Month-by-Month: Fall

Today is another beautiful sunny day here in the Oakland Hills. It is 64 degrees this morning, with a possible high of 69 degrees in late afternoon. The days are still warm, and the evenings are cool and sometimes foggy. We're tapering off from our summer heat (which typically occurs in September and October), and hoping for winter rains to start soon (I've heard mixed predictions, for both rain and more drought). The plants need rain after months with only fog for moisture or short bursts of light rain that barely settle the dust. Even the native plants are looking parched.

Raised-bed pumpkin, ready to harvest

Today I'm checking the University of California Master Gardeners of Alameda County website, to see what the Month-by-Month page recommends for October, November, and December. All this year we've been monitoring this site to get a feel for what we should be doing in the garden. By now, most of the summer harvest is complete, so activities turn to preparing the garden for spring and summer. 

In October and November, continue to care for cool-season vegetables and flowers that were planted in September. Plant vegetables, such as lettuce, green onions, potatoes, peas, for harvest in the spring, and garlic and shallots for harvest in the summer. Plant spring bulbs, such as daffodils, hyacinth, and grape hyacinth (some bulbs may need to be chilled before planting to simulate nature). 

Fall is the best time to plant perennials and California Natives, since any winter rains help the plants establish strong root systems. Throughout the garden, clean up debris that might harbor pests, and add weeds, leaves, and spent flowers to the compost pile. Stop fertilizing and turn off irrigation. It's time for homesteaders to wrap up their work in the garden, and time for nature to go dormant and do it's magic!