October Gardening In The Low Desert 2001

Plant cool season veggies annuals and strawberries now, and into Nov. If you were smart enough to start your own seeds, plant out into the garden when they are about six weeks along but be sure to set them out in a shady place for a few hours a day for a few days to harden them off before planting. Nurseries are exploding with veggies and strawberries all ready for planting for those of us too lazy to start them ourselves. Recommended varieties of strawberries for zones 12 and 13 are Sequoia and Tioga. For high desert gardens, Ogallala. If space is limited for veggies, try the dwarf varieties and grow some in containers.

Plant perennials for next year's bloom and divide established ones that have gotten too thick. Either dig and pull gently apart or slice into sections with a clean knife. Trim tops a little and replant. Plant shrubs except for frost tender ones such as bougainvillea, and groundcovers. For the low desert, Acacia redolens, Baja and Mexican evening primrose (in a confined area), Dalea greggii, dwarf rosemary, gazania, lippia, low-growing junipers, snow-in-summer, and verbena as well as others you will find in the nurseries.

Other things to do if you haven't already done them include adjusting your watering schedule, pruning and trimming the heat-loving shrubs such as bougainvillea (mine take over in summer), and starting seeds of vegetables and flowers in trays if you prefer that over buying plants.

Think holidays - now is the time to consider plants for holiday gifts or decorating. Perhaps a pot with a wreath shaped wire stuck in and ivy planted to train around it. Or, a basket lined with plastic and planted with a mix of small lettuce and greens. This basket should be deep enough to support roots and of course, should be grown outside. Or, make cuttings of your favorites to start for friends and your own decorating.

Gardening is healing and soothing, a promise of ongoing life.

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