Winter Gardening in Southern California: Plant, Prune, and Prep

January To-Do List

Mild winters allow year-round activity. Key tasks:

Plant Dormant Fruit Trees

Bare-root apples, cherries, pears, plums—cheaper than potted. Match chill-hour requirements to your microclimate.

Rose Care

Plant bare-root roses now. Prune established bushes by half to encourage spring growth.

Cool-Season Vegetables

Sow asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, chives, collards, endive, kale, lettuce, onions, parsnips, peas, spinach, turnips. Year-round crops: artichokes, carrots, beets, radishes.

Weed Control

Rain sprouts weeds fast. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch to block light. Replenish as organic mulch breaks down. Remove existing weeds before mulching.

Why Winter Works

Cool temperatures reduce transplant shock; winter rains establish roots before summer heat. Your spring garden starts now.