YES- You can plant now in October for your health!

October is an excellent time to grow cool-season crops and herbs in Southern California since the weather is cooling down, but it’s still warm enough to support good plant growth. Here’s a list of edible flowers, herbs, vegetables, and other produce plants that you can plant now, along with their soil preferences and care tips.

Edible Flowers

1. Nasturtiums

   • Soil: Well-draining, slightly sandy soil

   • Care: Full sun to partial shade; keep soil moderately moist. Nasturtiums are low-maintenance and thrive in poor soils, which enhances flower production.

2. Calendula (Pot Marigold)

   • Soil: Well-draining loam or sandy soil

   • Care: Full sun to partial shade; water moderately. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.

3. Violas / Pansies

   • Soil: Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter

   • Care: Keep soil evenly moist; they thrive in full sun to partial shade. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Herbs

1. Cilantro

   • Soil: Loamy, well-drained soil with compost

   • Care: Needs partial to full sun; keep the soil consistently moist. Cilantro bolts quickly, so plant it where it gets some afternoon shade.

2. Parsley

   • Soil: Rich, well-draining soil

   • Care: Full to partial sun; water regularly but avoid overwatering. Trim leaves to promote growth.

3. Chives

   • Soil: Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil

   • Care: Full sun; water moderately. Snip leaves regularly to encourage new growth.

4. Thyme

   • Soil: Sandy or loamy soil with good drainage

   • Care: Full sun; water sparingly as thyme prefers dry conditions. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Vegetables

1. Lettuce (Butterhead, Romaine, etc.)

   • Soil: Loose, well-draining soil with lots of compost

   • Care: Provide partial shade to protect from heat; water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Harvest leaves as needed.

2. Kale

   • Soil: Well-draining soil, rich in organic matter

   • Care: Full sun to partial shade; water deeply but infrequently. Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continuous growth.

3. Spinach

   • Soil: Loamy, well-drained soil with compost

   • Care: Partial shade is ideal in warmer areas; water consistently to prevent bolting. Harvest leaves as they mature.

4. Carrots

   • Soil: Loose, sandy, well-draining soil to allow root development

   • Care: Full sun to partial shade; keep soil evenly moist. Thin seedlings to give roots room to grow properly.

5. Radishes

   • Soil: Loamy, well-draining soil

   • Care: Full sun; water regularly to maintain moisture. Harvest in 3-4 weeks when roots are about 1 inch in diameter.

6. Beets

   • Soil: Loose, sandy loam with good drainage

   • Care: Full sun to partial shade; water consistently. Harvest young greens or roots at 1-3 inches wide.

Other Produce Plants

1. Garlic

   • Soil: Loose, well-drained soil with compost

   • Care: Full sun; plant cloves with the pointed end up and keep soil evenly moist until established. Harvest in late spring or early summer.

2. Onions (Bunching/Green Onions)

   • Soil: Well-draining soil with organic matter

   • Care: Full sun; water regularly. Bunching onions grow fast and can be harvested in as little as 8-10 weeks.

3. Peas (Snow and Snap Peas)

   • Soil: Well-draining soil with organic matter

   • Care: Full sun; water regularly and provide a trellis for climbing varieties. Harvest pods frequently to encourage more production.

Care Tips for Fall Planting in Southern California

• Soil Prep: Mix compost into your soil to improve water retention and add nutrients.

• Watering: Even though it’s cooler, new plants still need regular water. Check soil moisture often.

• Fertilizing: Use organic fertilizers, like compost tea or fish emulsion, to support plant growth throughout fall and winter.

• Mulch: Adding mulch around plants helps maintain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

• Pests: Keep an eye out for aphids and snails, which are common in cool weather. Use natural remedies like neem oil or diatomaceous earth if needed.

Planting in October gives you a head start on your fall and winter garden. With the mild Southern California weather, these plants will thrive with just a bit of attention and care. Happy planting!