How to Prepare for Fall Planting

Fall is right around the corner, and with it comes one of the most rewarding seasons to grow your own food. Whether you’re a new gardener or seasoned in the soil, preparing now will set you up for a bountiful harvest in the cooler months. Here are some essentials to guide your fall gardening journey:

Keep Watering

Even though the days may be shorter, consistent watering is still key, especially if you’re in an area with lingering warm temperatures. Your plants need steady moisture to transition into the cooler season.

Plan with the Season in Mind

It’s time to grab our Cool Season Planting Guide to help you choose what to plant as fall approaches. Consider how many days remain in the warm season and plan accordingly—some crops will thrive if planted now, while others are best saved for the true cool season. While some parts of Southern California, especially in inland or higher-elevation areas, may experience frost, one climate station recorded the first fall frost around December 16. Grab your guide here.

Start Indoors & Choose Your Crops

Kick off your fall garden by starting seeds indoors for a head start. A few favorites to try:

• Vegetables: Broccoli, kale, carrots, brussels sprouts
  

• Leaves & Herbs: Bok choy, collards, rosemary
  

• Flowers: Alyssum, nasturtium, zinnias
  

Don’t forget companion-friendly plants (like calendula or onions) and pollinator favorites to support your whole garden ecosystem.

Companion Planting & Intentional Growing

Companion planting isn’t just smart—it’s essential for thriving gardens. If you need inspiration, we reference proven pairings in our Grow Your Own Garden With Ease e-book, making it easy to design a balanced, resilient garden.

And remember, plant what you eat the most. Gardening for subsistence means your harvest is not only beautiful but truly useful for your table.

Stay Consistent

• Reseed every two weeks for a steady harvest of leafy greens and quick-growing crops.
  

• Harvest at the right time to keep plants productive and ensure peak flavor.
  

• Pay attention to pests that may shift with the season—catching issues early prevents bigger problems later.
  
  

Preserving the Harvest

As your garden grows, think beyond the plate:

• Drying or freezing herbs and vegetables
  
  

• Feeding & preserving the soil with compost for the next season
  
  

Need a Refresher?

If you’d like to revisit the basics, check out our “Grow Your Own Garden With Ease” e-book. Inside, we cover soil types, transplanting seeds, watering needs, and companion planting to help you feel confident as you prepare for fall gardening.