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OCTOBER

October is the month for painted leaves.... As fruits and leaves and the day itself acquire a bright tint just before they fall, so the year near its setting.
- Henry David Thoreau

Cool Crop Kale
PLANT COOL SEASON VEGGIES
As fall begins, it's time to get those cool season roots and greens in the ground. Now is the perfect time for planting garlic, shallots, peas, lettuce, and kale. Print out the Edibles Guild’s Monthly Planting Calendar for an easy reference.


diplacus_dormant Cropped
IS MY PLANT DYING OR GOING DORMANT?
Plants wilting and dropping leaves can be cause for alarm, but not always! Some drought adapted native plants such as redwood trees, sticky monkey flower, and milkweed exhibit seasonal dieback and dormancy during summer heat. Dropping leaves and pausing growth allows these plants to conserve energy in their roots until the rainy season begins. In these cases, watering is usually not needed and can cause root rot. If you’re not sure if your plant is experiencing normal drought dormancy, reach out to the help desk with a picture and species identification. 

Crimson clover (3)
ABOUNDING ADVANTAGES OF COVER CROPS
Also known as “green manure”, cover crops are used to enrich soil fertility and improve soil structure. Timing when you plant cover crops is important for the success of the crop and September through October is a prime time. Cover crops help suppress weeds, protect soil from erosion, provide habitat for beneficial insects and earthworms, and so much more.

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ARE YOU OVERWATERING?
As the summer heat starts to ease with shorter days, your plants will require less water to remain at their optimal health. Get tips on: how to water properly, how much you should be watering, and what factors impact watering needs. Marin Water provides a helpful weekly watering schedule to help you properly program your irrigation throughout the seasons..

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EDIBLES TO PLANT IN SEPTEMBER
Sow from seed carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and radish. Start to transplant broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, chard, collard greens, kale, lettuce, bunching onions, and peas. Click here for a monthly planting schedule.

"Ask a Master Gardener..."

FEATURED THIS WEEK IN THE MARIN IJ:

Yellow foliage only where you want it!

  • Want a splash of color in your rich green garden bed? There are trees, shrubs, and perennials that can add a sparkle throughout the growing season, especially plants with brilliant sun-yellow foliage...

MARIN IJ GARDENING TIP OF THE WEEK:

GO TO THE MARIN IJ ARCHIVE PAGE FOR MORE STORIES AND GARDENING TIPS!

WATCH & LEARN
on Our YouTube Channel

ADD COLOR TO FALL GARDENS

ART OF PRUNING JAPANESE MAPLES

SOIL HABITAT

 

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Find out more about University of California Cooperative Extension in Marin (Marin UCCE) and its mission to sustain a vital agriculture, environment and community.