Fall Planting at Las Flores: A Gentle Reminder

ByMary Church

Fall is Here

It may still feel like summer in Southern California, but fall is closer than we think—and in the garden, that means it’s time to plan. At Las Flores Community Garden, planting is not just encouraged, it’s required year-round. This ensures that every plot stays productive, beautiful, and aligned with the mission of our community: to keep our garden thriving 12 months a year.

September is the perfect moment to transition from summer harvests to cool-season crops. Even if you’ve never gardened in the fall, you’ll be surprised at how rewarding (and delicious!) this season can be.

Why We Plant Year-Round

Keeping every plot active isn’t about rules for the sake of rules—it’s about:

  • Soil Health: Empty plots dry out, compact, and attract weeds. Active planting keeps the soil alive and rich.
  • Community Pride: Full beds mean a vibrant, welcoming space for all who visit.
  • Continuous Harvest: Fall is prime time for greens, roots, and herbs that thrive in cooler weather.

For Gardeners Who Want to Be Active This Fall

If you’re ready to go all in on fall planting, September is your green light. Here’s what you can start now:

  • Leafy Greens: Lettuce, kale, arugula, spinach
  • Root Vegetables: Carrots, radishes, beets, turnips
  • Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts
  • Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, and chives
  • Pro Tip: Stagger your plantings every 2–3 weeks to keep your harvest going strong into winter.

For Gardeners with Limited Time

Not everyone has hours to spend in their plot each week—and that’s okay. You still have options that meet the garden’s year-round requirement while keeping your workload light:

  • Cover Crops: Clover, vetch, or legumes improve soil and suppress weeds with very little effort.
  • Hardy Greens: Swiss chard and mustard greens are low-maintenance and forgiving.
  • Perennials & Herbs: Rosemary, oregano, thyme—plant once and enjoy them year after year.

September Garden To-Do List

  • Clear out summer crops that have finished producing.
  • Add compost or soil amendments to refresh your beds.
  • Rotate your plant families to keep soil balanced.
  • Start seeds indoors in the greenhouse for transplanting later.

Closing

Fall planting comes quicker than we think, and keeping our plots active is a shared responsibility at Las Flores. Whether you’re planning rows of broccoli and kale or simply adding a cover crop, every gardener contributes to the beauty and success of our community.

Let’s make this fall season a strong one—because an active garden is a healthy garden, and a healthy garden is what keeps Las Flores blooming all year long.

Happy Gardening!

Mary Church

Similar Posts