The East County Gardener's Guide: What to Plant Now for a Thriving Summer Garden

Gardening in East Contra Costa County comes with its own set of challenges and rewards.

The region's hot, dry summers and mild winters create a unique growing environment that's perfect for certain crops—and completely wrong for others. But with the right knowledge and timing, you can create a thriving garden that produces abundant harvests from spring through fall.

Understanding East County's Growing Climate

East County sits in a transitional zone between the cooler Bay Area and the hot Central Valley. This means longer growing seasons than coastal areas but more moderate temperatures than the valley floor.

The key to success here is working with the climate, not against it. That means choosing heat-tolerant varieties, planning for irrigation, and timing your plantings to avoid the worst of summer's scorching temperatures.

What to Plant in Spring

Tomatoes

Spring is tomato time in East County. Wait until after the last frost date (typically mid-March to early April), then plant heat-loving varieties like Celebrity, Better Boy, or Cherokee Purple. Cherry tomatoes are especially productive here and can handle the heat better than large slicing varieties.

Peppers

Both sweet and hot peppers thrive in East County's warm summers. Start seeds indoors in February or buy seedlings from local nurseries in April. Bell peppers, jalapeños, and Anaheim chiles all produce well here.

Summer Squash and Zucchini

These fast-growing vegetables love the heat and can produce harvests within 45-60 days of planting. Direct sow seeds in April for continuous summer production. Just be prepared—they'll keep producing until you're giving squash away to neighbors.

Beans

Bush beans and pole beans are excellent choices for East County gardens. They tolerate heat well and don't require as much water as some other vegetables. Plant every two weeks through May for continuous harvests.

Cucumbers

Whether you prefer slicing cucumbers or pickling varieties, these vining plants love East County summers. Provide trellises for vertical growth and plant in April for summer harvests.

Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Tips

With water conservation always a concern in California, many East County homeowners are shifting toward drought-tolerant landscapes. Spring is the perfect time to plant California natives and Mediterranean plants that can handle our dry summers.

Consider adding lavender, rosemary, salvia, or California poppies to your garden. These plants not only survive with minimal water but also attract pollinators and add color to your landscape.

Watering Strategies for Success

The biggest mistake East County gardeners make is inconsistent watering. Deep, infrequent watering encourages plants to develop strong root systems that can access moisture deeper in the soil.

Consider installing drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to plant roots. Mulching around plants helps retain soil moisture and keeps roots cooler during hot spells.

Local Resources for East County Gardeners

The UC Master Gardener Program offers free workshops and advice specific to Contra Costa County growing conditions. Their help desk can answer questions about pests, diseases, and plant selection.

There are several nurseries that serve East County gardeners. Local options include Perez Nursery & Landscaping, Secret Garden Designs, Bearscapes Nursery & Landscape, Asahi Nursery, and Moon Valley Nurseries—all in Brentwood. Their staff understands the local climate and can recommend varieties that perform well in our area.

Start Small, Dream Big

If you're new to gardening, don't try to transform your entire yard in one season. Start with a few raised beds or containers and expand as you gain confidence and experience.

Even a small garden can produce impressive harvests in East County's favorable growing conditions. There's nothing quite like eating a tomato you grew yourself or sharing your garden's bounty with friends and neighbors.

What are you planting in your garden this spring? Share your gardening tips and favorite varieties with fellow East County growers.

Related Reading

Want to explore more of what East County has to offer? Here are some related articles:

• Spring Has Sprung: Your Guide to the Best Seasonal Activities in East Contra Costa County — Discover the best ways to enjoy the season

• Your Complete Guide to the Delta's Best-Kept Secret: Big Break Regional Shoreline — Explore outdoor recreation in the Delta

• The Land Grant That Built Brentwood: How One Pioneer's Vision Shaped East County — Learn about the agricultural history of the region