What to plant this week in Riverside, CA
In Riverside's hot, desert basin climate, this week marks the peak of summer intensity where gardeners must aggressively harvest water-intensive crops like cantaloupe and zucchini before they overheat. With no frost risk until late December or early January, you are free to sow heat-lovers immediately while managing the scorching afternoon sun that defines our local growing season.
The next 7 days
Riverside, CAGrowing in Riverside right now
- Amend your Riverside sandy loam soil with extra compost now; the intense summer heat drains moisture rapidly and depletes organic matter quickly. Mulch heavily under plants to keep roots cool in this valley environment where temperatures often exceed 100°F during the day.
- Water deeply and infrequently, ideally early morning, to combat the high evaporation rates typical of our inland location. Avoid wetting foliage at dusk to prevent fungal issues common when humidity spikes briefly after hot days.
- Be mindful that wind speeds can be higher in the Coachella Valley; staking tall crops like sweet corn and pole beans is essential to prevent lodging during gusty afternoons.
Sow this week
26 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Lima Bean
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
35 crops- Basil
- 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
- 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 bush beans every two weeks to ensure a continuous summer supply.
- Thin emerging seedlings now so they can develop strong root systems before heat sets in.
- Mulch around heat-sensitive plants like fennel and nasturtium to keep soil temperatures stable.
Pest & disease watch
- Spider mites are exploding in our dry, dusty conditions this week as heat stress weakens vegetable leaves. Spray plants with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap early in the morning to knock them down before they web out.
- Thrips have been spotted on the new growth of Zinnias and Cosmos; check undersides of leaves daily for silvery streaks that indicate heavy infestation.
- Aphids often cluster on the tender shoots of Edamame and Fennel when temperatures soar, so inspect new blooms closely for sticky honeydew residue.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the morning to reduce evaporation while keeping foliage dry to prevent fungal issues.
Pinch off spent flowers from zinnias regularly to encourage a second wave of blooms later this season.
Riverside gardening questions
3Can I still plant cool-season crops like lettuce in Riverside right now?
No, planting cold-sensitive or cool-weather crops is not feasible this week as the minimum temperature of 30°F only occurs briefly and we are well past the last frost date. Wait until late autumn or early spring when nights drop below 65°F to sow these varieties successfully.
How often should I water my Okra and Bush Beans in mid-summer?
In Riverside's dry heat, provide about one inch of water every two days during active fruiting stages, ensuring deep soak rather than frequent shallow sprinkling. Check the top few inches of soil; if it feels dry to the touch, it is time to irrigate immediately.
My Zucchini plants are flowering but not producing fruit—what am I missing?
This usually happens when pollinators avoid plants due to extreme heat or heavy dust coating from our local wind patterns. Hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from male to female flowers with a small brush, and provide afternoon shade cloth if temperatures exceed 95°F.
Other cities in zone 10a
6See the full zone 10a guide → · Plan your Riverside garden in SproutGuide →