Plant Care in Northern California

Northern California has many microclimates.

Northern California covers the large upper 1/3 of the state and includes USDA climate zones 7 through 9. From the cool, foggy coast to the hot inland valleys, Northern California has a diversity of microclimates and growing conditions.

Frost-Tender Plants

Although the climate throughout Northern California is generally mild, frost does occur, so you must protect tender perennials such as citrus trees on nights when the mercury drops into the 30s F. Covering susceptible plants with a tarp or blanket helps keep Jack Frost from harming tender foliage.

Annual Vegetables

Most parts of Northern California are suitable for growing vegetables. Along the Monterey Bay and San Mateo County coastal regions, large-scale agriculture includes broccoli, artichokes, Brussels sprouts, pumpkins, lettuce, mushrooms and spinach. The Central Valley produces tomatoes, corn, melons and other warm-season crops. Suburban yards in the San Francisco Bay Area often include zucchini, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes and other vegetables. Adding compost to the clay soil will help your vegetables greatly.

Fruit Trees

Many types of fruit trees perform well in Northern California. Winters are generally cold enough to give stone fruits their needed period of cold for peak production. Apples grow well, as do citrus trees, but you must take care to protect citrus from frost by building a plastic-covered frost frame or providing other means of protection.

References

• Sunset Magazine: Garden Basics
• National Gardening Association: Northern California Coastal and Inland Valleys