California Gardening Guidelines

Enjoying fresh fruits, vegetable and herbs is one of the highlights of the summer season. The beautiful climate of California makes it possible to grow a garden year round. Mother Nature has her own agenda though. She can wreck havoc on any gardening project if you don't respect her time line. With the curve balls nature might throw, it is vital to organize your time and resources to maximize your efforts for success. Growing and tending a garden is not rocket science, but there are seven important tasks that must be completed at the correct time. These crucial tasks are the difference between your enjoying your own produce or buying from the local markets for yet another year.

Create a Plan
As with Real Estate in Cali, it is location, location, location. Plants need to be in an area as close to it's natural environment as possible. Create a planting game plan. Make a sketch of existing plants. Identifying sunny and shady areas and take note of existing drainage patterns. With the lack of rainfall at times and sandy soil, be certain your water hose or other watering system can reach the full area of your garden. Find out which plants grow well together and their sun or shade preference. Map out all new plants well in advance on your garden sketch designating a compost area and take into consideration fencing needs.

Plant Selection
Don't choose plants simply because they are pretty or on sale. Make certain the plant is healthy and disease-resistant, if possible. Lettuce is a crop that can be grown throughout the year. Iceberg is the easiest and quickest yielding, but Butterhead and Romaine lettuce are favorites in our garden. Other crops that grow well in each season are carrots, peas, potatoes, artichokes, garlic, onions, tomatoes, radishes, asparagus, squash and of course, lemons and limes to name just a few.

Enrich the Soil
Although much of the nation's produce comes from farm-rich areas in California, the soil in many places tends to range from sandy, to coarse sand or sand stone to outright rocky. Make it a priority to improve the soil by adding organic matter to the soil every year. Use slow-acting fertilizers that add microbial life to aid in the delivery of nutrients to plants. Between planting add a layer of organic mulch. A cost effective method is to till used coffee grounds, crunched up egg shells and vegetable wastes into the planting area. Great way to reduce daily trash and increase the rich mineral and vitamin content of your soil.

Plant Right
Typically, September and the months following is the optimum time to plant in California as the climate is Mediterranean-like. The soil warmed from the summer months is then followed by the rainy season. Spring planting will yield good produce as well, but you must remember to water. When planting, remember to plant at correct depths for each plant.

Water Considerately
When planting in the spring and summer seasons, remember to water often as the Santa Ana winds lower humidity. You can water considerably less, by watering plants according to their individual needs and watering the soil, not the plant. It has been recommended, especially if growing herbs, to water before 9 am as you shouldn't put your plants to bed with wet feet. Drier conditions may warrant watering again in the evening, but well before night falls.

Fertilize Correctly
The best way to determine whether your plants are getting the proper nutrients is to check the soil pH level. The range for most plants is 5.0-8.0 with the average being approximately 6.5. Again slow-active fertilizers are great for long-term consistent nutrition.

Weed and Prune
Every plant wants to feel special to give its best. Pinch off sun burnt, injured or diseased looking areas to keep your plants looking healthy and producing. Those Santa Ana winds can be vicious. Stake plants that are vulnerable or consider plant covers until dangers have past. Observe and inspect plants regularly for pest problems. Treat plants without delay if a problem is discovered. Keep plants pruned as closely to their natural shape to help insure healthiness.

Following these few guidelines with make gardening a breeze and help you stay fit and healthy like your plants in the lovely California climate.