Northern California Planting and Maintenance Guide

Planting

• Bulbs: Zones 7-9, 14-17: Early fall for spring bloomers. Less common types: baboon flower (Babiana), corn lily (Ixia), grape hyacinth (Muscari), harlequin flower (Sparaxis), Homeria, ranunculus, Tritonia, species tulips (Tulipa clusiana, T. saxatilis).
• Cabbage and kale: Zones 7-9, 14-17: Ornamental types for midwinter color. Look for seedlings or grow unusual varieties from seed (Color-Up Mix cabbage, Pigeon Formula Mix kale).
• Carrots: Zones 7-9, 14-17: In heavy clay, plant in 9-14 inch deep pots. 'Sweetness II' (baby or full size), 'Thumbelina' (round, short-season).
• Edible-pod peas: Zones 1-9, 14-17: 'Super Sugar Snap' rated best for flavor, production, mildew resistance. Train on trellis.
• Native plants: Unused corner away from sprinklers. Try Arctostaphylos, blue-eyed grass, bush anemone, Fremontodendron, Heuchera, mahonia, monkey flower, Pacific Coast iris, Penstemon heterophyllus purdyi, Salvia clevelandii, Western columbine. Sources: Intermountain Nursery, Larner Seeds, Mostly Natives, Yerba Buena Nursery.
• A salad bowl: Zones 7-9, 14-17: In a low 18-inch pot, plant gourmet lettuces ('Lollo Rosso', 'Rouge d'Hiver', 'Sweet Valentine') with greens (arugula, red mustard, spinach) and edible flowers (calendulas, violas).

Maintenance

• Reseed lawns: Zones 7-9, 14-17: Late September for cool-season grasses (fescue).