An at-home guide to your own vegetable garden
Photo by Serafina LoGiacco
We're passionate about creating regenerative, accessible food systems, and we know many of you are as well. This can start right in your backyard, or on your apartment patio. Growing your own food and sharing it in a meal with friends is one of the most fulfilling experiences, and one of the best things you can do for your health.
We asked our friend Greg Reese (@gregreese), founder of 1000 Tiny Farms and co-founder/farm manager of Sea + Soil Collective, to share his knowledge of southern California land, via an autumn planting guide.
Let's dig in...
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In southern California, late autumn is the time to plant cool season vegetables, such as:
- Root vegetables (carrots, beets, potatoes, radishes, turnips)
- Leafy greens (spinach)
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, bok choy)
- Herbs (thyme, oregano, savory sage, mint)
- Onions & green onions
- Fennel, celery, parsley, cilantro
- Beans
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Herbs can be planted in the shallowest soil, around 4 inches. Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables typically need to be planted in at least 12" of soil. Root vegetables should be planted in deeper soil (at least 18 inches). Pots can be a great option for these, so that they have plenty of space to grow under the soil level. Beans need to be planted in the deepest soil, so save these for pots or raised beds that have at least 24" of soil depth.
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Herbs and vegetables with internal seeds, such as beans, should be planted the week before full moon. Root vegetables should be planted on the full moon; leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables should be planted on soon after the new moon.
The key to a successful winter garden is to allow your plants to get as much sunlight as you can before the winter solstice in December. This means getting a start in the months before.
And one last tip from Farmer Greg: if it's a colder fall, cover the plants with frost cloth while they are young.
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If you are seeking more education to start or expand your garden, San Diego Seed Company has some great gardening resources to support you. Happy gardening!
