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
Updated: Feb 22, 2023
As Californians, we are lucky to live in such a nice, warm climate. But sometimes, the winter days hit us harder than usual, and we need a little something to spice up our life – or yard!
With California’s Mediterranean climate we are lucky to be able to still have beautiful flowers all year round. Here are a few that can add more liveliness and color around your home.
Winter Jasmine
Yellow and elegant, winter jasmine is known in Chinese as “The flower that welcomes Spring”. A lively addition to your yard, winter jasmine can thrive in cold and hot temperatures making it the perfect perennial. Winter jasmine does best with regular watering, especially during those hot SoCal summers and a bit of trimming from time to time.
Hydrangeas
Seen all over Southern California, these flowers come in a multitude of colors and their beautiful form will surely add personality to your yard or garden. Hydrangeas are a lovely flower because of their easy care. This flower has two main requirements: morning sun and afternoon shade and a well-draining soil.
Pansies
Pansies are a delicate, low-maintenance flower that can add so much calm to the surroundings of your domicile. These dainty flowers enjoy the same amount of sunshine as the hydrangea and do well in Southern California winters because of the sunshine.
Pansies should be planted about a foot apart from each other. They are relatively low maintenance and can provide more character to your home.
Want the best results with these flowers for your yard? Contact us today!
There are a few reason why the time of year matters when trimming trees. In most cases, the winter months from November to March is the best time for trees because that is when the tree enters dormancy. This is the tree's resting period. Trimming trees too early can disrupt the tree from entering the dormancy period by promoting new growth.
Deciduous trees lose their leaves and waiting until all their leaves fall is a good indicator it's entering it's dormant period. Trees need every bit of nutrients from their leaves before dropping them. Trimming before new growth begins is helpful in making trees grow abundantly well in spring.
Pruning in late winter is beneficial in colder climates because it helps trees' wounds be exposed to the elements for a minimum amount of time before new growth begins. It also is easier to see the branches and make cuts without leaves, as well as branches being lighter when they fall on other landscape.
Another reason is that there is less likely an insect or fungus infestation during the winter months. Avoid trimming after new growth begins because this is also when birds are nesting and producing young.
Depending on when fruit and flowering trees produce, they should be trimmed after their production ends, which helps promote more production in the future. Flower trees benefit from deadheading old blossoms. A fruit tree with a good canopy that lets light filter through will produce better than a tree with dense branches.
Always trim a tree any time of the year if there is a danger of a branch falling. Also, a good rule of thumb is to not cut more than 30% of a tree at one time. Cut branches that rub together or that grow against the main trunk. New trees should not be pruned for the first year.
There are exceptions to the winter trimming rule. Here in Southern California, some subtropical trees can be trimmed all year around!
Got trees? Landscape needs? We can help!Commercial or residential, Contact us today!
