We live in a specialized environment that is different from the rest of the United States. We have a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters and located between about 30° and 45° latitude north and south of the Equator and on the western sides of the continents.

As a result, we have different planting times from other parts of the country. Once you understand this, gardening becomes so much easier.

When looking for “time to plant” information on the internet or in a book, make sure it includes USDA zones 9-10 or sunset book zones 22-24. Following anything except that specific zone information will have you spinning your wheels and feeling like a failure.

Late Winter/Early Spring are interchangeable here in So Cal depending on the sunlight exposure. North and east (cool) facing areas are great for greens like lettuce, spinach, chard and kale, soft green herbs included. South facing (hot) areas are great for starting summer crop seeds.

We all get excited to plant our summer crops!! A test for summer crops is:

Are there seeds on the inside? Botanically, the vegetables we enjoy in the warm summer months are fruits.

A fruit has the seeds on the inside (of course there are exceptions)

Longer days, a bit warmer temperatures and we can’t wait!. Truly, I believe that waiting for real heat is best. We can try to wean these living plants along but what a hassle. Powdery mildew, slow growth. flowers fall off. Some crops were meant for hot hot weather. Zinnias, my favorite summer flower are best when started late July, Tomatoes are a bit more forgiving, start around late April. Peppers? buy plants, so hard to get them to germinate. Squash, put seed in the ground, water and watch out! Plant sunflower seeds at the beginning of the season, around April and you will be blessed with multitudes of sunflowers.

We are starting our tomatoes, basil, squash now, hoping for a hot spring. If you don’t try, you will never succeed! When I first started the Horticulture field I was always hesitant, should I start the seeds now or later.

I finally realized that all there was is now (duh) and started doing things. Was I ready? no, so what, I’ll have plenty time to get ready.