October 15, 2011

In most of southern California we can have a second season garden. It’s my favorite time to grow vegetables–not as intense as the summer garden. There is less need to water since we have the winter rains, not as many pests and I like the vegetables that favor the cool season.

This week I planted lettuce and greens in one of four 4 x 8 foot raised beds. After seeds are planted I use a row cover so I don’t disturb the seeds with watering. Anchored loosely in place with small stones, the seedlings have room to grow for a week or so, protected from drying Santa Ana winds and the sun.

I relish the final touch, labeling each row with the wooden stakes. On the back of each one I pencil the date of planting this year, comparing to previous years. 

Last year’s ‘Sea of Red’ Lettuce and Endive

Here’s what I planted from the rear of the bed to the front:

Swiss Chard 'Bright Lights’  Botanical Interests
Lettuce 'Marvel of Four Seasons’  Botanical Interests
Arugula 'Rocket’  Botanical Interests
Lettuce 'Sea of Red’  Renee’s Garden
Endive 'Green Curled Ruffec’  Landreth Seeds
Ruby Orach Mountain Spinach  Seeds of Change
Spinach 'Catalina’  Renees Garden
Lettuce 'Cut and Come Again’  Renees Garden 

In front of the peppers I planted a radicchio mixture from Seeds from Italy, to harvest like mesclun lettuce. I’ll plant some Garden Babies Lettuce in a container this weekend.

Such promise at the start of the season. Hope springs eternal for the gardener.