Planning The Perfect Gardening Schedule in Southern California

Southern California is renowned for its balmy, temperate weather but people who have not lived in this region before, or who have not gardened in Southern California, may not realize there are seasonal variations that can significantly affect your gardening schedule. If you have been wondering what to grow in your So Cal garden, this garden planting guide can help.

January – March

This is the time to focus on root veggies. Root vegetables are extremely durable plants that can withstand moderate to cold temperature, high winds and few hours of sunlight.

During January, plant lettuce, beets, carrots, and parsnips in the ground. Plant cucumbers, early tomatoes, and cabbage in containers. Towards March, spinach and purple beans can be planted in the ground.

April – May

Squash, melons, and nightshade vegetables can be planted in containers. These include:

Tomatoes

Bell peppers

Hot peppers

Eggplants

As May arrives it will become too late to start in containers. Plant all basil, all melons, and all squash in the ground.

June – July

Ideally planting should be finished at this time, though pumpkin seeds can be started in a container while you let the rest of your garden start to grow. By now, growing season is in full swing. The days are long and hot, aside from the typical “June Gloom” that can affect coastal regions of So Cal. Remember to continually water your plants. Also consider supplementing them with a nitrogen rich formula to replace depleted nitrogen in the soil as your plants begin to yield fruit and veggies.

August – September

In August, begin planting your winter crops in containers. This includes fava beans, kale, chard, cabbage, and broccoli. In late September carrot, garbanzo, pea, and turnip can all be picked and enjoyed.

October – December

The cabbage, kale, chard, and fava started in August will now be ready to place in the ground. In November the plants started in containers back in September can be planted. December is often about finishing the labor of later fall to prepare for winter crop arrivals.

Maximizing Your SoCal Garden

The winter and summer growing seasons bring different crop yields, so gardeners should plan out their yearly harvests in order to start seeds before the planting season begins. Soil prep and other considerations should also be addressed prior to planting. You can find numerous garden centers that stock high quality supplies. Thanks to the temperate weather, even container gardening can be very successful if your plants are started at the right time.

Many folks in So Cal find gardening to be a very easy way to save money, cutting down on produce grocery expenses. Plus, the joy of picking and eating food you grew is something hard to describe.