Plant Seeds or Starts for Winter Vegetables Now

You may not be thinking Winter in mid-August, but now time to start planting cool-season vegetables from seed.

California enjoys a long growing season. The cool side of summer and the warm side of winter both count for bumper-crop gardening. Planting now allows for a deep, established root system and a very long growing season resulting in more abundant harvests. Sow seeds directly in the garden as space permits, or start seeds indoors and set out in September. Snap peas growing on a vine

We are starting to get some starter plants in our bedding department. These provide a few weeks head start on those planted from seed. Important to remember that these winter vegetables are sensitive to heat and should not be in sun after noon until about September 1st.

Veggies to plant now include leafy vegetables and members of the cabbage family and including cauliflower and broccoli. Also, plant parsley, snap peas and snow peas, onions, leeks, and chard. Along with beets, carrots, radishes from seed.

(Remember to protect young starter plants from intense heat if temperatures spike; improvise a shade cover. We have shade cloth to help.