- November Gardening
Tips for Southern California
- by: Bill Camarillo
Winter gardens have a beauty
all their own and November is the time to plant hearty cool season
flowers, trees and vegetables.
Certain Flowers Thrive in
Cool Weather: Plant fall
annuals such as pansies, violas, primrose and calendula so they
will be in full fall and winter bloom. Perennials including nemesia,
godetia and schizanthus are also good choices for a richly varied
fall and winter flower garden.
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Keep Lawns Healthy: Rake falling leaves from lawns as leaves
could impede lawn growth. If a lawn is looking "tired,"
sow in annual rye seeds to cover brown spots and to introduce
new growth. After seeding, scatter a light covering of soil amendment
and water thoroughly.
Plant Trees Now: Fall is the ideal time to plant trees.
Our fall climate, with cool nights, mild days and moderate rainfall,
gives trees a strong beginning that will serve them well when
growing season begins in spring. Just about every tree type can
benefit when planted in fall. The key to success is to select
a planting location that is best suited for the tree type. Take
into account the tree's rate of growth, root configuration, leaf
type (evergreen or deciduous), tree shape and ultimate height
at maturity. Make sure the site you select has enough sun. |
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Other issues: is the selected location on a slope
where watering may be difficult? Is it near a walkway or patio
where in a few years roots may cause a problem? Will the tree
at maturity be too big for the site? Better to answer these questions
now or you may find yourself trying to extract a tree and its
roots when it outgrows its location.
Winter Vegetable Garden: You can enjoy fresh vegetables even
during winter months by planting cool-season vegetables including
beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, cauliflower,
lettuce, onions, turnips and rutabaga. Plant fall herbs including
oregano, garlic, rosemary and thyme. |
