Got Compost: FALL PLANTING - IT'S NOT TOO LATE!

Got Compost: FALL PLANTING - IT'S NOT TOO LATE!: Winter may be right around the corner, but that’s no reason to put your gardening tools into storage. November's cool fall eveni...

FALL PLANTING - IT'S NOT TOO LATE!

Winter may be right around the corner, but that’s no reason to put your gardening tools into storage.

November's cool fall evenings and normally warm sunny days give Central Coast gardeners one last opportunity to plant vegetables and flowers for the year.

Plant Hearty Flowers: Plenty of cool-season flowers are durable enough to withstand heavy rains, near freezing temperatures and even hot Santa Ana winds--almost anything that Mother Nature can throw our way this month. Check local nurseries for pansies, primrose, sweet alyssum, snapdragons, California wildflowers and calendula so they will be in full bloom in fall and winter. Flowers may last until spring.

Divide Existing Perennials: Divide perennials including Shasta daisies, daffodils, callas and yarrow. To divide, begin digging around the roots at the drip line so there is less chance of root damage as more roots will remain intact. Replant in well-composted soil and water generously until roots take hold.

A Vegetable Garden in November? Yep, gardeners who want fresh vegetables year-round have a variety of cool-season vegetables to plant in November. Beets, carrots, radishes, turnips, strawberries, celery, cabbage and broccoli can all be planted in November and will produce vegetables one to two months after planting.

Mulch Gardens:

Mulch is just as important in fall as it is in spring and summer. Spread a two-inch layer around gardens, bushes and trees. Weeds use any amount of rain to begin to grow. The layer of mulch keeps weeds in check. Mulch will also stop rain-producing mud from splashing onto garden plants. A layer of Harvest Blend Compost is the perfect material to use! Make sure to keep compost a few inches away from plant stems.

Top Dress Lawns:

When done the right way, the technique of “top-dressing,” or adding a thin layer of compost over lawns, can improve the soil without harming the existing turf. Top-dressing gradually improves soil over time. As organic matter breaks down, it filters through the existing soil to improve texture and overall health. 

To learn more about top dressing your lawn with compost (and other compost uses) email our friendly field reps, check out our website or call 805.925.2771