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A Frequent Visitor on Cole Crops

Image source: Unsplash, Harald Arlander
Image source: Unsplash, Harald Arlander
Have you seen this distinctive butterfly flitting about your garden? It’s the adult cabbageworm butterfly of the imported cabbageworm. The larvae (caterpillars) enjoy feeding on the leaves of cole crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi and, of course, cabbage. Protect your crops with floating row covers or netting.

Leave the Leaves

Photo by Brian Hicks
Photo by Brian Hicks
It’s fall and the leaves are falling. Instead of raking or blowing, use the free mulch to protect your soil and the living organisms in it. The leaves also will help to suppress weeds, prevent erosion and provide a winter home for many insects and invertebrates. As the leaves break down, they will feed the organisms living in the soil. If the leaves are diseased, remove and dispose of them in your curbside compost bin.

Cool Season Cover Crops

USDA, Public domain
USDA, Public domain
If you’re taking a break this fall and winter after growing summer veggies, then plant a cover crop to enrich and protect your soil as well as to attract beneficial insects. Choose a variety of cool season cover crop seeds, such as flowers, grasses and a legume, for sowing in early fall. See Cover Crops in the Home Garden for more.

Get Ready to Plant California Natives

Sage, Monkeyflower and Yarrow. Photo by Cathrin Callas
Sage, Monkeyflower and Yarrow. Photo by Cathrin Callas
Fall is the best time to plant most California natives. Cooler weather and (we hope) rain get them off to a good start by helping them grow deep roots – perfect for seeds or transplants. Many nurseries and native plant groups have fall plant sales. In our introductory California Native Gardening web page, you’ll find inspiration and resources to help you get started and get planting. Check our All Events events for seed starting classes for natives and more. Get the basics on planting wildflowers here.

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Publications
  • CoastsideFeb2024Cover
    Starting from Scratch: The Miracle of Seeds

    Growing your own plants from seed has a lot of advantages: more variety, less cost and getting a head start on the growing season are just a few. Practicality aside, it's just plain miraculous to grow plants from seeds. The process of putting hard, dry,...

  • Coastside Cover Jan 2024
    A New Year in The Garden: Inspirations for 2024

    It's January and, although it may be cold and damp, the days are getting longer by a few seconds each day—just enough additional daylight to stir a gardener's blood. While plants and soil are taking their winter rest, it's a great time for us...

  • Coastside Cover Dec 2023
    The Rain Garden: A Simply Elegant Solution to Stormwater Pollution

    Last winter's epic rainstorms have caused many of us to think about what we can do to mitigate the impact of heavy downpours on our communities. As it happens, the impervious surfaces that keep us dry and mud-free (our homes, patios, driveways, etc.)...

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Advice to Grow By...Ask Us!

UC Master Gardener volunteers are ready to help you and your garden. Have a question about gardening? Ask a Master Gardener

Calendar
Event Name Date
Coastal Native Plant Education Event 10/26/2024
Preparing Your Winter Garden 10/26/2024
Master Gardener Plant Clinic at the San Mateo Arboretum 11/3/2024
Master Gardener Education Table at the East Palo Alto Community Farmers’ Market 11/6/2024
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