Warm Season Crops is the term that we use to refer to the group of crops that do best in longer day lengths and warmer temperatures. Because you can grow crops year-round in many mild areas of Zones 9 and 10, using this term helps us distinguish which crops do best at certain times of the year. You can find this information quickly and easily on the back of our seed packs. For Zones 9 and 10, warm-season crops are typically grown in the warmest months of March–September. These crops also respond best to longer day lengths or increasing day lengths. Warm-season crops generally thrive in warmer temperatures, such as during summer and spring. If you grow in another zone outside of Zones 9 and 10, this information is still applicable to you and helpful as an indicator that you want to grow these crops in the warmest days of the spring and summer. Since warm-season crops all enjoy longer day lengths and warm weather, they can thrive in the spring and summer. You can use row covers, heavy mulching, cold frames, greenhouses, and other crop protection in early spring to get favorable temperatures in colder regions. Growing crops in their correct season allows for the best cultural practices and thriving plants. Beginner gardeners should focus on growing crops during the right time of the year for the most bountiful harvest, least amount of pest issues, and best flavor. For seasoned growers, this is the first consideration when growing a crop.