What to plant this week in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles gardeners are in the thick of summer heat this week, with no frost to worry about and a full roster of warm-season crops ready for sowing or immediate harvest. The city's coastal fog may offer relief during the day, but inland areas will see sustained temperatures pushing plants toward maturity.
The next 7 days
Los Angeles, CAGrowing in Los Angeles right now
- Plant heat-tolerant varieties like Malabar Spinach and Okra now, as traditional leafy greens struggle in LA's intense mid-summer sun without heavy mulch.
- Take advantage of the dry summer soil by planting shallow-rooted crops like Bush Beans and Cucumbers directly into the ground to conserve moisture.
- Monitor water usage closely; while rain is scarce this time of year, ensure newly planted Zinnias and French Marigolds get a deep soak before relying on drip irrigation.
- Utilize the abundant afternoon sun by placing tall plants like Pole Beans or Sunflowers as living trellises for shorter neighbors to shade their roots.
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 are likely surging on new growth of Basil, Thai Basil, and Cleome due to the warm, dry conditions favoring rapid reproduction.
- Spider mites can become a serious threat in dusty LA neighborhoods when humidity drops, often appearing first on the undersides of Zinnia leaves.
- Watch for squash vine borers attacking Yellow Summer Squash and Zucchini plants, as these pests thrive in the long, hot growing season typical of Southern California.
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.
Los Angeles gardening questions
3Can I still start my summer vegetables now even though it is getting so hot?
Yes, LA's zone 10b climate allows you to sow heat-lovers like Okra and Malabar Spinach right into the ground this week without any risk of frost damage. Just ensure you water deeply immediately after planting to help them establish roots before the peak afternoon heat sets in.
My Basil is growing fast but looks wilted; should I keep watering it?
Basil thrives in LA's warmth, but overwatering can cause root rot while underwatering leads to that wilted look under intense sun. Aim for consistent moisture rather than soaking the soil daily, and consider providing afternoon shade cloth if temperatures exceed 95°F.
What should I do about the drought conditions affecting my squash plants?
Since rain is not expected soon in Los Angeles this week, apply a thick layer of straw or compost mulch around your Yellow Summer Squash and Zucchini to lock in soil moisture. Deep water them once every two days rather than shallow watering frequently to encourage deeper root growth.
Other cities in zone 10b
4See the full zone 10b guide → · Plan your Los Angeles garden in SproutGuide →