Monthly Gardening Tips for the West by Janey Santos
Wondering what you could be doing in your warm-climate garden to help it thrive? Check here for seasonal tips, ideas, and inspiration from California master gardener Janey Santos, tailored for West Coast growing conditions.
January February March April May June July August September October November December
West Coast Gardening Tips: January
- Plant bare-root roses, berries, and finish planting spring-blooming bulbs.
- Prune deciduous ornamental trees and roses; spray for overwintering pests/disease if needed.
- Protect tender plants from frost.
- Order summer-blooming bulbs, corms, and tubers (dahlias, gladiolus, lilies).
- Sow cool-season flowers (asters, craspedia, cosmos, gomphrena, amaranth).
West Coast Gardening Tips: February
- Cut back ornamental grasses and perennials that bloom on new wood.
- Fertilize fruit trees; begin citrus feeding.Force Branches into Bloom
- Fertilize camellias and azaleas after bloom.
- Plant potatoes and bare-root strawberries.
- Continue sowing cool flowers; monitor and bait for slugs/snails.
West Coast Gardening Tips: March
- Fertilize roses once new growth reaches 3–6 inches.
- Harden off seedlings and plant out after last frost.
- Plant summer-blooming bulbs (gladiolus, lilies, dahlias).
- Direct sow warm-season vegetables and flowers.
- Fertilize perennials, shrubs, and trees to jump-start spring growth.
West Coast Gardening Tips: April
- Plant warm-season annuals, vegetables, and flowers.
- Deadhead spring bulbs but leave foliage intact.
- Begin regular fertilizing and pest monitoring.
- Set up or check drip irrigation before heat arrives.
- Stay ahead of aphids, whiteflies, and budworms.
West Coast Gardening Tips: May
- Plant heat-loving flowers and ornamentals.
- Deadhead frequently to extend bloom time.
- Add 2–3 inches of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Harvest flowers for fresh and dried arrangements.
- Check irrigation as temperatures rise.
West Coast Gardening Tips: June
- Refresh mulch to keep roots cool and conserve water.
- Increase watering as heat intensifies.
- Monitor and treat for pests early in the morning.
- Continue fertilizing heavy bloomers.
- Walk the garden regularly to catch issues early.
West Coast Gardening Tips: July
- Fertilize annuals regularly to replace nutrients lost from frequent watering.
- Deadhead blooms; avoid heavy pruning during extreme heat.
- Check irrigation systems for leaks or clogs.
- Adjust watering schedules as needed for heat waves.
- Enjoy the garden during cooler morning hours.
West Coast Gardening Tips: August
- Install shade cloth where plants need protection.
- Mulch and water deeply to help plants through peak heat.
- Divide and replant bearded iris.
- Watch for spider mites and treat promptly.
- Plan fall planting for perennials, shrubs, and trees.
West Coast Gardening Tips: September
- Order spring-blooming bulbs before they sell out.
- Plant perennials, shrubs, and trees — fall is prime planting time.
- Sow cool-season flowers.
- Stay vigilant for spider mites.
- Tackle weeds before winter sets in.
West Coast Gardening Tips: October
- Fill bird feeders to support migrating birds.
- Stop fertilizing to prevent tender new growth.
- Reduce watering as temperatures cool.
- Plant perennials, shrubs, and trees at least 6 weeks before frost.
- Prep beds for winter planting.
West Coast Gardening Tips: November
- Continue planting and transplanting perennials and shrubs.
- Prune plants that benefit from fall cleanup; leave winter interest plants standing.
- Add compost and mulch to feed soil.
- Plant cool-season annuals like pansies, violas, primrose, and cyclamen.
- Plant spring-blooming bulbs.
West Coast Gardening Tips: December
- Feed soil with compost and mulch.
- Plant spring-blooming bulbs within your planting window.
- Plant cool-season vegetables and winter annuals.
- Review the past season and plan for next year.
- Dream, sketch, and map out future garden projects.
ABOUT JANEY SANTOS
Janey is a trained master gardener in California and shares her gardening adventures in very large gardens and containers. Follow along as she sets up magnificent displays in her yard in her California home. Her transparency in her design and maintenance strategy is inspirational and aspirational.
