Fall Vegetable Gardening in Southern California: What to Plant and When
- Lisa Myers
- 15 hours ago
- 3 min read
It's hot and tiring in the garden right now. Some of my gardens are tired too. I don't blame them. They've been producing amazing vegetables and fruits for months. I've been caring for them relentlessly. But it's August, and it's hot.
Some of my plants have simply worn themselves out. Corn that tasseled and grew super-sweet kernels, and a Golden Zucchini that produced for several months. They have done exactly what they were supposed to do...and now they're done and tired.
So it's time they come out.
Zucchini no longer producing and corn that's harvested and drying out.
And When a Bed Opens Up, I Have to Figure Out What's Next
The zucchini will make room for a late-season melon that needs some space to stretch out. The corn bed is a different story. It can rest for a while, or it can become home to the beginning of my fall garden. I'll tell you my choice? A little rest. (More for me than it.) :)
And even though it's still hot outside, I'm already thinking about what I want growing in that space come fall. The cool season begins sometime in mid-October, but direct-sown seeds can get a head start when there's an open bed available.
What to Grow in a Fall Garden
If you're ready to start planning your fall vegetable garden in Southern California, the first step is knowing which crops thrive as the weather cools. Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, spinach, peas, carrots and radishes are all good places to start, along with cool-season herbs and flowers.
I've put together a simple Southern California Seasonal Planting Guide that lays out the warm- and cool-season growing windows and gives you a quick list of what to grow in each.
Of course, knowing what can be planted is different from figuring out what makes sense for your garden. Which bed should rest? What should go in the space that's opening up? Should you start seeds now or wait? And how do you care for those growing seedlings?
That's where I can help.
If you'd rather have someone look at your garden with you and help you figure out what to plant, when to plant it, and how to keep things moving through the seasons, let's work together.
Frequently Asked Questions: Fall Gardening in Southern California
When should I start my fall vegetable garden in Southern California?
You can begin planning—and in some cases planting—your fall garden while summer is still underway. Cool-season crops can be started in late summer so they have time to establish before temperatures cool. The exact timing depends on the crop, your location, and whether you're starting from seed or transplant.
What vegetables can I plant in a Southern California fall garden?
Popular cool-season choices include broccoli, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, spinach, peas, carrots and radishes. Herbs such as cilantro and parsley also do well in the cool season.
Can I plant broccoli in August in Southern California?
You can start broccoli in late summer, particularly if your goal is to get plants established before cooler weather arrives. Broccoli is a cool-season crop, so the challenge is getting it through the heat rather than expecting it to thrive immediately. Starting earlier can give plants a head start for the fall growing season.
Can I plant cauliflower in August in Southern California?
Cauliflower is another cool-season crop that can be started in late summer for a fall garden. Like broccoli, it is sensitive to heat, so finding a shadier spot during the summer heat helps. matter. Starting it early enough to establish before cooler weather can be useful.
What can I direct sow for a fall garden?
Some cool-season crops are particularly well suited to direct sowing, including peas, lettuce, beets, radishes, carrots and other root vegetables. Cilantro and parsley can also be started from seed.
Do I need to remove my summer vegetables before planting a fall garden?
Not necessarily. If a summer plant is still producing well, there's no reason to remove it simply because you're approaching fall. But when a crop has finished—as my corn and zucchini have—you can decide whether the bed should rest or whether it's ready for the next crop.
Should I let my garden bed rest between crops?
Sometimes, yes. A bed doesn't have to be planted immediately every time something comes out. But if the space is available and you have a crop that can take advantage of the timing, you can also move directly into the next growing season. There isn't one right answer; it depends on the condition of the bed and what you want to grow next.
What flowers can I plant in a Southern California fall garden?
Cool-season flowers can be part of the edible garden too. Your seasonal guide includes calendula, snapdragons and nasturtiums among the cool-season choices.
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