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
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.
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.
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.
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..
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.