The document provides a comprehensive guide to gardening in Southern California, specifically focusing on the unique climate zones (22, 23, and 24) of Western Los Angeles County. It outlines gardening tasks throughout the year, including seasonal planting, watering, and maintenance tips tailored to the region's Mediterranean climate. The guide emphasizes the importance of understanding local weather patterns and adapting gardening strategies accordingly to foster a thriving garden.

1. Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden
Gardening with Western L.A. County Native Plants
Project SOUND – 2012 (our 8th year)
© Project SOUND

2. 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

3. Gardening in S. CA IS different
© Project SOUND

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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
http://www.sunset.com/garden/climate-zones/sunset-climate-zone-
los-angeles-area-00418000067298/
Zone 24
 Temperatures are mild, but severe
This is a wonderful
winters descend at times.
Zone for gardening! © Project SOUND

8.  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
http://www.sunset.com/garden/climate-zones/sunset-climate-zone-
los-angeles-area-00418000067298/
that need a cold dormant period
This is a wonderful
Zone for gardening! © Project SOUND

9. 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

10. Several good general books specific to
our area (L.A. county)
http://www.californiagardens.com/Essays/garden_calendar_archive.htm
© Project SOUND

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. July: End of spring
© Project SOUND

15. 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

16. July: some plants beginning to dry out
© Project SOUND

17. Transition from spring to summer blooms
© Project SOUND

18. 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

19. 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

20.  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

21. 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

22. 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

23. August: lazy days of summer
© Project SOUND

24. August Weather & Climate
 At a glance: warm, dry & pleasant; warm nights ripen
summer fruits/veggies; dry soils
 Temperature:
 mean high = 75/78 ; mean low = 64/62
 Record high = 98/101 ; record low = 51/44
 Precipitation:
 Average: 0.05/0.02”
 Winds: usually not a particular problem
© Project SOUND

25. August: watering needed in most gardens
© Project SOUND

26. August: Buckwheats & silver against a
background of evergreen shrubs
© Project SOUND

27. 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

28. 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

29. 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

30. August: General Tasks
 Planning/Preparation:
 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

31. 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

32. 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

33. 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
 Weeds, Diseases & Pests:
 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

34. 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

35. 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

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

37. Scorching September
© Project SOUND

38. 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:
 mean high = 75/78 ; mean low = 63/61
 Record high = 110/111 ; record low = 47/43
 Precipitation:
 Average: 0.21/0.16”
 Winds: hot, dry Santa Ana winds common.
© Project SOUND

39. Summer veggies – end of game
http://cagardenweb.ucdavis.edu/?repository=10369 © Project SOUND
http://www.slowfamilyonline.com/tag/victory-gardens/

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

41. 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
 Weeds, Diseases & Pests:
 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

42. 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

43. Enjoying the September Garden
 Edibles/crafts:
 Pick ripe winter squash, tomatoes,
peppers; enjoy a new recipe
 Pick fresh sweet corn near coast
 Enjoying the garden:
 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

44. October: subtle hues and lots to do
© Project SOUND

45. 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:
 mean high = 73/75 ; mean low = 59/57
 Record high = 106/106 ; record low = 43/37
 Precipitation:
 Average: 0.56/0.62”
 Winds: May be the most windy month of the year
 Other: May be smoggy
© Project SOUND

46. October: the garden looks like it needs some help
© Project SOUND

47. October: subtle fall palette – like a painting
© Project SOUND

48. October also signals transition time in the
vegetable garden
http://connect.sierraclub.org/post/ClimateCrossroadsBlog/categories/8E12E318-7AB3-41FD-8FCA-93FD9B8304FA.html
© Project SOUND

49. October: lots of preparation
 Planning/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
 Hardscape/General:
 Finish installing any hardscape: fences,
paths, patios
 Re-apply mulch after pruning
© Project SOUND

50. 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

51. 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

52. 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

53.  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
 Enjoying the garden:
 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

54. Nice (or Naughty) November
© Project SOUND

55. 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:
 mean high = 69/70 ; mean low = 53/50
 Record high = 101/98 ; record low = 38/32
 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

56. The garden looks a little bare
© Project SOUND

57. Cool-season veggies are taking off
http://www.amillionlives.net/vegetable-gardening-tips-easy-ideas-for-great-produces.html
© Project SOUND

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

59.  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

60. 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

61.  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

62. 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
 Enjoying the garden:
 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

63. December: the garden often slumbers
© Project SOUND

64. 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:
 mean high = 65/65 ; mean low = 49/46
 Record high = 94/94 ; record low = 32/27
 Precipitation: usually a good rain month
 Average: 2.05/2.09”
 Winds: winter storms can bring strong winds from the west
© Project SOUND

65. December: growth is waiting
© Project SOUND

66. Plants are starting to grow – but not yet
convinced to go all out!
© Project SOUND

67. 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

68.  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

69.  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

70. 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

71.  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.
 Coppice (severe prune) to rejuvenate old
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

72. 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/
 Enjoying the garden:
 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

73. Cool, wet January
© Project SOUND

74. 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:
 mean high = 65/66 ; mean low = 49/46
 Record high = 91/91 ; record low = 27/25
 Precipitation: An average of 20% of our rain falls in January.
 Average: 2.71/3.26”
 Winds: not a particularly windy month
© Project SOUND

75. January: light & shade; warm & cool
© Project SOUND

76. There’s a certain beauty to the January garden
© Project SOUND

77.  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
 Hardscape/General:
 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

78.  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

79. 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

80.  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
 Enjoying the garden:
 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

81. By middle of January, things are looking promising
© Project SOUND

82. Finally, February
© Project SOUND

83. February Weather & Climate
 At a glance: transition month; one foot in winter, the other in
spring. Temperatures are cool; often our rainiest month.
 Temperature:
 mean high = 64/66 ; mean low = 50/48
 Record high = 92/92 ; record low = 28/28
 Precipitation: traditionally one of our rainiest months
 Average: 3.35/3.91”
 Winds: usually not bad
© Project SOUND

84. February: high drama…
© Project SOUND

85. …or softly muted
© Project SOUND

86. 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

87.  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
 Hardscape/General:
 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

88.  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

89. February: a little pruning, a
lot of weeding
 Pruning:
 Prune to thin:
 Clematis spp.; Constancea/Eriophyllum
nevinii, Lepechina spp. – now or after
flowering
 Coppice (severe prune) to rejuvenate old
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

90.  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
 Enjoying the garden:
 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

91. 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

92. March Madness
© Project SOUND

93. 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:
 mean high = 64/67 ; mean low = 52/49
 Record high = 95/96 ; record low = 35/32
 Precipitation: usually still several good storms
 Average: 1.85/2.22”
 Winds: high winds possible before and after storms
© Project SOUND

94. March: the garden seems to explode with springness
© Project SOUND

95. The garden changes from cool- to warm season
http://www.alleycatscratch.com/blucher/BackYard.htm
© Project SOUND

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

97. 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

98. 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

99. 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

100. Ah, April at last!!!
© Project SOUND

101. 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:
 mean high = 66/70 ; mean low = 54/51
 Record high = 102/104 ; record low = 42/28
 Precipitation:
 Average: 0.70/0.76”
© Project SOUND

102. April annuals & perennials outdo themselves
© Project SOUND

103. April: a month for garden tours
© Project SOUND

104. Warm weather crops are really getting
going now
http://mainfo.blogspot.com/2011/03/container-vegetable-gardening-in.html
© Project SOUND

105. 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
 Hardscape/General:
 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

106.  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

107. Summer weeds are tough hombres – but
they are small now
 Weeds/Diseases/Pests:
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

108. 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

109. http://rareplanttreasurehunt.blogspot.com/2011/08/highlights-of-season.html
© Project SOUND

110. Magnificent May
© Project SOUND

111. May’s Weather & Climate
 At a glance: Lovely temperatures and usually quite sunny. Probably
one of the most pleasant months. Many flowering species.
 Temperature:
 mean high = 68/71 ; mean low = 57/55
 Record high = 97/100 ; record low = 45/39
 Precipitation: may be some fog-drip near the coast
 Average: 0.22/ 0.22”
© Project SOUND

112. May makes you feel like singing!
© Project SOUND

113. Salvias and Buckwheats loaded with blooms
© Project SOUND

114. http://californiavegetablegarden.blogspot.com/
© Project SOUND

115. 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’.
 Hardscape/General:
 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

116. 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

117.  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

118. 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
 Weeds/Diseases/Pests:
 Weed out garden well; prevent
weeds from going to seed
© Project SOUND

119.  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

120. June gloom – or not
© Project SOUND

121. 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:
 mean high = 71/74 ; mean low = 61/59
 Record high = 104/104 ; record low = 48/21
 Precipitation: may be significant fog events near coast
 Average: 0.08/0.07”
© Project SOUND

122. Lots of green; transitional flowers
© Project SOUND

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

124. June is a great time to start removing
your old lawn
http://ulocal.ksbw.com/_Future-Vegetable-Garden/photo/13892788/65101.html
© Project SOUND

125. 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.

126. Last chance to plant  Propagation:
 Softwood cuttings from woody
summer veggies shrubs and trees (including those you
prune this month); keep moist in a
shady spot until well-rooted, 6-10
weeks
 Planting:
 Riparian/pond and other Zone 3
plants
 Direct-seed warm season sod grasses
 Plant warm-season vegetables from
plants:
 Last chance to plant bean, corn,
cucumber and summer squash in the
ground from seed
 Weeds/Diseases/Pests: major
weeding month- summer weeds
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com/2011/06/our-2011-tomato-
garden.html emerge and/or grow
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127.  Edibles/Crafts:
Look at all the  Collect seed from spring
wildlife! wildflowers; after drying, make up
seed packets to give as gifts
 Take cuttings of Artemisia, Salvias
for seasonings, vinegars
 Collect/dry new summer leaves for
tea
 See also May suggestions
 Enjoying the garden:
 Visit a native plant garden/ botanic
garden; what tricks are they using
to make the garden more
interesting this time of year?
 Look for Monarchs and other
butterflies – do you have enough
flowers to attract them?
 Mother Nature’s advice: gardens,
like natural places, should evolve
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128. We’ve come full circle: jobs and joys of a year in
the S.California garden
http://annystudio.com/calendars/ © Project SOUND

129. You likely live in Sunset Zone
22, 23 or 24
http://www.sunset.com/garden/climate-zones/sunset-climate-zone-los-angeles-area-00418000067298/
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130. And learned that every month is one to treasure
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