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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
  • Coastside Cover July 2024
    Perfect Pots: Growing Things on a Smaller Scale

    Gardening in containers is great for so many reasons, not the least of which is that almost everyone can have the opportunity to grow something, including food! From the tiniest windowsill to the most expansive acreage, plants in pots can...

  • Coastside Cover June 2024
    “Gardenomics:” Good Moves for a Lifetime of Safe and Healthy Gardening

    It's a fact. Gardening is great exercise with big benefits for both physical and mental health. It's also hard work and many of the tasks we do in the garden can lead to aches and injuries if not done properly. Here's the good news: payingattention...

  • thisobneMay 2024 Cover Coastside
    Backyard Biodiversity: Saving the Planet One Garden at a Time

    It's May and spring is busting out all over! After months of gray skies and wet, chilly days, we can rejoice at the sight of each tender shoot, leaf and bud. With the resurgence of life all around us, it may seem as if the state of the...

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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
Master Gardener Education Table at the Serramonte Farmers' Market 11/7/2024
Cloud Forest Plants of the World 11/9/2024
Growing Vegetables and Herbs in Containers 11/9/2024
California’s Native Plants Biodiversity 11/13/2024
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