What Growing Zone Is El Cajon?

Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given El Cajon a growing zone designation of 10a. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in El Cajon's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature. .Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used El Cajon's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.

map of growing zone 10a (Northern California)map of growing zone 10aLatest CA growing zone map

If you are looking for plants suitable for growing in the El Cajon area, head on over to our page on plants that grow well in El Cajon, CA.

Wooden Chicken Coop

Wooden Chicken Coop

Spacious and secure home for your backyard chickens.
Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Sturdy trellis for supporting climbing plants and vines.
Large Greenhouse Kit

Large Greenhouse Kit

Spacious greenhouse for extending your growing season.
Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Grow your own delicious shiitake mushrooms at home.
Metal Arbor Trellis

Metal Arbor Trellis

Decorative arbor trellis for climbing plants and garden entrance.
map of growing zone 10a (Northern California)map of growing zone 10aLatest CA growing zone map

The growing zone is a measure of the lowest temperature that a plant can survive based on average lowest year temperatures, helping you to decide what plants would grow best in your particular climate. Since El Cajon is in growing zone 10a this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as 30 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for El Cajon's climate should be chosen with this in mind, or plants should be moved inside to keep their core temperature in the right range if necessary.

USDA growing zone map of the United States

Some zones may have been changed by the USDA as of 2023. To see if the El Cajon area has been affected, refer to this map of half zone changes from the 2012 version of the USDA zones to the 2023 version.

map of usda hardiness zone changes from 2012 to 2023Half zone changes from 2012 to 2023

The updated map shows that over half of the Southeast has warmed by about half a zone. For gardeners, that means you can now grow plants that tolerate a bit more heat and less frost than before. The tan areas reflect this shift. Meanwhile, the white areas had slight temperature changes, but not enough to move them into a new zone. In the Western U.S., a few spots shifted cooler. That’s not due to a colder climate, but because the new map uses a larger dataset, giving a more accurate picture of local conditions. It's important to keep track of these changes when planning your garden!

El Cajon's Growing Zone Details

USDA Growing Zone: 10a

Zip Codes: 92020, 92021, 92019

Longitude: -116.9604

Latitude: 32.8017

Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): 30 to 35

Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

High-capacity watering can with comfortable grip and precise spout.
Self Watering Plant Pots

Self Watering Plant Pots

Innovative pots that maintain optimal moisture levels.
Worm Composting Kit

Worm Composting Kit

Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.
Metal Seed Storage Box

Metal Seed Storage Box

Organized storage solution for your seed collection.
Raised Garden Bed Kit

Raised Garden Bed Kit

Easy-to-assemble raised garden bed for better soil control and drainage.

Map of the El Cajon Area

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Small Greenhouse Kit

Small Greenhouse Kit

Compact greenhouse perfect for small spaces.
Metal Seed Storage Box

Metal Seed Storage Box

Organized storage solution for your seed collection.
Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Versatile Japanese-style gardening knife for weeding and planting.
Fiskars Garden Harvest Basket

Fiskars Garden Harvest Basket

Sturdy basket for collecting and carrying your garden harvest.
Cluck Around Sign

Cluck Around Sign

Whimsical sign for your chicken coop area.

Plants For Other States

Looking for the best plants in a different area of the United States? Click on a button below to find plants that are ideal for that state's temperatures.

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Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Elegant brass handle to enhance your garden faucet.
Reusable Grow Bags

Reusable Grow Bags

Breathable fabric grow bags that promote healthy root growth for your vegetables and fruits.
Raised Garden Planter

Raised Garden Planter

Elevated planter for easy access and better drainage.
Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

High-capacity watering can with comfortable grip and precise spout.
Large Greenhouse Kit

Large Greenhouse Kit

Spacious greenhouse for extending your growing season.

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