While most of the United States is feeling the cold crispness of fall with temperatures falling until the frost of fall kills the summer harvest, here in Santa Cruz we can relish in the joy of being able to plant vegetables that do not like the dry summers. What is referred to as cool season crops across the nation or plants like lettuce, spinach, broccoli and chard, which commonly go straight to seed in mid summer, will grow and produce wonderfully in winter here.

During the coldest part of winter some protection will be needed for overnight frost, a simple sheet put out in the evening and taken off when the sun is up will keep even the most tender leaf viable for a fresh winter salad or warm stir fry.

As with all plants there are windows of preferred planting, the moon cycles being a great reference, also the correspondence of the first fall rains. The new moon this fall is on October 7th, from that day to the 14th plant herbs and leafy greens. This includes lettuce, spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, chard, bok choy, parsley, and dill. After the 14th of October when the moon is past the first quarter heading towards full, it is best to plant peas and strawberries. After the full moon, root crops prosper as strong gravitational pull encourages root growth, a perfect time for onions, garlic, radishes, beets, and carrots.

Plants like tomatoes, peppers, squash, and beans don’t do as well in winter since they prefer the hot dry sun. For those treats we’ll have to wait for next year.

Happy gardening.

Presented by Diane Flowers, SOL Inspirations