Winter Gardening in San Diego: Tips for Every Gardener

11/22/24

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there’s always something new to learn about keeping your garden thriving during the colder months. In San Diego County, as temperatures cool and the rainy season approaches, it’s the ideal time for planting many types of plants, including cool-season vegetables, bare-root fruit, California natives, and trees. We’re happy to share some valuable tips and tricks for maintaining a healthy, vibrant garden all winter long!

 

Transitioning to Cool-Season Vegetables & Fruits

If you planted a warm-season vegetable garden earlier in the year, your plants might be nearing the end of their seasonal life cycle. Now is the perfect time to introduce cool-season crops into your garden. To ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season, start planting cool-season crops now and add more every three to four weeks. This approach will guarantee a steady supply of fresh produce and a thriving garden all season! Refer to the table on the right to see some examples of vegetables and fruits that can be considered.

Crop Type Crops
Leafy Greens Spinach, Kale, Swiss Chard, Lettuce
Cruciferous Vegetables Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts
Allium Vegetables Leeks
Root Vegetables Beets, Turnips
Podded Vegetables Peas
Stalk Vegetables Celery
Herbs Parsley
Bare-Root Fruits Berries
Other Fruits Grapes

Revitalizing Native Landscapes

Flowers

Native landscapes are beginning to wake up from summer dormancy, making it the right time to plant wildflowers like California poppies (Eschscholzia californica), lupine (Lupinus), Chinese houses (Collinsia heterophylla), baby blue eyes (Nemophila), clarkia, and California larkspur (Delphinium californicum) from seed. You can also transplant native plants into your garden. Introducing native species benefits pollinators and wildlife, helping sustain local ecosystems. Some notable native plant species to add now include sagebrush (Artemesia californica), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), California rose (Rosa californica), matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri) and California bush sunflower (Encelia californica), among many others.

Additional Tips!

Tree planting during the cool season will contribute to successful establishment, as winter rains reduce the need for watering, and cooler weather reduces water loss through transpiration. Many trees and woody species, such as pines and acacias, can also be pruned during these months as needed, preparing them for spring’s active growth.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind as you start your gardening process:

  1. Keep your garden trim and tidy: Remove any plants that didn't survive last year and start fresh.
  2. Take care of your tools: Sharpen pruners and clean gardening tools to ensure they're ready for winter.
  3. Add carbon-rich material: Incorporate compost into your soil to improve its quality and provide nutrients for your plants.

Remember, San Diego's mild climate allows for year-round gardening, so with a little extra care and attention, you can keep your garden thriving all winter!

For more information on native landscapes, please visit the County Native Landscape Program homepage. To assist with planting in your area, you can refer to the USDA Hardiness Zone Map, as well as these additional resources for native plants, landscape and pest management, and tree care. You can also visit the California Native Plant Society and Master Gardener Association of San Diego County’s websites for further resources.