Winter crops in zone 9b

Winters are mild in Brentwood, California (USDA zone 9b), so the garden keeps growing through the cool season. Hardy greens, roots, and garlic all thrive with the shorter days and gentle frosts. This page tracks what’s growing this winter.

Green kale leaves growing in the garden

What I’m growing this winter

The crops in the table below are just examples to show the layout. Please replace them with what’s actually planted this winter.

CropSow dateExpected harvest
Kale (example)SeptemberNovember – March
Garlic (example)OctoberMay – June
Spinach (example)OctoberDecember – February
Garlic plant with white blossoms and green leaves

Care notes

  • Sow fall crops from September through November for a steady winter harvest.
  • Water less often in winter, but don’t let the soil dry out completely.
  • Cover tender seedlings with row cover on the coldest nights.
  • Side-dress leafy greens with compost mid-season for continued growth.
  • Harvest outer leaves of greens first so plants keep producing.