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
Whether beginning a new landscaping project or renovating existing grounds, finding a good landscaping team is made easy thanks to the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA).
CLCA’s Find My Contractor Search is an easy way to find someone in your area and you can also enter a name to see if they are a member of the CLCA.
Here are the important questions to ask when hiring a landscaping team:
Are They Licensed?
If your project costs more than $500, the contractor must be licensed by the state of California. To verify a license, use the California State License Board’s Instant License Check or call them at (800) 321-2752.
Contractors must demonstrate a minimum level of competency and financial responsibility to be licensed. All CLCA member-contractors meet this requirement.
Many of California’s cities and counties require business licenses. The Department of Agriculture requires landscape firms applying pesticides in California to have a pest control license.
Are They Insured?
Workers’ compensation insurance protects you in case a worker employed by a contractor is injured on your property. General liability insurance protects against not-so-natural disasters. These policies typically offer a minimum coverage of $300,000 to $1 million for residential and at least $1 million for commercial work.
Are They Certified?
CLCA Certified Water Managers must pass a written test and complete a rigorous year-long field performance test that documents their ability to use water wisely.
Landscape Industry Certified Technicians must pass a rigorous written & “hands-on” examination demonstrating a thorough knowledge of installation, maintenance and irrigation.
Pacific Vista Landscape Services is proud to be a member of the CLCA and licensed, insured, and certified! Contact us today for a free consultation on your next landscaping project!
Due to our ongoing drought conditions, fire-wise landscaping is now a year-round responsibility in Southern California. While no plants are fire-proof, some can greatly reduce the heat generated during a wildfire, and reduce the ability of the fire to travel to a home or structure.
Here are some fire-wise landscaping tips from BeWaterWise.com:
Keep plants properly watered, especially within 30’ of home but do not overwater.
Use of hard scape materials, such as stone/brick/concrete pathways and patios, and inorganic mulches adjacent to home adds to your fire resistant landscape.
Prune back tree limbs to 10’ from chimney.
Clear leaves and needles out of gutters and roof valleys.
Native plants can be used. Some may require trimming up lower branches. Eliminate fuel ladders from ground to lower then upper branches.
Remove invasive plant species, such as, Arundo, castor bean, and ivy.
Ensure that fuel management activities do not disturb birds’ nests, especially hummingbirds’, which are walnut-sized and easily overlooked.
Maintain defensible space around your home. Check with your local fire dept for the required distance.
Defensible space around your home reduces the risk of fire transmission to your property and allows firefighters safe access around structures. More info about defensible space here: https://www.pacificvistalandscape.com/single-post/2018/04/29/Defensible-Space
Going on vacation?
Before you leave for your vacation, make sure that you have also left your home well prepared in case a wildfire occurs while you are away:
Make sure to close all windows and doors securely
Remove anything flammable around perimeter of house, including any outdoor furniture, cushions, door mats, and trash cans
Clean up all yard debris before leaving, including under decks and in rain gutters
Making the choice to adapt these fire-wise tips can make the difference if a wildfire threatens your home or business. If you would like our landscaping experts to asses your landscaped areas, give us a call at 661-222-7525 for a free consultation!
