Fall is the Best Time to Plant

Although many of us have been conditioned that planting begins in the Springtime, if you live in Southern California Autumn is really the best time to plant. As it cools off the plants can adapt much better to the soil and if we are lucky enough to get rain in the winter they will benefit from that as well.
So you say, “What do I do now – stay inside and drink a cool beverage?” Yes, but while you are doing that, you need to begin to plan your landscape so that you are ready to hit the ground running in late October or early November. If you plan to use a landscaper; it is time to get them on board now, chances are they will be booked up later in the year so it is great to start getting pricing and timing figured out with your landscaper of choice.
Here are some things you can begin doing now to be ready for autumn.
If you are applying for the SCV Lawn Replacement Program, start now. You will have time to install the design once it gets cool and making yourself familiar with all the rules will help you create a better plan.
Make sure you have a nice layout that shows plant type and location for each of your plants. You should also create a plant list with plant type, size to purchase, and quantity. This will make it easier to get pricing. Be specific on your plant list!
If you are planning to sheet mulch your garden – now is a great time to do that. The hot weather is perfect to break down the cardboard and feed the soil. If you are using the LRP – you must be approved before starting this!
If you have hardscape to install, you can get that done during the summer. Make sure you chat with your contractor to be sure that you have conduit or piping under all elements so that you can get irrigation into all your planting areas come fall. Permeable hardscape will qualify for rebate on the LRP – non-permeable will not be rebated.
If you’d like a little help navigating the design process, I’d love to walk you through a truly healthy approach to designing your garden. Please feel free to reach out!
Julie Molinare is a Landscape Designer living in the Santa Clarita for over 20 years. Julie taught the Introduction to Landscape Design Class @ CSUN Tseng College of Extended Learning and is Owner/Designer of The Grass Is Always Greener Designs 661-917-3521 www.thegrassisalwaysgreener.net