What to Plant Now in the Bay Area for Summer & Fall Harvests
Warm-Season Planting Starts Now
Now is the perfect time for Bay Area gardeners to plant a second wave of heat-loving crops for summer and fall harvests. With warm soil, long days, and our mild autumn weather, many edible plants can continue producing well beyond the first round of spring planting.
Succession planting is a simple way to keep your garden productive: instead of planting everything at once, add new crops throughout the season so fresh harvests keep coming.
Bay Area gardeners can often extend harvests well into fall thanks to our long growing season and mild autumn weather. Inland gardens may produce earlier and faster with more heat, while coastal gardens may benefit from crops that mature quickly or tolerate cooler evenings. As always, your local microclimate matters.
Best Crops for Warm Soil
Warm-season edibles thrive once the soil has heated up. These crops are especially well-suited for planting now:
| Crop | Why Plant Now | Bay Area Timing | Growing Tips | Harvest Expectations | Recommended Varieties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Basil |
Thrives in summer heat and pairs perfectly with tomatoes. | Plant throughout warm weather. | Pinch often to encourage bushy growth and delay flowering. | Continuous harvest of fresh leaves. | Genovese, Thai, Purple Basil |
| Beans | Easy, fast, and ideal for succession planting. | Plant every few weeks during warm weather for continued harvests. | Direct sow in sunny beds. Pole beans need support; bush beans are compact. | Frequent harvesting encourages more production. | Blue Lake, Kentucky Wonder, Provider |
| Cucumbers | Fast-growing and productive in warm soil. | Plant late spring through summer. | Train on a trellis to save space and keep fruit clean. Water consistently. | Quick harvests, often within weeks of planting. | Lemon, Persian, Marketmore, Patio Snacker |
| Eggplant | Performs best when temperatures are consistently warm. | Plant now in sunny, warm locations. | Feed regularly and water consistently. Great for containers and raised beds. | Harvest when fruit is glossy and firm. | Black Beauty, Japanese, Fairy Tale |
| Little Cado Avocado | A compact edible tree perfect for patios, containers, and smaller gardens. | Warm weather is ideal for helping new plants establish roots. | Plant in well-draining soil and water consistently while establishing. | A longer-term edible investment with future harvest potential. | Little Cado Avocado |
| Okra | Loves heat and becomes highly productive in warm weather. | Plant late spring through summer in warmer Bay Area microclimates. | Give full sun, warm soil, and consistent water. Harvest pods while young and tender. | Harvest begins once plants are established and continues with regular picking. | Clemson Spineless, Burgundy, Baby Bubba |
| Peppers | Love warm days and are excellent for summer cooking. | Plant now for late summer and fall harvests. | Provide full sun, steady water, and fertilizer once fruit sets. | Harvest green or allow to ripen for more color and sweetness. | Jalapeño, Shishito, Bell Pepper, Lunchbox |
| Pumpkins & Winter Squash | Plant now for a festive fall harvest. | Best planted in late spring to early summer for fall picking. | Provide plenty of space, rich soil, regular feeding, and steady water. | Harvest when rinds harden and color develops. | Sugar Pie, Jack Be Little, Delicata, Butternut |
| Short-Season Tomatoes | It is not too late to plant fast-maturing tomatoes. | Plant now in many Bay Area microclimates, especially where fall stays mild. | Choose smaller-fruited or early varieties. Provide support, sun, and regular feeding. | Harvest can continue into late summer and fall depending on weather. | Early Girl, Sun Gold, Sweet 100, Stupice, Patio |
Selection of available varieties may vary by location
What Is Succession Planting?
Succession planting means adding new crops throughout the growing season instead of planting everything at once. It helps you make the most of your garden space and keeps fresh produce coming for a longer period of time.
For example, once a spring crop is finished, you can refresh the soil and plant a warm-season crop like beans, cucumbers, basil, okra, or a short-season tomato.
Tips for Success
- Choose crops that match your microclimate.
- Refresh soil with compost before replanting.
- Use mulch to help retain moisture.
- Water deeply and consistently during warm weather.
- Feed fruiting crops regularly.
- Harvest often to encourage continued production.
- Add flowers nearby to support pollinators.
Keep the Harvest Going
Your summer edible garden does not have to be a one-and-done planting. With the right crops and timing, you can enjoy fresh harvests through summer and into fall.
Visit SummerWinds to shop warm-season vegetables, herbs, fruiting plants, soil amendments, fertilizers, and everything you need to start your second wave summer garden.
