We live in a specialized environment that is different from the rest of the United States. We have a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters and located between about 30° and 45° latitude north and south of the Equator and on the western sides of the continents.

As a result, we have different planting times from other parts of the country. Once you understand this, gardening becomes so much easier.

When looking for more time to plant information on the internet or in a book, make sure it includes USDA zones 9-10 or sunset book zones 22-24. Following anything except that specific zone information will have you spinning your wheels and feeling like a failure.

Yes it is now winter is Southern California. Which can mean wet and cool or hot and dry and everything in between.

Rule of thumb - plant vegetables that you either eat the

root, leaf or flower bud.

Of course there are always exceptions!

Roots - Potatoes, beets, carrots, turnips, kohlrabi (swollen stem is eaten), radishes, garlic and onions are all grown under the ground in the winter here in Southern California.

Greens - Lettuce, Kale, Spinach, Collards, Cabbage, Swiss Chard, Brussel Sprouts, Cilantro, Arugula, Dandelions

Flower Buds - Broccoli, Cauliflower, Broccolini

Exceptions - Peas. Peas of all kinds are grown in the winter here also Fava Beans.

Not only do the Peas and Fava beans provide delicious fruit, they also help give back nutrients to the plants through the soil..

A two story garden can be created by planting greens above and interspersing with root crops below