Southern California October Garden To-Do List

The seasons are subtle here in Southern California , but October is noticeably nerveless . With it comes a welcome respite from our late summertime hotness . This can be a meddlesome clip in the garden as we prepare for wintertime pelting ( fingers cross ) . While you prepare , get a start on these tasks .

progress a compost bundle . This is a great prison term to tuck together your tired summer veggie plants , wry leaf litter , rip up cardboard , and intellectual nourishment wastefulness to build a compost pile that will eventually become garden gold . Using 60 % carbon - based ( juiceless or “ browned ” ) and 40 % nitrogen - based ( squiffy or “ green ” ) fabric is a dependable pattern to startle with . Layering and lachrymation as you go will ascertain a nicely aerated pile . Learn more about starting a compost pile here .

Sow semen of wildflowers . Finding spots around the garden for California wildflowers is a great way of life to add coloring material and provide necessary food for pollinators . Getting these seeds distributed before our wintertime rains is of the essence . Some great aboriginal species to test include California poppy ( Eschscholzia californica , Zones 5–10 ) , arroyo lupine ( Lupinus succulentus , annual ) , and blue golden buttons ( Phacelia tanacetifolia , yearly ) .

Plant California natives . October is the ideal metre to plant natives . Remember that these plants are adapted to our local ground , so there is no pauperization to add amendments . Look to nature by identifying the plant residential district of your choice to serve you in your selection physical process . For example , do you have a ironical gradient ? judge a plant life that would of course rise in a chaparral environment in our area , like majestic sage ( Salvia leucophylla , zone 6–10 ) .

Get your ail in the ground . Garlicrequires cool weather to grow and warm weather for bulb maturation , so commence the bulbs in the primer in October is idealistic . When planted at the ripe metre , garlic is extremely easy to grow . Plant the bulb deep enough ( two to three time the height of the bulb ) , and add some compost . Remember that they will be in the land for six or more months and ask less water as they mature .

Plant yield trees . Research depleted - chill smorgasbord of fruit trees that flourish here in Southern California , as fall and wintertime is the best time toget them in the soil . Many nurseries sell trees in 5 - Imperial gallon containers during the fall and bareroot specimen during the winter . Make space for their ultimate size , and insure that you are providing at least six hours of Dominicus . Build a well around your tree , and mulch . Fruit tree will get their roots established during dormancy and thrive come leaping . Some great varieties you could tick off out that work well in our region are ‘ Blenheim ’ apricots , ‘ Golden Delicious ’ apple , and ‘ Panache Tiger ’ figs .

— Cara Hanstein is a head nurseryman at the Huntington Library , Art Museum , and Botanical Gardens in San Marino , California .

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