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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