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Start Planning Your Fall Garden

Photo by Ann Gahagen
Photo by Ann Gahagen
As you're enjoying summer's bounty, it's time to start planning your cool season veggie garden. August and September are the ideal months to seed fall and winter crops such as beets, cabbage, broccoli, peas, kale, spinach, lettuce, and much more. Find your microclimate (hot, sunny, foggy) and then consult the appropriate planting calendar to find which vegetables you can start by seed or plant as seedlings.

Get ready to plant CA 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 page, you’ll find inspiration and resources to help you get started and get planting. Check our Events page for seed starting classes for natives and more.

Cool Season Cover Crops

Photo: Lacy Phacelia with honeybee (USDA, public domain)
Photo: Lacy Phacelia with honeybee (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.

Firewise Landscaping

Defensible space zones
Defensible space zones
Fire season is upon us. Despite this year's drought-ending rains, lush vegetation will soon dry out, and if not managed properly, can become fuel. Learn how you can make your home safer by creating defensible space around your home. Click
here.

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