We may not think of winter as the best time to start growing vegetables, but in Southern California, we can use this season to our advantage in a variety of ways when it comes to keeping our garden plentiful.
Saving Water
In Southern California, wintertime is when we receive the most water. By planting crops in the winter, you don't have to worry about watering your plants all the time to keep them moist and cool like in the dry, hot summers. The best part about rainwater is that it's free!
Disease Reduction
Plants can be more susceptible to pests and parasites in the summer. Butterflies, aphids, caterpillars, stinkbugs, and root-knot nematodes are more common in the summers. However, the winter provides a decline in pest and parasite activity, making the more season useful for planting vegetables and keeping them free from warm weather-loving pests.
Better Work Environment
There is nothing better than working hard in cooler temperatures. Southern California summers make it difficult to work outside throughout the day. The cool winter temperatures of our state create an enjoyable work environment for all of the gardening necessities.
Winter Vegetables
Peas
Cabbage
Carrots
Celery
Garlic
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Radish
Not only do these vegetables grow well in the winter, but some need cooler temperatures in order to taste better! Too much heat can allow plants to mature too quickly, creating a bitter taste for some of the crops listed above.
About Pacific Vista Landscape Services
Established in 1988, Pacific Vista Landscape Services manages every aspect of landscaping maintenance and design.
For more information contact us at:
661-222-7525
22777 Lyons Avenue, Suite 212 Santa Clarita, CA., 91321, USA
As Fall is quickly approaching and the weather begins to cool off, there are many things you can do to ensure the health of your garden and landscape in Southern California this Fall.
Fall Mulching
Not only does mulching add a protective layer to help the quality of soil, it also protects your plants against weather conditions. As the weather begins to cool down, it is important that your plants are prepared for the cooler temperatures.
Check Irrigation Systems
With temperatures going down, and the weather not being scorching hot any longer, you may want to check your irrigation system. Not only will this prevent overwatering, but it will also help you save money in the coming, cooler months. Pacific Vista Landscape Services is happy to help you with your irrigation needs. Contact us today!
Harvesting
For those who plant vegetables, fall means harvest season! Harvest season runs from late September to December, but it is never too early in the Fall to prepare. Now is the time to start researching when the best time to harvest your vegetables is, as each is different from the next. It is also the time to buy the tools you need to harvest. This includes pruning shears, scissors, and gloves.
Yard Clean up
Fall is a great time to start pulling your annuals and collecting fallen leaves. You can use your annuals and leaves to create compost for the next season and add it as a layer of supplemental food to next year's plants. They will love it! It's also important to clean up those piles of debris in your yard, especially ones with fruits and vegetables. Leaving these piles out can attract harmful pests to your precious garden.
About Pacific Vista Landscape Services
Established in 1988, Pacific Vista Landscape Services manages every aspect of landscaping maintenance and design.
For more information contact us at:
661-222-7525
22777 Lyons Avenue, Suite 212 Santa Clarita, CA., 91321, USA
If there is one thing most people can agree on, it’s that mosquitos and mosquito bites are annoying. Thankfully, there are many wonderful plants we can surround our yards and gardens with to naturally help prevent these pests.
Plants such as lavender, catmint, peppermint, and marigold all contain strong odors which may smell amazing to humans, but that mosquitos hate. All these plants do amazing in the Southern California climate due to their need for full sun and moderate watering. Another upside of these plants is that they are all perennials! While some marigolds are annuals, there are other types that come back every year and still repel mosquitos, such as the Mexican marigold which boasts beautiful, vibrant summer colors.
If you love planting your own herbs and vegetables, basil and garlic are perfect for you and mosquito repelling, once again due to their fragrance. Both plants do amazing in full sun and can come back every year if properly managed. Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which is what gives garlic its strong odor. This smell may confuse mosquitos and ward them off from biting you!
Not only do all these plants repel mosquitos naturally, but they can also liven up your yard or garden with their scents and colors. There is also no need to worry about where your helpful bees and butterflies will go once you add these plants to your home. While mosquitos detest these plants, butterflies, and bees, helpful garden insects, are still very much attracted to them.
From the beautiful colors of marigolds and lavender to the fresh smell of basil and peppermint, these plants have many great features whilst ridding of those biting pests.
About Pacific Vista Landscape Services
Established in 1988, Pacific Vista Landscape Services manages every aspect of landscaping maintenance and design. For more information contact us at:
661-222-7525
22777 Lyons Avenue, Suite 212 Santa Clarita, CA., 91321, USA
