Fall is San Diego's real planting season
Fall Is San Diego's Real Planting Season
Most people head to the nursery in spring. In San Diego, that is usually the wrong time.
Our climate works backwards from most of the country. Summers are long, hot and dry. Winters are mild, and that is when our rain comes. A plant that goes in the ground in April has a few weeks to settle in before it faces five months of heat with little or no rain. A plant that goes in the ground in October or November gets cooler days, warm soil and the winter rains to grow roots before its first summer.
That is why native plant experts, including the University of California Master Gardeners and the California Native Plant Society, recommend fall as the best time to plant in Southern California.
Why fall works
1. Warm soil, cool air. The soil still holds summer heat, which helps roots grow. The cooler air means less stress on the leaves.
2. Free water. Winter rain does much of the watering for you during the first critical months.
3. A head start on summer. By May, a fall-planted shrub has had six or more months to build a root system. A spring-planted shrub has had a few weeks.
What to plant
Plants native to Southern California, and other plants from similar Mediterranean climates, are built for this cycle. A few dependable choices:
- Cleveland sage: fragrant, purple flowers, very little water once established
- California lilac (Ceanothus): blue flowers in spring, comes in shrubs and ground covers
- Manzanita: red bark and year-round structure
- California buckwheat: tough and attracts pollinators
- Deer grass: a clean, low-maintenance grass for borders
- Lavender and rosemary: not native, but well suited to our climate
To find plants that fit your specific neighborhood, coast or inland, try the plant finder at Calscape.org, run by the California Native Plant Society.
How to plant so it survives
- Water the hole first. Fill it with water, let it drain, then plant.
- Water deeply at planting, then let the soil dry between waterings. Overwatering kills more native plants than drought does.
- Cut back once the rains start. In the first summer, water deeply every couple of weeks. After a year or two, many natives need little to no supplemental water.
- Skip the fertilizer. Most natives do better without it.
- Mind the five feet around your house. In fire-prone areas, keep that zone to low, well-spaced plants and non-flammable materials such as gravel, not bark mulch.
What it does for your home
This is where it connects to real estate. A healthy, drought-tolerant front yard improves curb appeal, cuts the water bill and stays green-looking through summer without constant watering.
Two things worth knowing:
- Rebates. Many San Diego County homeowners can get paid to replace a grass lawn through the SoCal Water$mart program. You must apply and be approved before you remove any grass. Projects started first usually do not qualify.
- HOAs. Under California Civil Code §4735, an HOA cannot prohibit low water-using plants as a replacement for existing turf. You may still need to submit your plans for architectural approval, so check your HOA's process first.
Bottom line
If you have been thinking about replacing a thirsty lawn or filling in bare spots, do not wait for spring. Plant now and let the winter rain do the work.
Have a question about your yard, or how landscaping affects your home's value? Send me a note.
Sources:
- [UC Agriculture and Natural Resources: Fall Planting for California Natives](https://ucanr.edu/blog/garden-notes/article/fall-planting-california-natives)
- [UC Master Gardener Program of San Diego County: Native Plant Resources](https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardener-program-san-diego-county/native-plant-resources)
- [Calscape (California Native Plant Society): plant finder](https://calscape.org/)
- [SoCal Water$mart rebates](https://socalwatersmart.com/)
- [California Civil Code §4735](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=4735)
Bassem Elsayeh
REALTOR® | REeBroker Group | CA DRE #01901933