If you’re a homeowner in the Sacramento area and new to gardening, you’re in luck! Our region, classified as Zone 9b by the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, has a long growing season and relatively mild winters. The one challenge, however, is our extremely hot summers. Whether you want to enhance your curb appeal or create a backyard dreamscape, we have some beginner-friendly gardening tips to help you succeed in our climate.

1. Understand Your Soil

Sacramento’s soil varies, but many areas have heavy clay, which retains moisture but can become compacted. Expert gardeners will tell you to test your soil’s pH levels, but that might be intimidating for beginners. Just know this: adding compost, mulch, or well-rotted manure is always good for improving drainage and fertility. Raised beds or container gardening are also great options if your soil is difficult to work with.

2. Choose Heat-Tolerant Plants

The intense summer heat means it’s important to choose plants that can thrive in high temperatures. Some great choices for Sacramento area gardens include:

• Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica): A popular flowering tree with vibrant blooms in pink, purple, red, or white. It thrives in full sun and is drought-tolerant once established.

• Lavender: A fragrant herb that loves the sun and requires minimal watering.

• California Poppies: Native wildflowers that add bright color with very little maintenance.

• Agave & Succulents: These plants require minimal water and add a trendy visual appeal.

• Bougainvillea: A fast-growing, drought-tolerant vine that provides brilliant color.

3. Plan for Water Efficiency

Since Sacramento summers can be scorching, efficient watering is essential. Here’s how to conserve water while keeping plants healthy:

• Water early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent evaporation.

• Use mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

• Install a drip irrigation system to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste.

• Group plants by how much water they need to make irrigation more efficient.

4. Take Advantage of the Long Growing Season

Living in Zone 9b means you can pretty much garden year-round, but you still have to pay attention to timing. Plant cool-season crops like lettuce, kale, and broccoli in fall and early spring. Warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and squash thrive when planted in late spring or early summer.

5. Protect Your Plants from the Heat

Sacramento regularly experiences triple-digit temperatures in summer. To protect your plants, you can deep water before heatwaves to help plants withstand stress. But most importantly, you’ll want to set yourself up for success by choosing heat-resistant plants.

6. Incorporate Native and Drought-Tolerant Plants

California natives are well-adapted to our dry climate and support local pollinators (yay!). Some excellent options are Manzanita, California Lilac, Salvias (like Autumn Sage), and California Holly.

7. Have fun

Gardening is a learning experience, and mistakes are part of the journey. Start small, figure out what works best in your yard, and pivot as needed. With time and patience, you’re sure to have a thriving garden that compliments your home and adds beauty to your neighborhood.

Whether you’re aiming for a robust landscape, a vegetable garden, or a water-wise yard, following these tips will help you get started. Happy gardening!