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Fall in Southern California doesn’t mean the end of gardening — in fact, it’s one of the best times to grow! The mild temperatures and shorter days create perfect conditions for cool-season vegetables. If you’re new to gardening or just want a reliable harvest, here are five easy vegetables to plant this fall.

1. Lettuce

Lettuce thrives in cooler temperatures and grows quickly, which makes it perfect for fall planting. You can try different varieties — romaine, butterhead, or even loose-leaf mixes. Plant seeds directly in the soil, and you’ll be harvesting fresh greens in just a few weeks.

2. Spinach

Spinach is another fast grower that loves the cooler fall weather. Plant it in partial shade, keep the soil moist, and you’ll be rewarded with nutrient-rich leaves. Harvest outer leaves as they mature, and the plant will keep producing.

3. Carrots

Carrots do best in loose, well-draining soil. Fall is ideal because cooler soil temperatures actually make the carrots sweeter. Plant seeds directly in the ground, keep the soil lightly moist, and be patient — they take a little longer but are worth the wait.

4. Broccoli

Broccoli is a cool-season champion in Southern California. Plant young starts (rather than seeds) for best results, and give them plenty of sun. With a little care, you’ll have fresh, crunchy broccoli heads ready to enjoy by winter.

5. Radishes

If patience isn’t your strong suit, radishes are your best friend. They grow incredibly fast — some varieties are ready in just 3–4 weeks. Scatter seeds in any open spot in the garden, and you’ll have quick results that keep your fall meals interesting.

Final Tip

Fall gardening in SoCal is all about taking advantage of the mild climate. Stick with cool-season crops, keep soil consistently moist, and enjoy the steady harvests. Even a small raised bed or container garden can keep you stocked with fresh produce all season long!

Even though Southern California doesn’t get harsh winters, the shift into cooler months is the perfect time to give your garden a little TLC. Prepping now helps your plants stay healthy and your soil stay rich, so you’re ready for a successful season ahead. Here’s how to get your garden fall-ready.

1. Clean Up Spent Plants

Start by pulling out any summer crops that are past their prime (like tomatoes, peppers, or squash). Old, dying plants can harbor pests and diseases, so it’s best to clear them out and add them to your compost pile.

2. Enrich with Compost and Natural Coverings

Healthy soil means healthy plants. Start by spreading a layer of compost to feed the soil life that supports strong growth. For added protection, use organic coverings like shredded leaves, straw, or even living ground covers (such as clover). These natural options regulate soil temperature, lock in moisture, and suppress weeds while breaking down to further improve your soil.

3. Prune and Trim

Give perennials, shrubs, and fruit trees a light trim to remove dead or weak growth. This helps plants conserve energy during cooler months and prepares them for stronger growth in spring.

4. Plant Cool-Season Crops

Now’s the time to sow or transplant your fall vegetables (think lettuce, spinach, broccoli, carrots, and radishes). These crops love the cooler weather and will reward you with steady harvests through winter.

5. Check Irrigation

Even though it’s cooler, plants still need consistent water. Test your drip lines, sprinklers, or hoses to make sure everything is working. You may not need to water as often, but you’ll want to keep soil evenly moist.

6. Protect Tender Plants

While SoCal doesn’t usually freeze, some areas can get chilly nights. Keep frost cloth or row covers handy just in case. Potted plants can be moved closer to the house for extra warmth.

Final Tip

Think of fall garden prep as hitting the “reset button.” By clearing out the old, feeding the soil, and planting the right crops, you’ll create a healthy foundation for the cooler season ahead — and set yourself up for an abundant spring.

Living in Los Angeles means outdoor space can be limited — but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a thriving garden. Container gardening is one of the best ways to bring greenery (and even fresh produce) into patios, balconies, and small yards.

1. Choose the Right Container
Not all containers are created equal. Terracotta pots are beautiful but dry out quickly, while plastic retains water better. Make sure your pot has drainage holes — healthy roots need airflow.

2. Think Vertical
When space is tight, grow upward. Trellises, hanging baskets, and tiered shelving can multiply your growing space while adding visual interest.

3. Best Plants for Containers

• Herbs: Basil, mint, parsley, and chives thrive in pots.
  
  

• Veggies: Cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and peppers do well in containers.
  
  

• Flowers: Marigolds, petunias, and nasturtiums add color and can even help deter pests.
  
  

4. Soil & Watering Tips
Use a high-quality potting mix (not garden soil) for proper drainage. Check your plants daily — containers dry out faster, especially in the SoCal sun.

5. Add Personality
Container gardens are not just practical, they’re design elements. Mix and match pots, paint them for a personal touch, or repurpose items like wine crates and metal tubs for a unique vibe.

💡 Tip: Rotate containers every couple of weeks so plants get balanced sun exposure.

Atwater Village yards can be just as unique as the community itself — and choosing native plants is a great way to keep your garden beautiful while cutting back on water use and maintenance. Native plants are adapted to the local climate, which means they thrive with less fuss.

Why Go Native?

• Lower water needs (great for drought-conscious LA living).
  
  

• Naturally resistant to local pests.
  
  

• Supports local pollinators and wildlife.
  
  

Top Picks for Atwater Village:

1. California Poppy – Our state flower adds bursts of orange and gold with almost no care needed.
   
   

2. Toyon (Christmas Berry) – Evergreen shrub with bright red berries in winter.
   
   

3. Cleveland Sage – Aromatic, purple blooms, and attracts hummingbirds.
   
   

4. Manzanita – Striking bark and spring flowers.
   
   

5. Deer Grass – Adds texture and movement with low water needs.
   
   

Designing with Natives
Group plants with similar water needs together, and protect the soil with organic coverings like shredded leaves, wood chips from local tree trimmers, or even living ground covers. These not only help retain soil moisture but also build healthier soil as they break down. Native plants also pair beautifully with modern hardscaping (like gravel paths or stone borders) for a clean, low-maintenance look.

💡 Tip: Once established, most native plants need little more than seasonal pruning — leaving you more time to enjoy your weekends!

The holiday season in Southern California brings cooler nights, shorter days, and plenty of distractions that can pull us away from the garden. But with a little care, your plants can thrive right through December and into the new year. Here’s how to keep your garden green, healthy, and productive — all while staying true to organic, sustainable practices.

1. Choose Cold-Friendly Crops
Stick with vegetables that love the chill. Kale, Swiss chard, lettuce, peas, and garlic are perfect for holiday-season planting. They don’t mind cooler nights and will reward you with fresh greens while everyone else is reaching for store-bought produce.

2. Protect Plants Naturally
If a frost warning pops up, protect your crops with old bedsheets, burlap, or row covers instead of plastic tarps. These breathable, reusable materials keep plants warm without creating waste. Community groups (like LA Green Grounds or community gardens in Atwater) are good places to swap for burlap, row covers, or even share tips for cover cropping!

3. Keep the Soil Alive
Soil is a living ecosystem, and cooler weather can slow it down. Add compost or a thin layer of organic mulch like straw or shredded leaves to keep the soil insulated and microbe life active. If you want to go a step further, consider planting cover crops such as clover or vetch — they’ll enrich your soil naturally while providing a “living mulch.”

4. Water with Care
Even in winter, your garden needs water — just less of it. Early morning deep watering helps roots grow strong and prevents fungal issues that can come from damp overnight leaves.

5. Keep it Joyful
The holidays can feel overwhelming, so let your garden be a space of peace. Plant something fragrant like rosemary or lavender — both thrive in cooler months and remind you to pause, breathe, and enjoy the season.

With small, mindful adjustments, your holiday garden can stay lush and nourishing, becoming a gift that gives back long after the decorations come down.