I am just down the road from you in Sun City, now part of City of Menifee. My last frost date is March 15 and I started seed first week of Jan in small amounts and a few more today. I plan to spread it out thru Feb and beyond due to our long growing season. First part of April is probably safer as a plant out date, which leaves you plentry of time. Most growers suggest seeding 6 weeks prior to plant out date. I have Earth Boxes that go under patio cover to protect the early ones from late frost. Linda

I'm facing a different conundrum. One of my tomato plants died when it got cold in November, but another one has starting to grow again. It's full of blossoms (that won't set fruit because it's still cold at night). I planned to rotate crops and grow beans in its place in the spring. Should I pull it out or let it be? It's about 5 feet tall.

Here is a link that might be useful: What's Growing On?

I'm not too far from Riverside (zone or distance-wise). I plant out every year around St Patrick's Day (March 17), which is easier to remember than last frost date. There is no advantage to seed starting or planting sooner. If you back schedule 4-6 weeks, seed starting is done around the first week of February. There is plenty of flexibility -- so there is no need to panic if you start running a little late.