoying a mild climate that allows for continuous harvesting of warm-season crops like cucumbers and okra. The lack of freezing nights means you can sow heat-loving seeds like basil and zinnia directly into the ground right now without waiting.
The next 7 days
Long Beach, CAGrowing in Long Beach right now
- Our coastal fog often brings cooler mornings in late winter or early spring, so keep sensitive transplants sheltered until mid-afternoon warmth returns.
- Soil here tends to be sandy and fast-draining; amend heavy planting areas with compost to retain moisture for thirsty crops like squash and melons.
- The high humidity near the harbor can encourage fungal issues, so ensure good air circulation around dense plantings of nasturtiums or marigolds.
- Watch for salt spray accumulation on leaves if you are in low-lying areas near the breakwater; rinse foliage occasionally with fresh water.
Sow this week
18 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cucumber
- French Marigold
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
34 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- 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
- Succession sow fast-maturing crops like French marigolds or nasturtiums every two weeks for continuous blooms.
- Thin out crowded seedlings of summer squash and pole beans to ensure strong air circulation.
- Apply a light layer of compost around heavy feeders like okra and melons to boost nitrogen levels.
Pest & disease watch
- Aphids frequently cluster on new growth of shiso and basil due to our mild winters allowing pests to survive year-round.
- Spider mites thrive in the dry summer heat that hits Long Beach hard, inspecting the undersides of zucchini and sunflower leaves weekly.
- Cutworms are a common threat for any seedlings you start now, especially around young pole beans and okra.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the early morning to keep foliage dry and reduce fungal risks on these warm-weather crops.
Harvest your watermelons by checking for a creamy yellow spot underneath where they touch the ground, indicating ripeness.
Long Beach gardening questions
3Can I still plant cool-season crops like lettuce or peas right now in Long Beach?
While the mild weather allows year-round growing, most gardeners wait until September or October for optimal germination of peas and lettuce to avoid summer heat stress. You can try them now in heavy shade if you have a specific early fall crop planned, but success rates drop significantly compared to the cooler months.
How often should I water my zucchini and squash this week given our soil type?
Because Long Beach sand drains quickly, aim to water deeply every other day during hot spells rather than light daily sprinkles. Check the top inch of soil; if it feels dry, give plants a thorough soak to reach deep roots without washing away nutrients.
My cantaloupe and honeydew are ripening now; when is the best time to harvest them?
Harvest melons once they slip easily from the vine by gently twisting or cutting the stem, which usually happens when they sound hollow when tapped. Don't wait for them to fall on their own, as overripe fruit can spoil quickly in our warm temperatures.
Other cities in zone 10b
4See the full zone 10b guide → · Plan your Long Beach garden in SproutGuide →