What to plant this week in Fresno, CA
Fresno gardeners, the Valley is officially in full swing with frosts well behind us since last January; this week marks the prime moment to harvest your early melons and beans while sowing heat-loving crops like okra and zinnia that thrive in our arid summers.
The next 7 days
Fresno, CAGrowing in Fresno right now
- Our dry, clay-heavy valley soil requires consistent moisture for new seeds, so water deeply immediately after planting summer squashes to prevent shock.
- The intense Fresno sun can scorch delicate seedlings quickly; provide afternoon shade cloth or use the nearby orchard rows as a windbreak for young transplants.
- Take advantage of our long growing season now that frost dates are historical memory, but monitor humidity levels closely to avoid fungal issues on overhead crops.
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
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
- Sow heat-loving seeds directly into warm soil after the last frost date passes.
- Thin out dense seedlings like beans and corn to ensure proper air circulation.
- Apply a light layer of mulch around established plants to retain moisture as temperatures rise.
Pest & disease watch
- Spider mites are exploding in Fresno's dry heat this week, particularly on basil and leafy greens; mist plants early morning or use neem oil before infestations spread.
- Aphids often colonize the undersides of cucumber vines during hot, stagnant air days common near the San Joaquin River floodplain.
- Thrips may appear on newly blooming zinnias and cosmos if recent rains were light, causing stippling damage to petals.
Watering this week
Provide deep, consistent watering at the soil line to encourage strong root development in these heat-loving annuals.
Succession sow bush beans every two weeks throughout this spring window to ensure a continuous harvest all summer long.
Fresno gardening questions
3Is it too late to plant cool-season crops like lettuce now?
No, you can still sow cold-tolerant varieties in Fresno's mild winter, but expect a shorter harvest window compared to spring planting; focus on hardy greens that thrive before our summer heat peaks.
What is the best way to protect young melons from sunscald in this climate?
Cover developing fruit with breathable fabric or place them under partial shade immediately after they size up, as our intense valley radiation can burn tender skin quickly.
Should I fertilize my established okra and beans now?
Lightly side-dress with nitrogen-rich compost or fish emulsion only if leaves show yellowing, as excess fertilizer in our sandy-loam mix can encourage tender growth that attracts pests.
Other cities in zone 9b
10See the full zone 9b guide → · Plan your Fresno garden in SproutGuide →