Contrary to popular custom, fall, not spring, is the ideal planting season in Santa Barbara. Cooler weather is just a few months ahead, so now is the perfect time to begin planning and planting. The soil is still warm from summer, while the cooler fall air encourages stronger root systems. These plants will have a long season of cool weather and rain before the following summer season. Rainy weather ahead also means that after you water for the first few months, Mother Nature will come in and do much of the watering for you while your plants are getting established. In Santa Barbara, gardening is really a year around activity and especially pleasurable in the mild fall season.

What can you plant in the fall? Just about anything in our temperate weather zone. Perennials, natives, lawns, fall color, vegetables, bulbs and seeds. Fall is a great time to rethink and redesign your landscape. Walk your property and study it well. Do you really use all of that front lawn? How about adding more shade trees and vines for privacy in the backyard? Does that slope need groundcover shrubs before the winter rains? Is your water bill too high? All of these problems can be solved with a little study and planning.

Fall is a great time to renovate old lawns. First off, make yours smaller!. The average house lot rarely needs or uses more than 800 sq. ft. When my sons outgrew our "soccer field" they wanted to practice with teammates on a regulation field anyway. Do we really need that front lawn which is never used and serves no purpose as a barrier from street noise and contributes nothing to our privacy? How about putting in trees, shrubs and other low water use and maintenance plants. Plan a scented, color, butterfly or bird garden, that you can really enjoy and appreciate for years. The savings in time and money from not having to mow, water, fertilize or spray fungicides on an area we do not use will be greatly appreciated.

During the drought, xeriscaping (from Greek words xeros for dry, and scape for vista) became the rage. In the industry we now prefer "drought tolerant" or better yet, "Mediterranean style", to denote a low water usage landscape. By planting a hardy landscape in the fall you will be pleasantly surprised at how little watering is needed by summer. Except for annual color gardens and lawns, most plants need much less water than you think - don't drown them!

Bulbs planted throughout the fall season will create a longer duration of spring color. By planting similar bulbs every few weeks, you will enjoy blooms for many months. Fall bulbs include ranunculus, daffodils, narcissus, crocus, freesias, hyacinths and anemones.

Flower, vegetable and grass seeds are an ideal fall planting. The main causes for seed planting failure, are lack of moisture, and improper planting depth. With fall's shorter days and the coming winter rains it is easier to keep the ground moist and loose. Remember to plant those seeds much shallower than you think - don't bury them to death - and mulch to retain moisture.

Like bulbs, you can prolong your vegetable season by spreading out the planting times for a longer harvest. Fall vegetables include kale, carrots, broccoli, peas, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, spinach and chard. However, in our mild coastal climate, why not experiment with various vegetables and herbs? You might just discover a new success for your micro-climate.

What can you not plant in the fall? Anything that is frost sensitive, such as tropical plants, and winter dormant lawns like summer Bermuda grasses. Bougainvillea, hibiscus, lantana and tropical fruit trees are simply too sensitive to the occasional cold snap that the area can experience every winter.

Fall is also a great time to clean up your yard. Garden debris harbors snails, earwigs and many other pests and diseases. Be raking up leaves and other plant debris, you'll eliminate the protective home for over-wintering pests.

So happy fall planting and enjoy your early bird bounty next spring.

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