October in the Southern California Garden

Each month has its special joys and tasks in the garden. Below is a suggested calendar for October. Remember that

gardening depends on the weather, so tasks, bloom season and activities may vary from year to year.

Best of Show:

Flowers: Baccharis emoryi, Baccharis pilularis, Ceanothus spp., Brickellia californica, Diplacus spp. (on coast), Epilobium canum, Salvia clevelandii, Verbena lilacena

Fruits/berries: Rosa spp., Symphoricarpos spp., Vitus spp.

Foliage: tan/brown foliage of local native grasses & shrubs

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/create, then install

after pruning

Hardscape/General: Finish installing any hardscape: fences, paths, patios

Re-apply mulch after pruning

Propagation: From seed: cool-season grass plugs; annual wildflowers, bulb seeds in nursery containers; winter veggie crops

Start chilling seeds w/ shorter (1-2 month) pre-plant stratification period; check for roots every 2 weeks – plant in nursery

containers when first roots emerge

Planting: Plant out cool-season garden vegetables (lettuce; spinach; broccoli/cauliflower; peas) from starts/pony-packs or seed

Watering: prepare for the rainy season Taper off watering all but Zone 2-3 & 3 plants. Keep vegetable gardens, containers & other 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.)

Set out/clean rain gauge

Pruning: major pruning month, particularly for Water Zone 1 and Zone 1-2 plants Prune to shape/thin:

Ribes spp.

Most summer-dry shrubs (particularly Coastal Sage Scrub and Coastal Shrubland species)

Hedge-shear – often the best time for mature plants Divide native bulbs/corms; store or replant (better)

Remove old leaves, dead stems, tidy up perennials, groundcovers and ornamental grasses

Weeds/Diseases/Pests: Usually not much weeding to do; but keep on top of any weeds, weedy grasses that may appear.

Good time to work on removing patches of Bermuda & Kikuyu grasses, which are slowing down now

Gophers may be getting desperate; consider options

Edibles/crafts: Dry aromatic prunings for seasoning/tea/potpourri 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

9/28/14