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Informational Resources for California Gardeners

Planted January 1, 2000
Last tended to on October 19, 2024
Reading time: 3 minutes

California Frost Dates (Please Check Back)

California Climate Zone Map – California Energy Commission

University of California, Davis Extension

• The California Garden Web – Home Gardening Tips
• California Planting Guide [PDF]

Recommended Books:

• “California Fruit & Vegetable Gardening: Plant, Grow, and Eat the Best Edibles for California Gardens,” by Claire Splan. California abounds with edible selections to grow in the diverse conditions of the state. This book addresses the critical elements of climate, soil, sun, and water that affects growing success. More than sixty fruits, vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers are highlighted, and helpful charts and graphs for planning and planting the garden are included.

• “The Timber Press Guide to Vegetable Gardening in Southern California,” by Geri Galian Miller. There is nothing more regionally specific than vegetable gardening—what to plant, when to plant it, and when to harvest are decisions based on climate, weather, and first frost. This book focuses on the unique eccentricities of California’s gardening calendar, which include extreme temperatures and low rainfall. The month-by-month format makes it perfect for beginners and accessible to everyone – gardeners can start gardening the month they pick it up.

• “Golden Gate Gardening: The Complete Guide to Year-Round Food Gardening in the San Francisco Bay Area & Coastal California,” by Pam Peirce. The definitive primer on vegetable gardening in Northern California, is encyclopedic in its coverage of gardening principles and practices specific to the region. Full of information and camaraderie, this book explains how to grow common vegetables and herbs and add unusual ones that bring variety to the garden. Line art throughout

• “Western Garden Book,” by the editors of Sunset Magazine, this “bible of Western gardening” is now in its 8th edition. With a new, easy-to-read design, more plant photography, larger illustrations, and more than 8,000 plant listings – 500 of them new – it’s THE essential book for gardeners in the Western states. What plants to grow, how to nurture them, and where they do the very best–it’s all here. You’ll also find updated information on the Western climate zones, 30 Plant Selection Guides, plus a Practical Guide to Gardening with basic advice on plant care and essential gardening techniques.

• “California Native Gardening: A Month-by-Month Guide,” by Helen Popper. This is the first month-by-month guide to gardening with native plants in a state that follows a unique, nontraditional seasonal rhythm. Beginning in October, when much of California leaves the dry season behind and prepares for its own green “spring,” Helen Popper provides detailed, calendar-based information for both beginning and experienced native gardeners. Each month’s chapter lists gardening tasks, including those specific to each season. Popper offers planting and design ideas, and explains core gardening techniques such as pruning, mulching, and propagating. She tells how to use native plants in traditional garden styles, including Japanese, herb, and formal gardens, and recommends places for viewing natives.

Organizations:

• California Native Plant Society
• California Garden Clubs Inc.
• San Diego Sustainable Food Project – Free gardedning guides.

Places to Visit:

• Luther Burbank Home and Gardens – Santa Rosa and Sonoma Avenues, Santa Rosa, CA 95402
• Luther Burbank’s Gold Ridge Experiment Farm – 7781 Bodega Avenue, Sebastopol, CA 95472
• Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens – 18220 N. Highway One, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
• University of California Davis Arboretum – One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616
• University of California Irvine Arboretum and Gene Bank – Near Intersection of Jamboree Road and Campus Drive, North Campus, Irvine, CA 92697
• University of California Botanical Garden – 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley, CA 94720

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