How to Grow Vegetables in Southern California

The climate of Southern California provides the opportunity to grow vegetables year-round.

According to the Gardening Coaches in Camarillo, California, the climate type of climate found in Southern California can only be found in five places in the world. With mostly moderate temperatures and only the occasional frost, the climate of Southern California makes an ideal setting to grow vegetables year-round. The trick is knowing when to plant what vegetables; some vegetables grow better in the heat of summer, while the relative coolness of winter will benefit others. If you can master the tricks and techniques of growing vegetables in the climate, you can have fresh food year-round.

Things You'll Need

• Soil tiller
• Fertilizer
• Shovel
• Vegetable seeds
• Watering can

Instructions

1. Choose an area of your backyard to form your garden. The vegetables should receive half a day of sunlight in the winter to stop them from being too cold; summer sunlight will be longer because the days are longer. If possible, choose an area where the trees, awnings or other cover in your yard will provide partial shade during the summer.

2. Till the soil in your chosen garden patch to prepare it to receive seeds. Mix in organic compost or fertilizer; this will provide extra food for the seeds, and also better drainage to the soil itself. Flatten the newly-mixed soil with a shovel, so that you can plant the seeds at the same depth.

3. Choose the vegetable seeds that are ideal for your climate and the time of year. Some vegetables, like radishes, carrots and Swiss chard, can be planted and grow successfully any time of year; others, like broccoli and celery, must be planted at specific times. Consult Southern California websites or experts at your local gardening center for tips about what to plant and when.

4. Dig small holes about six inches deep to insert the seeds. Cover the seeds gently with soil; do not tamp down too hard on the soil when covering the seeds, or you may cut them off completely from air flow and sunshine.

5. Dribble water onto the ground around the seeds until the soil is damp, but not soaked. Do not spray water roughly onto the area, or you risk washing away the seeds. Continue to water as needed when the soil begins to dry out. This will vary depending on the vegetable and rainfall.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also start seeds in an indoor tray, if you want to start them growing at their optimum time but the garden is not ready.

• Some vegetables, like winter zucchini, can only be grown in an area in which the ground never freezes. Consult experts at garden centers and nurseries if you have questions regarding your specific area for planting.

References

• Gardening Coaches: Growing Vegetables in Southern California
• Learn2Grow: Southern California Plant to Eat
• OCRegister: What to Plant in Your Southern California Garden

Resources

• DigitalSeed: Vegetable Schedule for Southern California