Garden tasks though the year 2012

Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden

Gardening with Western L.A. County Native Plants
Project SOUND – 2012 (our 8th year)
© Project SOUND

Through the Year
Garden Tasks – And Pleasures –
Through the Year

C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake
CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve

Madrona Marsh Preserve
January 7 & 10, 2012
© Project SOUND

Gardening in S. CA IS different

© Project SOUND

What makes us so unique?
 Latitude & coastal position –
mediterranean climate
 Mild rainy winter/spring
 Moderately hot, dry
summer/fall
 Year-to-year variability

 Extreme elevation changes
 Foothills and mountains have
very different climate than
our local ‘lowlands’

 Soils – our lowland soils are
mostly sedimentary
(ocean/river deposited)

© Project SOUND

You likely live in Sunset Zone
22, 23 or 24

http://www.sunset.com/garden/climate-zones/sunset-climate-zone-los-angeles-area-00418000067298/
© Project SOUND

Sunset Zone 24  Where hills/cliffs/palisades are
low/nonexistent, it runs inland several
Coastal Marine Zone miles.
 Soils tend to be sandy to sandy-clay
 Climate zone is almost completely
dominated by the ocean – a mild,
marine climate.
 Winters are mild, summers cool, and the air
seldom really dry.
 On many days in spring and early summer,
the sun doesn’t break through the high
overcast until afternoon.
 Record heat usually comes in early
October, carried to the coast by
http://www.sunset.com/garden/climate-zones/sunset-climate-zone-
los-angeles-area-00418000067298/ Santa Ana winds. The wind’s power and
dryness usually causes more problems
This is a wonderful than the heat itself.
Zone for gardening!  Some plants bloom all year long
© Project SOUND

Sunset Zone 23  Mostly influence by oceans but
Coast Thermal Belt sometimes influenced by inland heat

 Frosts don’t amount to much – 85%
percent of the time, Pacific Ocean
weather dominates; interior air rules
only 15% percent of the time. A
notorious portion of this 15 percent
consists of those days when hot, dry
Santa Ana winds blow.

 Lacks either the summer heat or the
winter cold necessary to grow pears,
most apples, and most peaches. But it
enjoys considerably more heat than
los-angeles-area-00418000067298/

Zone 24

 Temperatures are mild, but severe
This is a wonderful
winters descend at times.
Zone for gardening! © Project SOUND

 Cold-winter portions of S. CA coastal
Sunset Zone 22
climate
Cold-winter Coastal
 Is a coastal climate - influenced by the
ocean approximately 85% of the time).

 Average summer temperatures warmer
than Zone 24

 When temperatures drop in winter,
these cold-air basins have lower winter
temperatures than those in neighboring
Zone 23.

 No pronounced chilling period – limits
growth of plants from local mountains
los-angeles-area-00418000067298/
that need a cold dormant period

This is a wonderful
Zone for gardening! © Project SOUND

One key to wise gardening: becoming
more aware of your climate
 Read the weather forecasts like a
hawk – they are a good clue to
things you’ll need to do or not do
 Set out a rain gauge and chart
precipitation
 Indoor-outdoor thermometer/
humidity meter
 Chart soil moisture from Apr-
Oct.
 Become more aware of wind: daily
patterns; direction; monthly
patterns; ‘unusual’ events
© Project SOUND

Several good general books specific to
our area (L.A. county)

http://www.californiagardens.com/Essays/garden_calendar_archive.htm
© Project SOUND

Let’s assume you have a blended garden with
CA native plants & traditional veggies/fruits

http://ana-white.com/2010/05/hack-natural-rustic-cedar-
raised-beds.html

http://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/hbwater/landscape-gardening/water-wise-landscaping.cfm © Project SOUND

You have some common CA
native plants in your garden

Elegant Clarkia

Golden Stars

Blue Elderberry
CA Encelia

‘Yankee Point’ Ceanothus
Purple Sage
St. Catherine’s Lace © Project SOUND

We’ll begin our tour of the gardening year in July

 Why? - it’s a time of
endings & beginnings
 The spring bloom season is at
it’s end
 The warm weather really
starts in – true beginning of
the dry season
 It’s a good time to evaluate
what worked – or didn’t – and
plan for the next season
 Summer vegetables and
fruits start to ripen
http://annystudio.com/calendars/ © Project SOUND

July: End of spring

© Project SOUND

July Weather & Climate

 At a glance: hotter than June and less fog. Nights are warm.
CSS & Chaparral plants transition to summer mode.
 Temperature:
 mean high = 74/77 ; mean low = 64/62
 Record high = 97/102 ; record low = 52/42
 Precipitation:
 Average: 0.03/0.05”
 Winds: usually not important; may have ocean breezes, fog
© Project SOUND

July: some plants beginning to dry out

© Project SOUND

Transition from spring to summer blooms

© Project SOUND

The summer vegetable plants are maturing

http://www.glenns-garden.com/vegetable-garden-is-growing-well-going-into-july/

http://socalgarden.blogspot.com/2009/06/harvesting-cherry-tomatoes.html
© Project SOUND

July: General Tasks
 Planning/Preparation:
 Take assessment of your garden: what
needs improvement
 Start a garden journal & photo log – or
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com/2011/01/loosen-bare-root-plant-labels.html
get yours organized
 Get a new inspirational book; or search
the web, go to the library
 Great time to create a garden design
 Order native seeds & bulbs (right now);
order seeds of cool season vegetables

 Hardscape/General:
 Make repairs/changes that weren’t
possible in spring

© Project SOUND
http://federaltwist.blogspot.com/2010/08/garden-diary-linear-motif.html

 Watering: summer mode
July: General Tasks  Check soils weekly – water as
needed, during cool periods
(early/late in day)
 Monitor young plants (at least
weekly – more in hot periods):
 1st summer: 1 full Zone above final
Zone;
 2nd summer: ½ Zone above
 Plants from N. Coast need more
water & spray ‘fog’ beginning in July
 Weeds, Diseases & Pests:
 Summer weeds: bindweed, mustard,
wild lettuce, prickly ox-tongue, sow
thistle, others
 Get them out while they are small

© Project SOUND

July: Planting & Pruning
 Planting:
 Not too late to plant bean, corn,
cucumber and summer squash from
seed.
 Pruning:
 Prune Manzanitas in warm dry
weather;
 Dead-head Salvia and Penstemon
flower stalks as they finish up, unless
you’re collecting the seed. When your
sages have finished their bloom, you
can cut them back by a third – or
wait until fall.
 Mow your alternative lawn

© Project SOUND

July: Enjoying the Garden
 Edibles/crafts:
 Harvest leaves, berries, strawberries for tea;
 Take cuttings of mints for seasonings, vinegars
 Harvest conventional fruits as they become
ripe – eat, freeze/can or make into jam/jelly
 Enjoying the garden:
 Enjoy butterflies;
 take the butterfly class & participate in
butterfly counts
 Certify your garden - NABA
 Certify your garden as a wildlife habitat
garden (Nat. Wildlife Foundation)
 Sit in the shade; enjoy the fruits of your
labors; drink some nice mint tea
 Mother Nature’s advice:
 Work early or late; don’t stress

© Project SOUND

August: lazy days of summer

© Project SOUND

August Weather & Climate

 At a glance: warm, dry & pleasant; warm nights ripen
summer fruits/veggies; dry soils
 Temperature:
 Precipitation:
 Average: 0.05/0.02”
 Winds: usually not a particular problem

© Project SOUND

August: watering needed in most gardens

© Project SOUND

August: Buckwheats & silver against a
background of evergreen shrubs

© Project SOUND

August: summer harvest time continues in earnest

http://www.fotothing.com/fhelsing/photo/2dd1f769d56af992e754b5f85ee69814/

Warm-season veggies ripen
in summer (or fall) http://socalgarden.blogspot.com/2010_10_01_archive.html

 Tomatoes  Squash (summer)
 Peppers  Squash (‘winter’)
 Beans (all kinds)  Cucumber
 Eggplant  Melons
 Corn
© Project SOUND

Guide to S. CA Vegetable Crops
Warm-season Vegetables Cool-season Vegetables
 Plant:
 Plant:  From seed: Aug-Oct in shaded
 From seed: Mar-May; depends pots; Sep-Oct in ground
on how cold the spring is  From starts: Oct-Dec
 From starts: Apr-June (even
July for late crops)  Ripen:
 Early crops: Oct-Nov
 Ripen:
 Late crops: Dec-Feb
 Early crops: June-July (Aug)
Late crops: Aug-Sept  Examples:
 Examples:  Early crops: broccoli, brussels
sprouts, cauliflower, kale,
 Early crops: beans, cucumbers,
kohlrabi, mustard, lettuce and
summer squash, tomatoes, other greens
 Late crops: corn, melons,  Late crops: peas, cabbage,
winter squash celery,
© Project SOUND

Some veggies can be planted almost any
time – or serially for long season

 Beets
 Carrots
 Green beans
 Radishes
 Swiss chard

http://www.vegetable-garden-guide.com/growing-carrots.html

http://tinyfarmblog.com/first-carrots-plus-beets/ © Project SOUND

August: General Tasks
 Decide on cool season veggies – enjoy
browsing the catalogs
 Order seeds & bulbs;
 Clean seeds collected from garden
 Look for a new container or garden
sculpture
 Tidy up your potting bench
 Sit in the shade and think about Water
Zones/conservation;
 Plan to increase shady areas for
outdoor activities
http://berkeleyheritage.com/gallery/1000_oaks_tour2007.8.html

© Project SOUND

August: General Tasks  Hardscape:
 Apply/re-apply gravel mulch to
wildflower & bulb areas – will help
them to look less bare
 Repair/install hardscape; work in
cool times of day
 Build raised beds or potting area
before Sept. heats up

http://www.mastergardeners.org/projects/gilroy.html

http://www.penick.net/digging/?p=14254 © Project SOUND

http://pcnatthegreenshow.wordpress.com/2010/04/18/california-spring-trials-day-3-along-the-central-coast/
http://efnep.ucdavis.edu/?blogpost=4501&blogasset=17351

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16684008.tip.html
http://www.gardenstogro.com/raised-garden-hinged-fencing.php © Project SOUND

August: General Tasks
 Watering:
 Taper off water to native plants
except Zone 3 & Chaparral and Sonoran
Desert plants – give them a good
‘monsoon’;

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16684008.tip.html
 Most summer weeds are winding down –
particularly in drier areas; still a
challenge in vegetable garden
 Look for signs of fungal disease; prune
out diseased branches

© Project SOUND

August: a little propagation & planting
 Propagation:
 Sow seeds of cool-season
vegetables in containers –
semi-shade.
 Start warm-season grasses
from seed in containers –
semi-shade

 Planting:
 Plant radishes, carrots, beets
directly into the garden.

© Project SOUND

August: Pruning &  Pruning: summer pruning month
 Prune for safety & plant health
Mowing  Hedge-shear if needed
 Pruning to thin: prune after late
spring/summer flowering
 Carpenteria californica
 Heteromeles arbutifolia
 Keckiella cordifolia
 Philadelphus lewisii
 Prunus ilicifolia
 Salvia spp. (prune now or in Oct/Nov)
http://cngf.org/gardens/meadow.htm
 Desert Legumes: Chilopsis;
 Mow (if desired) sod grasses, sedges
 Coppice (severe prune) to rejuvenate old
plants (after bloom)
 Comarostaphylis diversifolia
 * Cornus spp.
 Heteromeles arbutifolia
 * Philadelphus lewisii
 Ribes viburnifolium
 Rosa spp. © Project SOUND

Enjoying the August Garden
 Edibles/Crafts:
 Pick elderberries, other ripe fruits; use or
dry/freeze
 Pick, use or dry/freeze summer veggies

 Enjoy the shade; cool dry garden shade is
delightful
 Search for a new container or garden
sculpture
 Eat corn on the cob, melons from your garden
 Make elderberry jelly/syrup or dry berries
for tea

 Mother Nature’s advice: prepare now for a
busy fall – August is often cooler than Sept.

© Project SOUND
http://www.csupomona.edu/~panorama/summer2009/focus.html

Scorching September

© Project SOUND

September Weather & Climate

 At a glance: transition into fall. Nights may begin to cool off,
but days are still warm. Not uncommon to have extremely hot
weather and Santa Ana winds. Very dry – low humidity!
 Temperature:
 Precipitation:
 Average: 0.21/0.16”
 Winds: hot, dry Santa Ana winds common.
© Project SOUND

Summer veggies – end of game

http://cagardenweb.ucdavis.edu/?repository=10369 © Project SOUND
http://www.slowfamilyonline.com/tag/victory-gardens/

September: General
Tasks
 Sort/clean/store seeds collected in
spring/summer
 Explore the CA Garden Web -
http://cagardenweb.ucdavis.edu/

 Repair/install hardscape (work in the
cool)
 Install/repair/clean rain catchment
facilities: gutters, sprinklers, rain
barrels, french drain, rain garden
hardscape, etc.
http://www.californiagrange.org/news/garden_grow.html
 Prepare veg. garden for winter veggies;
remove spent plants, fertilize, mulch
 Start a compost bin/pile for your
cuttings
http://sbthp.wordpress.com/2011/09/21/it-takes-a-village-to-tend-the-presidio/ © Project SOUND

September: General  Watering: major watering month
for Zone 2-3 & 3
Tasks  Taper off all but Zone 2-3 & 3; keep
vegetable gardens, containers, other
Zone 3 plants watered – particularly
if Santa Anna winds are predicted
 Grasshoppers and gophers may be
getting desperate
 Pruning:
 Sharpen/repair planting & pruning
tools after summer pruning tasks;
http://agrilife.org/etg/2011/02/18/mid-february-marks-rose-pruning-season/

consider buying new/better tools if
appropriate
 Rake out cool-season grasses; mow
or cut back if needed;
 Prune to thin: Adenostoma spp.

 Divide native bulbs/corms; store or
replant
© Project SOUND
http://tmousecmouse.blogspot.com/2011_11_01_archive.html

Propagation & planting
 Propagation from seed: give seedlings
part-shade and keep well-watered
 Start chilling seeds that need long (2-3+
month) pre-plant stratification;
 First chance to start cool-season plants:
 Cool-season grass plugs
 Cool season veggie crops in nursery
containers; broccoli, cabbage,
cauliflower, celery, kale, kohlrabi,
lettuce, other greens
 Plant out:
 Cool-season vegetables from starts/pony
packs; keep well-watered – daily water in
early morning or evening.

http://www.californiagreekgirl.com/?p=92
© Project SOUND

Enjoying the September Garden
 Edibles/crafts:
 Pick ripe winter squash, tomatoes,
peppers; enjoy a new recipe
 Pick fresh sweet corn near coast
 Fall sunflowers are blooming: watch
to see what birds, butterflies and
insects visit them
http://blog.jannelsonlandscapedesign.com/?cat=43&paged=2
 Enjoy the scent of Bricklebush in
late afternoon;
 Purchase a birdbath or fountain (on
sale now) to provide a drink for birds

 Mother Nature’s advice: fall-blooming
natives are important for attracting
pollinators & other beneficial insects.
Your vegetable garden will benefit.

© Project SOUND

October: subtle hues and lots to do
© Project SOUND

October Weather & Climate

 At a glance: feels more like summer than fall. Hot, dry Santa Ana
winds suck the moisture out of everything. Yet we may also get our
first real rains. Clearly a transitional month.
 Temperature:
 Precipitation:
 Average: 0.56/0.62”
 Winds: May be the most windy month of the year
 Other: May be smoggy
© Project SOUND

October: the garden looks like it needs some help

© Project SOUND

October: subtle fall palette – like a painting

© Project SOUND

October also signals transition time in the
vegetable garden

http://connect.sierraclub.org/post/ClimateCrossroadsBlog/categories/8E12E318-7AB3-41FD-8FCA-93FD9B8304FA.html

© Project SOUND

October: lots of preparation
 Purchase plants from native plant
nurseries/sales; place in semi-shade
and water regularly until planted out.
 Consider adding some decorative and
educational signs to your garden;
explore your options – purchase/
http://www.calvin.edu/news/archive/a-perennial-the-native-plant-
create, then install after pruning
sale

 Finish installing any hardscape: fences,
paths, patios
 Re-apply mulch after pruning

© Project SOUND

October: time for some planting
 Propagation:
 From seed: cool-season grass plugs;
annual wildflowers, bulb seeds in
nursery containers; winter veggie
crops. Keep them well-watered.
 Start chilling seeds w/ shorter (1-2
month) pre-plant stratification period;
check for roots every 2 weeks – plant
http://nadiaknows.com/tag/southern-california-planting-guide/ in nursery containers when first roots
emerge
 Take semi-soft wood cuttings of
ceanothus, manzanita for propagation

 Planting:
 Plant out cool-season vegetables from
starts/pony-packs or from seed

http://connect.sierraclub.org/post/ClimateCrossroadsBlog/categories/8E12E318-7AB3-41FD-8FCA- © Project SOUND
93FD9B8304FA.html

Watering: prepare for the rainy season – but water like
summer if needed
 Watch weather forecast like a hawk!!!

 Taper off watering all but Zone 2-3 & 3
plants. Keep Zone 3 plants watered –
particularly if Santa Anna winds are
predicted
 Once rains saturate the soil you can
turn off your irrigation system (if you
have one); check soils periodically
during hot, windy, dry weather and
water as needed
 Install/repair/clean rainwater
collection/infiltration system (if not
done in Sept.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_gauge

Set out/clean rain gauge
© Project SOUND

October: time for fall pruning??
 Pruning: major pruning month,
particularly for Water Zone 1 and
Zone 1-2 plants
 Prune to shape/thin:
 Ribes spp. - Be sure to prune Ribes
now, as they can bloom very early
 Most summer-dry shrubs & sub-
shrubs/perennials (particularly
Coastal Sage Scrub and Coastal
Shrubland species)
The trick is to prune  Hedge-shear – now through Dec.
before the rainy season best time for mature plants
but not during hot, dry  Divide native bulbs/corms; store or
periods – to minimize replant (better)
stress on the plant
 Remove old leaves, dead stems, tidy
up perennials, groundcovers and
ornamental grasses
© Project SOUND

 Edibles/crafts:
The pleasures of fall  Dry aromatic prunings for
seasoning/tea/potpourri
begin  Save artistic-looking materials for
fall/winter decorations, flower
arrangements, etc.
 Dye some yarn with prunings; or dry
the dye-stuff for later
 Carve a pumpkin – or make a pie
 Go to the native plant sales; see what’s
new, ask questions
 Visit a new-to-you native plant garden;
take your camera and notebook to jot
down ideas.
 Enjoy the play of tans, browns and
grays – a subtle sophisticated color
palette

 Mother Nature’s advice: don’t fight the
weather – work with it.
© Project SOUND

Nice (or Naughty) November

© Project SOUND

November Weather & Climate

 At a glance: return of the rainy season (if we’re lucky). Days
are shorter and cooler; good time to work in the garden.
 Temperature:
 Precipitation: An average of 10% of our rain falls in November.
 Average: 1.11/1.19”
 Winds: usually less chance of Santa Anas; may be blustery
winter storms
© Project SOUND

The garden looks a little bare

© Project SOUND

Cool-season veggies are taking off

http://www.amillionlives.net/vegetable-gardening-tips-easy-ideas-for-great-produces.html

© Project SOUND

Tidying up this
 Planning:
month  Purchase plants at native plant
nurseries/sales; place in semi-shade
and water until planted out.

 Renew mulch after pruning – so much
easier!
 Complete your clean-up of summer
blooming perennials and shrubs
http://a1mowing.com/shrub.htm
 Watering: usually into winter mode
 Once rains saturate the soil you can
turn off your irrigation system (if
you have one); check soils periodically
during hot, windy, dry weather and
water as needed
 Water garden well if soils become
dry or if no rain for 3 weeks or
longer
© Project SOUND
http://www.ucrealty.com/blog/F036CE3C-0903-4FFC-BA58-0510C054C0F3

 Propagation: major propagation month
Planting if Mother  From seed: cool-season grass plugs;
nature cooperates annual wildflowers in containers; shrub
& tree seeds w/ short/no pre-chill req.
 Check seeds stratifying in refrigerator;
plant in nursery pots when you start
seeing tiny roots emerge
 From cuttings: semi-soft wood cuttings
of ceanothus, Manzanita; hardwood
cuttings from vines, grapes
 Planting:
http://www.cruciferousvegetables.net/category/cruciferous-vegetable-garden/  Last chance: replant native bulbs/corms
 Plant out herbaceous groundcover plants
– keep watered if needed
 Plant rain garden plants; keep watered
 Plant out cool-season vegetables from
starts or pony-packs: peas, mustard,
spinach, lettuce and other greens
 Evaluate/repot container plants as
needed
© Project SOUND

Major pruning month
 Finish pruning summer-dry
shrubs in dry, warm periods
(check forecast)
 Prune to shape/train:
 Most native trees and woody
shrubs, vines

 Prune to thin:
 Baccharis spp
 Berberis spp
 Ceanothus spp.
 Cercocarpus spp.

 Hedge-shear – good time

© Project SOUND

 Prune back groundcover perennials/sub-shrubs:
 Diplacus/Mimulus spp
 Eriogonum spp.
 Mint family: Monardella spp., Salvia spathacea, Stachys
spp.
 Groundcover sunflowers: Symphyotrichum/Aster spp.,
Achillea millefolium, Artemisia douglasiana, Grindelia
spp., Solidago spp.,
 Romneya coulteri
 Aster chilense, goldenrod, Yarrow, Woodmints, CA
Fuschia
 Divide plants (when ground is soft after rains begin)
 Iris douglasii
 *Heuchera spp.
 Potentilla , Horkelia
 Fern species (native)
 Fragaria spp. (wait until start to grow w/ fall rains)
 Native cool-season grasses: Festuca, Nassella, Leymus,
Calamagrostis, Melica, Carex tumulicola . Make sure each
clump has a good root ball. Water well.
 Sisyrinchium spp.
 Native succulent plants & cacti
© Project SOUND

Enjoy the cooler  Edibles/Crafts:
 Collect and dry rose-hips for
days of late fall tea
 Make holiday gifts with
aromatics – potpourri, flavored
vinegars
 Make jam, jelly or syrup from
frozen fruits
 Dry cuttings for dye, seasonings
 Dye material & yarn

 Learn more about fall bird
migration; there’s lots to learn
on the internet
Mother Nature’s advice: cool  Note when the first seed-eating
temperatures invigorate us; get birds visit your spent
out and get some serious sunflowers & buckwheats ; set
exercise! out bird seed

© Project SOUND

December: the garden often slumbers

© Project SOUND

December Weather & Climate

 At a glance: cold and dark. Days are as short as they get and
nights are in the 40’s or cooler. Rain is expected – but may not
come in La Nina years (like this year).
 Temperature:
 Precipitation: usually a good rain month
 Average: 2.05/2.09”
 Winds: winter storms can bring strong winds from the west
© Project SOUND

December: growth is waiting

© Project SOUND

Plants are starting to grow – but not yet
convinced to go all out!

© Project SOUND

Meanwhile, out in the vegetable garden…

http://blog.gardenerd.com/2009/12/16/malibu-vegetable-garden-delight.aspx

http://www.themanlyhousekeeper.com/2011/11/29/asphalt-garden-harvesting-my-radishes-and-
other-garden-adventures/
© Project SOUND

 Planning: wait ’til next month – you’re
Busy month – but not busy now!

in the garden  Hardscape/General:
 Check your hardscape after hard
rains; make repairs if needed
 Rake paths of fallen leaves;
compost or use as mulch if
appropriate
 Clear paths and hardscape areas of
unwanted seedlings – remove with
hoe, hula-hoe or trowel

 Watering: winter mode
 Check soils periodically during hot,
windy, dry weather and water as
needed
 Water garden well if soils become
dry or if no rain for > 3 weeks; you
will have to be the rain
http://wwwrockrose.blogspot.com/2010/04/bluebonnet-pull-out.html

© Project SOUND

 Planting: good planting month (if rainy)
 Good month for planting native plants
from containers if rains have started
 Plant native annual wildflower seeds in
prepared beds before a good rainstorm
 Plant cool-season grasses/sedges from
plugs/starts
 Cool season veggies from seed or
starts/pony-packs; include some ‘native
greens’ like Claytonia, Trifolia (clover)
 Propagation: major propagation month
 Start from seed: annual wildflowers in
containers; shrub/tree seeds w/ short/no
pre-chill req.; cool season veggies
 check seeds stratifying in refrigerator;
plant in nursery pots when you start
seeing tiny roots emerge
 Start cuttings from vines, grapes,
elderberry
http://www.family-gardens.com/vegetable-garden- © Project SOUND
seeds-01282010.html

December: thank heavens for our forgiving climate!
 Planting:
 Can still plant most cool-
season vegetables from
starts/pony packs:
broccoli, Brussels sprouts,
cabbage, cauliflower,
celery, kale, kohlrabi,
mustard, lettuce and other
greens, and root crops like
beets, carrots, radishes,
and turnips.

http://www.cruciferousvegetables.net/category/cruciferous-vegetable-garden/

© Project SOUND

 Pruning: major pruning month
Major winter  Prune/train to shape:
pruning - Dec.  Winter-deciduous trees/shrubs
 Woody vines: Lonicera spp., Vitis spp.,
 Prune to thin: choose a dry period if
possible
 Most winter-deciduous trees/shrubs
 Pines, junipers, citrus
 Prune back groundcover perennials/sub-
shrubs (if you didn’t in November):
 Diplacus/Mimulus spp; Achillea; Mint family:
Monardella spp., Salvia spathacea, Stachys
spp.;Epilobium canum, Stachys spp.
plants (dormant)
 Berberis/Mahonia spp. ;Cleome isomeris;
Dendromecon spp.; Heuchera spp and
cultivars; many others
 Weeds/Diseases/Pests:
 Weedy grasses may start to grow,
particularly in a warm spell
© Project SOUND

Enjoy the quiet moments…
 Edibles/Crafts:
 Make a holiday decoration like a
grape or Toyon wreath using native
plant materials
 Give seeds, plants, jams, jellies, etc.
from your own garden as unique
holiday gifts
 Eat fresh greens from the garden
http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Heteromeles-arbutifolia/

 Sit in the noon sun & enjoy the birds
– migrants are here; you might even
get some good photos
 Hang a finch feeder in your garden

 Mother Nature’s advice: don’t worry
about getting things done – there’s still
plenty of time in January
http://cagardenweb.ucdavis.edu/?repository=10369

© Project SOUND

Cool, wet January

© Project SOUND

January Weather & Climate

 At a glance: Cold and rainy or warm and sunny. Days still short, so
rainy days will seem particularly dark. Afternoons cool off quickly.
 Temperature:
 Precipitation: An average of 20% of our rain falls in January.
 Average: 2.71/3.26”
 Winds: not a particularly windy month
© Project SOUND

January: light & shade; warm & cool

© Project SOUND

There’s a certain beauty to the January garden

© Project SOUND

 Planning:
January: General  Visit nurseries to choose/ purchase
manzanita and ceanothus in bloom
Tasks  Check out the seed catalogs on-line;
order traditional warm-season
vegetable seeds
 Take photos of seedlings so you’ll
recognize them next year
 Rake up leaves; rake/level paths
 Check hardscape, slopes, trees after
http://dangergarden.blogspot.com/2010/04/joy-creek-nursery.html heavy rains
 Watering: winter mode
 Water-in all new plants; then water
again a week later if needed
 Check soil moisture during prolonged
dry periods (3 or more weeks) or
windy periods; irrigate as needed
 Check seedlings daily in warm
weather; water as needed
© Project SOUND
Elegant Clarkia

 Propagation:
 From seed: check seeds stratifying in
January = planting refrigerator; plant in nursery pots when
roots emerge
 Plant other natives from seed

 Planting: major planting month
 The best month for planting native
plants, from large trees to small
perennials, grasses, annuals
 Plant bare-root and containerized fruit
trees of all kinds (native and traditional)

 Weeds/Diseases/Pests: major weeding
month
 Cool-season weedy grasses, Creeping
woodsorrel, etc.
 Weed out native seedlings popping up in
the wrong places
 Watch for snails & slugs Project SOUND
© – take

January: major winter pruning month as well
 Prune to thin (if still not done):
 winter-deciduous trees/ shrubs –
this is often our best month to
prune all trees
 Rosa spp.
 Coppice (severe prune) to rejuvenate
old plants
 Sambucus nigra cerulea
 Divide & replant:
 Perennials like Penstemon, Gumplant,
Heuchera and Yarrow as they begin
their growth season
 Can still divide and replant native
ornmental grasses, sedges,
Sisyrinchium, rushes
 Mow (if desired) cool-season sod-
forming grasses, sedges © Project SOUND

 Edibles/Crafts:
Ah, January  Spend a rainy day knitting/
crocheting/sewing something from
hand-dyed yarn or cloth
 Make soap or candles using scented
materials dried last fall
 Enjoy tangerines or oranges –
including straight off the tree
 Buy a bird book and pair of
binoculars; get to know your birds
 Watch hummingbirds and others
gather nesting materials and begin
their courtship displays
 Sit in a warm spot and enjoy the sun
 Notice seedlings & bulbs popping up;
early blooming ones may already be
forming flowers heads

 Mother Nature’s advice: enjoy!
© Project SOUND

By middle of January, things are looking promising

© Project SOUND

Finally, February

© Project SOUND

February Weather & Climate

 At a glance: transition month; one foot in winter, the other in
spring. Temperatures are cool; often our rainiest month.
 Temperature:
 Precipitation: traditionally one of our rainiest months
 Average: 3.35/3.91”
 Winds: usually not bad

© Project SOUND

February: high drama…

© Project SOUND

…or softly muted

© Project SOUND

http://cagardenweb.ucdavis.edu/?repository=10369

http://california-plants.com/2009/07/19/designing-a-vegetable-garden-that-will-keep-
out-gophers-and-moles/ © Project SOUND

 Planning:
February: General  Remember to take pictures of key vistas in
Tasks your garden every month or so; these will
help you understand your garden –and its
seasons - better.
 Start a ‘Bloom Calendar’ for key flowering
plants in your garden

 Renew your bog garden/pond garden
 Remove unwanted seedlings (Salvias;
Encelia; etc.)
 Check hardscape, slopes, trees after heavy
rains
 Watering: may need none at all
 Water-in all new plants; then water again a
week later if needed
 Check soil moisture during prolonged dry
periods; irrigate
 Check seedlings daily in warm weather; water
as needed
© Project SOUND

 Propagation:
The planting frenzy  From seed: good time to start native
continues… shrubs/perennials, warm-season grasses in
containers; start traditional summer veggies
in nursery containers – protect from frost
 Divide: rushes, cattails, other ‘bog garden’
plants;

 Planting: major planting month
 Excellent month for planting most native
plants; especially perennials/sub-shrubs,
bunch grasses
 Plant annual wildflower seeds in prepared
areas for late spring color; you can serial
sow Gilas & Clarkias every 2 weeks for
flowers into summer (with summer watering)
 Plant to fill in bare spaces, or replace plants
that have not done well form previous
plantings

© Project SOUND

February: a little pruning, a
lot of weeding
 Pruning:
 Prune to thin:
 Clematis spp.; Constancea/Eriophyllum
nevinii, Lepechina spp. – now or after
flowering
plants - Baccharis spp., * Myrica californica,
*Carpenteria californica, * Rhamnus spp.,
Rhus spp.
http://www.tcpermaculture.com/2011/06/permaculture-
projects-coppicing.html

 Weeds/Diseases/Pests: major
weeding month
 Weedy cool-season grasses are
becoming a menace – get after them now
 Spring weeds: California burclover,
filarees, many other cool season weeds
are perfect size for removing now while
ground is moist.
© Project SOUND

 Edibles/Crafts:
February delights  Enjoy native CA greens in salads,
cooked as greens or in stews, soups
 Enjoy a cup of herb tea from you
selection of teas dried last fall
 Continue to enjoy citrus fruits; find
some new recipes to use them – or
give them away

 Look for early-blooming bulbs – they
are enchanting
 Enjoy the early-blooming wildflowers,
including CA Poppy; photograph them
 Expand your horizons:
 Take a class on some new aspect of
gardening
 Volunteer at a local Preserve/garden
or natives plant nursery – a fun way to
learn, socialize, give back
© Project SOUND

Perk up your palette
with greens from
your garden
 Traditional
 Lettuce – many types; Spinach;
Swiss chard; Peas

http://belfastbites.com/post/11610008188/manresa
 Native
 Claytonia – Miner’s lettuce
 Heuchera
 Calandrinia ciliata
 Camissonia spp.
 Mimulus guttatus
 Many others – see list

Mother Nature’s advice: eat fresh
– eat local
© Project SOUND

March Weather & Climate

 At a glance: weather is often a mixed bag - from gray and
rainy days to balmy afternoons filled with mellow sunshine.
 Temperature:
 Precipitation: usually still several good storms
 Average: 1.85/2.22”
 Winds: high winds possible before and after storms
© Project SOUND

 Planning:
Time to start preparing  Start to think about your gardening
for warm weather priorities for the next gardening
year. Consider your many options.

 Check hardscape, slopes, trees after
heavy rains
 Repair paths; flood damage if any
 Get the veggie garden ready for
warm season crops; fertilize
 Check hoses, drip lines – repair if
need; warm weather comes quickly!

 Watering: hopefully soils are moist
 Check soil moisture during prolonged
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-
to/step/0,,1088902_911641,00.html dry periods (3 or more weeks) or
windy periods; irrigate as needed to
supplement
 Check seedlings daily in warm
weather © Project SOUND

Think summer  Propagation:
 From seed:
veggies  good time to start native
shrubs/perennials in nursery containers;
 start traditional summer veggies in
nursery containers – protect from
frost
 Planting:
 Last month to safely plant most
native plants – may be pushing it
http://socalgarden.blogspot.com/2010_03_01_archive.html  Last planting of annual wildflower seeds
for late spring/summer bloom: Clarkias,
Globe Gilia, Phacelias, Annual
Sunflower, Madia
 Replace plants that didn’t make it from
earlier plantings
 Veggies: plant in ground (from seed
or starts) beans, squash, carrots,
beets, potatoes
http://www.chartercat.org/group/msgarden
© Project SOUND

Keep up with  Pruning:
weeding,  Tip-prune (pinch) to promote fullness: most
perennials and sub-shrubs that are actively
pinching growing now (Gambelia; Salvias; Epilobium; many
others)
 Mow (if desired) cool-season sod-forming
grasses, sedges
 Divide/replant wetland species (Equisetum,
Tules, Cattails, Rushes/sedges

 Weeds/Diseases/Pests: major weeding
month
 Weedy grasses will take over if you let them
 Warm-season weeds will start to poke their
heads up; this is a good time to weed, as the
ground is still soft
 Beware of slugs and snails – take action
 Watch for signs of sucking insects (aphids &
others) on new growth; blast off with water if
needed – or encourage beneficial insects
http://www.viette.com/v.php?pg=742
© Project SOUND

Major month to enjoy  Edibles/Crafts:
 Press wildflowers – or just
the outdoors photograph them – and make note
cards or bookmarks with them
 Enjoy native CA greens in salads,
cooked as greens or in stews, soups
 Take a native crafts or cooking class

 Enjoying the garden: major
enjoying month
 Plant a tree for CA Arbor Day;
 Visit a native plant garden/botanic
garden – see how the designers use
native plants in interesting ways
 Spend as much time as possible just
enjoying being out in your garden –
this month begins the enchantment!

 Mother Nature’s advice: get
outdoors: hike, visit preserves
© Project SOUND

April’s Weather & Climate

 At a glance: As the days lengthen and the sun gets higher and
hotter, watering becomes more important. Delightful spring days.
May get a little more rain – one last storm
 Temperature:
 Precipitation:
 Average: 0.70/0.76”

© Project SOUND

Warm weather crops are really getting
going now

http://mainfo.blogspot.com/2011/03/container-vegetable-gardening-in.html
© Project SOUND

Transitions  Planning:
 Take home one new idea from the garden
tours or visiting native plant/botanic
gardens. Plan how to incorporate that
idea into your garden
 Visit spring plant sales; purchase
judiciously

 Fertilize containers, veggie crops if needed
 Watering:
 Taper off water for early spring bulbs
when the leaves start to wither
 Taper off water for early spring
wildflowers
 Check hoses, soaker hoses and drip
irrigation; repair & replace as needed
 Check soils as they begin to dry out.
Turn on irrigation/begin routine summer
watering schedule when appropriate
© Project SOUND

 Propagation:
Collect seeds,  From seed: Collect seed from early spring
wildflowers; still time to start traditional
continue pinching summer veggies like squash, bean, melons,
tomato

 Planting:
 Excellent month for planting bog and
pond/pool plants
 Plant riparian species and desert species
from spring through summer

 Pruning: continue to tip-prune (pinch) to
promote fullness:
 Diplacus spp,
 Plants in Mint Family (Mentha arvense;
Monardella spp; Lepechinia fragrans,
Clinopodium/Satureja; Stachys ),
 Gambelia (Galvezia) speciosa
 Ribes viburnifolium © Project SOUND

Summer weeds are tough hombres – but
they are small now

major weeding month
 Weedy grasses: Crabgrass,
Bermuda Grass, Kikuyu
grasses start to grow with
warm weather
 Look particularly for the
following weeds: Common
knotweed, Wild radish,
Prickly lettuce, Prickly ox-
tongue, Wild mustard.
Remove while they’re small.

http://bobklips.com/earlyaugust2009.html © Project SOUND

Lots to do; all of it fun  Edibles/Crafts:
 Collect dry seeds from early wildflowers
(except Lupine); parch and use as a
seasoning/flavoring
 Use the ‘mint’ cuttings for fresh mint tea,
other uses

 Enjoying the garden: major enjoying
month
 Make a bouquet of spring wildflowers for
your table
 Enjoy the spring peak of bloom; get out in
your garden as much as possible – sit and
enjoy the show you created!
 Go on the CNPS and Theodore Payne
Foundation spring garden tours – bring
your camera and notebook. Don’t be afraid
Mother Nature’s advice: to ask questions
share your love of gardening  Invite a friend over; tell them about your
© Project SOUND
native plants, fruits, veggies

May’s Weather & Climate

 At a glance: Lovely temperatures and usually quite sunny. Probably
one of the most pleasant months. Many flowering species.
 Temperature:
 Precipitation: may be some fog-drip near the coast
 Average: 0.22/ 0.22”

© Project SOUND

May: preparations  Planning:
 Make a plan for removing your
lawn, ivy patch, old
tree/shrubs or other plants
that need removal. Explore
methods; see about hiring
outside help if needed. This is a
really good month to get started
on ‘removals’.

 Check mulch; add/renew if
needed
 Move bulb pots to cool dry
place once done blooming
 Repair damaged hardscape if
needed

http://www.inthegardenradio.com/v.php?pg=847
© Project SOUND

Water Zones save the day in transition months
 Watering: key month to monitor
soil moisture
 Taper off water for spring bulbs
when the leaves start to wither
 Taper off water for early spring
wildflowers; keep watering late-
bloomers until flowering ceases.
 This can be a tricky month for
watering – soils/containers can dry
out before you know it. So check
soil moisture weekly.
 Turn on irrigation or begin routine
summer watering schedule as soon
as summer water is needed.

© Project SOUND

 Propagation:
Surprise – there are  From seed: collect seed from spring
things to plant wildflowers

 Planting:
 Riparian/pond and other Zone 3
plants from now to summer

 Desert plants from now to
summer; water

 Direct-seed warm season sod &
bunch grasses

 Still plant from seed or starts:
beans, beets, carrots, cantaloupe,
corn, cucumbers, eggplant, limas,
okra, parsley, pepper, pumpkin,
radish, new Zealand spinach, squash,
sunflower, tomato, jicama,
Desert Willow – Chilopsis linearis watermelon, and Swiss chard.
© Project SOUND

May: good for pruning chaparral shrubs

 Pruning:
 Prune to shape/train: Ceanothus,
Arctostaphylos, Carpenteria, and
other flowering chaparral shrubs
once they've finished blooming
 Compost the cuttings – or try them
as a dye plant
 Oil/sharpen pruners, saws, etc. –
http://soquelnursery.com/shrubs_abelia_ceanothus.html

store

 Weed out garden well; prevent
weeds from going to seed

© Project SOUND

 Edibles/Crafts:
May: Intro to Summer  Make a May basket for a friend or
neighbor
 Make Lemonadeberry ‘lemonade’ if
fruits ripen
 Pick ripe Berberis fruit; use for jelly or
other recipes; dry for tea; use for dye

 Enjoying the garden: major enjoying
month
 Just take it easy; days are warm enough
to enjoy sitting, dining and meditating in
the garden.
 Take a day-trip with friends to the
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden or
some other ‘far away’ garden place.
 Watch the warm weather vegetables
grow – they are amazing! Some may
start to flower in warmer gardens.
 Mother Nature’s advice: smell, look
and listen to nature in yourProject SOUND
©
garden

June’s Weather & Climate

 At a glance: coastal climate keeps us much cooler than
further inland. Fog common in Zones 22-24 and provides any
moisture this month. Soils are definitely drying out.
 Temperature:
 Precipitation: may be significant fog events near coast
 Average: 0.08/0.07”
© Project SOUND

 Planning:
June: end of  Consider ways to make your garden more
friendly for native birds, butterflies,
spring pollinators.

 Move bulb pots to cool dry place after
blooming
 Great month to remove unwanted
trees/shrubs
 Begin removing old lawns, ivy – their
removal may take through the summer and
into fall.
 Fertilize containers if needed
 Watering: major watering month
 Taper off water for late spring bulbs and
spring wildflowers after blooming ceases
 Adjust your summer watering schedule to
account for foggy days (if any); other
than that, you’re into the summer
watering schedule © Project SOUND

June is a great time to start removing
your old lawn

http://ulocal.ksbw.com/_Future-Vegetable-Garden/photo/13892788/65101.html

© Project SOUND

June: Planting, Pruning, Dividing
 Pruning: into summer pruning mode
 If not done in May, prune and shape your
Ceanothus, Arctostaphylos, Carpenteria, and
other flowering chaparral shrubs once they've
finished blooming
 Prune back exuberant growth; prune for health &
safety
 Hedge-shear if needed as shrubs begin summer
growth phase
 Mow (if desired) warm-season sod-forming
grasses, sedges before they begin major growth
phase
 Dead-head Salvia, Penstemon & Rosa to prolong
bloom
 Divide & Replant:
 Warm season grasses will start growing about now, including
Acnatherum species, Boutetoua species, Muhlenbergia rigens,
Sporobolis airoides, and Pleuraphis jamesii. This is the time to
© Project SOUND
divide summer grasses.

Garden tasks though the year 2012

Garden tasks though the year 2012

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Garden tasks though the year 2012