Frost Dates for Shasta Lake, CA 96019

Last spring frost March 10 · First fall frost November 25 · 260 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9b

Frost probability for 96019

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)April 10March 10April 30
Fall (first frost)November 1November 25October 23

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (13.7 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Month by month in Shasta Lake

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around March 10). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
FebruaryStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
MarchLast frost around March 10. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
AprilFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
MaySuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
JuneHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
JulyMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
AugustDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
SeptemberDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
OctoberFirst fall frost approaching (around November 25). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
NovemberFirst frost around November 25. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
DecemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.

What grows in a 260-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Shasta Lake, CA (ZIP 96019)?

The median last spring frost date for Shasta Lake, CA (ZIP code 96019) is around March 10. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.

What is the first fall frost date in Shasta Lake, CA?

The median first fall frost date for Shasta Lake, CA is around November 25. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.

How long is the growing season in Shasta Lake, CA?

The frost-free growing season in Shasta Lake is about 260 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.

What USDA hardiness zone is Shasta Lake, CA?

Based on frost date patterns, Shasta Lake falls approximately in 9b. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Shasta Lake, CA?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around March 10). For Shasta Lake, that's roughly January 14 to January 28. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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