Zone 10a Planting Guide: Your Complete Seasonal Calendar

Zone 10a Planting Guide by conduct.edu.vn provides a comprehensive seasonal guide for gardeners in Zone 10a. This ensures successful planting throughout the year. Consult our detailed resources for optimal planting schedules. This guide emphasizes the importance of knowing planting windows, crop rotation, and garden planning.

1. Understanding Zone 10a and Its Unique Challenges

Zone 10a, as defined by the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, encompasses regions with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30°F to 35°F (-1.1°C to 1.7°C). This mild climate presents unique opportunities and challenges for gardeners. Unlike colder zones, Zone 10a experiences a longer growing season, allowing for year-round gardening. However, it also faces challenges such as intense summer heat, humidity, and the potential for pests and diseases to thrive year-round.

Understanding these nuances is crucial for successful gardening in Zone 10a. Gardeners need to select plants that can tolerate both the mild winters and the hot summers. They must also be vigilant about pest and disease control, as these issues can persist throughout the year.

Long Growing Season: Zone 10a enjoys a long growing season, often extending from late winter to early winter. This allows for multiple harvests and the cultivation of a wide variety of plants.
Mild Winters: The mild winters mean that many plants that are considered annuals in colder zones can be grown as perennials in Zone 10a.
Intense Summer Heat: The intense summer heat can be stressful for some plants. Gardeners need to choose heat-tolerant varieties and provide adequate shade and water during the hottest months.
Humidity: High humidity levels can create favorable conditions for fungal diseases. Proper spacing and ventilation are essential to prevent these problems.
Year-Round Pest Activity: Pests can be active year-round in Zone 10a, so gardeners need to implement integrated pest management strategies to protect their plants.

To thrive in Zone 10a, gardeners should focus on:

Selecting appropriate plant varieties.
Implementing proper irrigation techniques.
Using organic mulches to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Practicing crop rotation to prevent soilborne diseases.
Monitoring plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases.
Utilizing shade structures to protect sensitive plants from the intense sun.
Improving soil drainage to combat humidity-related issues.

2. January Planting Guide for Zone 10a

January marks the beginning of the gardening year in Zone 10a. The cooler temperatures provide an ideal environment for planting a variety of flowers, herbs, and vegetables. This is also a good time to plan for the upcoming seasons.

2.1. Flowers to Plant in January

Begonia: Begonias thrive in the cooler months, adding color to shady areas of the garden.
Browallia: These delicate flowers produce a profusion of blue or white blooms.
Lobelia: Lobelia’s trailing habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets and containers.
Dianthus: Dianthus, also known as “pinks,” offer fragrant, fringed flowers in a range of colors.
Dusty Miller: With its silvery-gray foliage, dusty miller adds a contrasting texture to the garden.
Nicotiana: These fragrant flowers attract pollinators and add a touch of elegance to the garden.

2.2. Bulbs to Plant in January

Clivia Lily: Clivia lilies produce stunning clusters of orange or yellow trumpet-shaped flowers.
Crinum: These large, showy bulbs produce fragrant, lily-like flowers in shades of pink, white, or red.
Agapanthus: Agapanthus, also known as “lily of the Nile,” produces tall stalks topped with clusters of blue or white flowers.

2.3. Herbs to Plant in January

Tarragon: Tarragon’s anise-like flavor enhances a variety of dishes.
Thyme: Thyme is a versatile herb that can be used in both culinary and medicinal applications.
Dill: Dill’s feathery foliage and flavorful seeds are used in pickling and flavoring dishes.
Fennel: Fennel’s anise-flavored bulbs, foliage, and seeds are all edible.
Mints: Mints are easy to grow and add a refreshing flavor to drinks and dishes.

2.4. Vegetables to Plant in January

Beets: Beets are a nutritious root vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked.
Broccoli: Broccoli thrives in the cooler months, producing large heads of green florets.
Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts are a cold-hardy vegetable that produces small, cabbage-like sprouts along a central stalk.
Cabbage: Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can be used in salads, slaws, and cooked dishes.
Cauliflower: Cauliflower produces a dense head of white florets.
Collards: Collards are a leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Kale: Kale is a nutritious leafy green that can be eaten raw or cooked.
Mustard: Mustard greens add a spicy kick to salads and cooked dishes.
Turnips: Turnips are a root vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked.
Irish Potatoes: January is the last month to plant Irish potatoes in Zone 10a.

2.5. Garden Planning and Maintenance in January

Seed Catalogs: Contact seed companies to receive the new year’s catalog. This is a great time to browse and select seeds for the upcoming growing season.
Garden Plans: Make plans for the coming season’s garden. Decide where your crops will rotate from last year. Crop rotation helps to prevent soilborne diseases and improve soil fertility.
Carpentry Projects: Start carpentry projects like cold frames, trellises, and indoor lighting set-ups if possible. These structures can help to extend the growing season and protect plants from the elements.
Review Records: Look over last year’s planting, fertilizing, and spraying records. Make notes to reorder successful varieties as well as those you wish to try again. Keeping detailed records is essential for improving gardening practices over time.
Record Keeping: Add garden record keeping to the list of New Year’s resolutions. Make a note of which varieties of flowers and vegetables do best and which do poorly in your garden.
Woody Shrubs: It is a good time to plant woody shrubs. Water frequently to get new plantings off to a good start.
Watering: Water plants if temperatures remain higher than normal and rainfall is scarce.
Frost Protection: Bring sensitive plants like orchids inside if a frost or freeze is predicted. Thoroughly water and cover sensitive plants in the landscape 12–24 hours before a freeze.
Pest Control: Apply horticultural oil to citrus, shrubs, and deciduous fruit trees while plants are dormant to control scale. Apply copper spray to mangos after bloom.

3. February Planting Guide for Zone 10a

February continues the planting season in Zone 10a, with a focus on cool-season flowers and vegetables. This is also an excellent time for pruning and fertilizing.

3.1. Flowers to Plant in February

Petunia: Petunias are popular for their vibrant colors and long bloom time.
Pansy: Pansies thrive in cool weather and offer a wide range of colors.
Verbena: Verbena’s trailing habit makes it ideal for containers and hanging baskets.
Dianthus: Dianthus continues to perform well in the cooler months.
Strawflower: Strawflowers retain their color when dried, making them perfect for crafts.
Lobelia: Lobelia provides a delicate touch to the garden with its small, blue flowers.

3.2. Bulbs to Plant in February

Amazon Lily: Amazon lilies produce fragrant, white flowers in the spring.
Crinum: Crinum bulbs can still be planted in February for summer blooms.
Agapanthus: Agapanthus continues to be a good choice for adding height and color to the garden.

3.3. Garden Maintenance in February

Grass Replacement: Consider replacing areas of grass with drought-tolerant, low-maintenance groundcovers. This can save water and reduce the need for mowing.
Winter Vegetable Gardening: Winter vegetable gardening is in full swing.
Late Spring Harvest: Last month to plant cantaloupes, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuce, peppers, spinach, and tomatoes for a late spring harvest.
Frost Protection: Protect crops in the unlikely event of a frost or freeze.
Rose Pruning: Prune roses this month to remove damaged canes and improve the overall form. After pruning, fertilize and apply a fresh layer of mulch. Blooming will begin 8–9 weeks after pruning. According to the American Rose Society, proper pruning is essential for healthy rose growth and abundant blooms.
Shrub and Palm Fertilization: Fertilize shrubs and palms by spreading fertilizer evenly over the soil surface and watering it in. Follow with a fresh layer of mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds. Delay pruning any cold-damaged branches until new growth starts.
Disease Control: Disease-susceptible varieties of avocado and mango may require applications of copper fungicide.
Citrus Fertilization: Fertilize citrus trees now if not done in January. Frequency and amount of fertilization depend on the age of the tree.

3.4. Growing Groundcovers in Zone 10a

Switching from traditional grass to groundcovers offers several benefits, especially in the warm climate of Zone 10a. Groundcovers require less water, reduce the need for mowing, and can add visual interest to your landscape. Here are some excellent groundcover options for Zone 10a:

Clover (Trifolium): Clover is an excellent choice because it is low-maintenance, attracts pollinators, and enriches the soil with nitrogen.
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): This aromatic groundcover is drought-tolerant and releases a pleasant scent when walked upon.
Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’): Although not a true grass, Dwarf Mondo Grass provides a lush, green carpet and is very low-maintenance.
Lippia nodiflora (Frogfruit): A native groundcover that tolerates foot traffic and attracts butterflies, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Stonecrop Sedum (Sedum spp.): Sedums are succulents that thrive in hot, dry conditions and come in various colors and textures.

4. March Planting Guide for Zone 10a

March brings warmer temperatures to Zone 10a, making it an ideal time to plant heat-tolerant annuals, herbs, and vegetables. It is also a good time for pruning and mulching.

4.1. Flowers to Plant in March

Crossandra: Crossandra produces vibrant orange or red flowers that attract hummingbirds.
Gazania: Gazanias are drought-tolerant and offer a range of bright colors.
Melampodium: Melampodium produces cheerful yellow flowers that bloom throughout the summer.
Zinnia: Zinnias are easy to grow and offer a wide range of colors and forms.

4.2. Bulbs to Plant in March

Gladiola: Plant gladiola corms 6 inches apart and 4 inches deep; stake as they grow. Gladiolas produce tall spikes of colorful flowers.
Caladium: Plant caladium for a showy tropical display all summer. Caladiums offer colorful foliage in shades of pink, red, green, and white.

4.3. Herbs to Plant in March

Culinary Herbs: Plant an array of culinary and medicinal herbs now. In addition to their culinary value, many herbs are ornamental and attract butterflies to the garden.

4.4. Vegetables to Plant in March

Last Chance Veggies: This is the last month to plant arugula, beans, cantaloupe, carrots, celery sweet corn, endive, okra, radish, squashes, Swiss chard, and watermelon.

4.5. Garden Maintenance in March

Pruning: Prune perennials and shrubs when new growth begins after the end of the dormant season. To guard next season’s blooms, begin pruning after the last flowers fade but before the new buds set.
Mulching: Add mulch to minimize weeds and conserve moisture during dry weather.
Pest Monitoring: Monitor landscape plants for insects, especially for the presence of aphids on tender new growth. Insects become more active during warm weather.
Fertilizing: Fertilize palms and ornamental shrubs if not done last month.
Exotic Fruits: Add variety and interest to the landscape and table for years by planting exotic fruits this month.

4.6. Best Mulch Types for Zone 10a

Mulch is an essential component of successful gardening in Zone 10a. It helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and enrich the soil as it decomposes. Here are some of the best mulch types for Zone 10a:

Pine Straw: Pine straw is an excellent choice for Zone 10a because it decomposes slowly, providing long-lasting benefits. It also helps to acidify the soil, which is beneficial for plants like azaleas and camellias.
Wood Chips: Wood chips are readily available and relatively inexpensive. They decompose slowly, providing good weed suppression and moisture retention.
Shredded Bark: Shredded bark is attractive and provides good weed control. It also helps to improve soil structure as it decomposes.
Compost: Compost is a nutrient-rich mulch that improves soil fertility and structure. It also helps to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Leaves: Shredded leaves are an excellent mulch option, especially in the fall. They decompose quickly, adding valuable organic matter to the soil.

5. April Planting Guide for Zone 10a

April is a busy month in Zone 10a gardens, with a focus on planting heat-tolerant annuals, herbs, and vegetables. It is also a good time to monitor for pests and diseases.

5.1. Flowers to Plant in April

Coleus: Coleus thrives in the heat of summer and offers colorful foliage in a variety of patterns.
Vinca: Vinca is drought-tolerant and produces cheerful flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple.
Portulaca: Portulaca, also known as “moss rose,” is a low-growing annual that produces vibrant flowers in sunny locations.

5.2. Bulbs to Plant in April

Cannas: Cannas thrive in the heat of summer. New varieties have colorful leaves as well as flowers.

5.3. Herbs to Plant in April

Basil: Basil is a heat-loving herb that is essential for Italian cuisine.
Coriander: Coriander, also known as “cilantro,” is a popular herb in Mexican and Asian dishes.
Cumin: Cumin’s warm, earthy flavor is used in a variety of cuisines.
Mint: Mint is a versatile herb that can be used in drinks, salads, and desserts.

5.4. Vegetables to Plant in April

Beans: Beans can still be planted in April for a late spring harvest.
Chinese Cabbage: Chinese cabbage is a leafy green vegetable that is used in stir-fries and salads.
Southern Peas: Southern peas, also known as “cowpeas,” are a heat-tolerant legume.
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a nutritious root vegetable that thrives in warm weather.

5.5. Garden Maintenance in April

Insect Monitoring: Monitor insect activity and learn which bugs damage plants and which do not.
Beneficial Insects: Identify and conserve beneficial insects. Some insects should be encouraged in your yard!
Tomato Care: Watch for pests, disease, and nutritional disorders on developing tomato plants.
Palm Care: Identify and treat environmental and nutritional disorders in palm trees.
Dividing Plants: Divide clumps of bulbs, ornamental grasses, or herbaceous perennials to expand or rejuvenate garden beds or to pass along to friends.
Shrub Selection: Choose from a wide variety of shrubs to add to the landscape now.

5.6. Attracting Beneficial Insects

Beneficial insects play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem. They help control pests, pollinate plants, and improve soil health. Here are some strategies for attracting beneficial insects to your Zone 10a garden:

Plant a Diversity of Flowers: Plant a variety of flowers with different shapes, sizes, and colors to attract a wide range of beneficial insects.
Include Native Plants: Native plants are often more attractive to beneficial insects than non-native species.
Provide Water: Beneficial insects need water to survive. Provide a shallow dish of water with pebbles or marbles for them to land on.
Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides can harm beneficial insects as well as pests. Use organic pest control methods instead.
Provide Shelter: Beneficial insects need shelter from the elements. Provide mulch, leaf litter, and other organic materials for them to hide in.
Plant Host Plants: Some beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, need host plants to lay their eggs on. Plant these host plants to encourage them to stay in your garden.

6. May Planting Guide for Zone 10a

May marks the beginning of the hottest months in Zone 10a, so it’s important to focus on heat-tolerant plants and proper watering techniques.

6.1. Flowers to Plant in May

Coleus: Coleus continues to be a good choice for adding color to shady areas.
Salvia: Salvia produces long-lasting spikes of colorful flowers that attract hummingbirds.
Torenia: Torenia, also known as “wishbone flower,” thrives in shady locations and offers delicate, bell-shaped flowers.
Wax Begonia: Wax begonias are heat-tolerant and produce continuous blooms throughout the summer.
Ornamental Pepper: Ornamental peppers add a touch of spice to the garden with their colorful fruits.

6.2. Bulbs to Plant in May

Amazon Lily: Some lilies do better when their roots are crowded. Try planting Amazon, Aztec, and Clivia lilies in containers to increase blooming.

6.3. Herbs to Plant in May

Basil: Plant heat-loving herbs, including basil, Mexican tarragon, ginger, cumin, summer savory, and rosemary.

6.4. Vegetables to Plant in May

Ginger and Turmeric: May is a good time to plant long-maturing ginger and turmeric plants.
Heat-Tolerant Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, boniato, hot peppers, and summer spinach such as Sisso, Malabar, and New Zealand can be planted now.

6.5. Garden Maintenance in May

Pest Monitoring: Watch for thrips, scale, and mites on plants because they become more active in warm weather.
Tomato Care: Watch for pests, disease, and nutritional disorders on tomato plants.
Hurricane Preparation: Prepare for hurricane season by checking trees for damaged or weak branches and prune if needed.

6.6. Best Watering Practices

Proper watering is crucial in Zone 10a, especially during the hot summer months. Here are some best practices for watering your garden:

Water Deeply and Infrequently: Water deeply to encourage roots to grow deeper into the soil. Water less frequently to avoid overwatering and root rot.
Water Early in the Morning: Water early in the morning to allow plants to dry before nightfall. This helps to prevent fungal diseases.
Use a Soaker Hose or Drip Irrigation: Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the roots, reducing water waste and minimizing foliar diseases.
Mulch: Mulch helps to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation.
Monitor Soil Moisture: Use a soil moisture meter or simply stick your finger into the soil to check moisture levels.
Adjust Watering Based on Weather: Adjust watering based on weather conditions. Water more frequently during hot, dry weather and less frequently during cool, rainy weather.

7. June Planting Guide for Zone 10a

June brings the full force of summer to Zone 10a, so focus on heat-loving plants and water conservation.

7.1. Flowers to Plant in June

Celosia: Annuals that can take full sun during the increasingly hot summer months include celosia.
Portulaca: Portulaca continues to thrive in hot, sunny locations.
Vinca: Vinca is a reliable choice for adding color to the garden.
Coleus: Some coleus varieties can tolerate full sun, adding colorful foliage to the garden.

7.2. Palms to Plant in June

Palm Planting: Summer’s warm, rainy months are the perfect time to plant palms. Make sure not to cover the trunk with soil.

7.3. Herbs to Plant in June

Heat-Loving Herbs: Plant heat-loving herbs, including basil, ginger, summer savory, cumin, Mexican tarragon, and rosemary.

7.4. Vegetables to Plant in June

Tropical Vegetables: Plant tropical vegetables, such as boniato, calabaza, and chayote this month.

7.5. Garden Maintenance in June

Pest Monitoring: Monitor the landscape and garden weekly for harmful insects. Knowing which insects attack a plant can aid in identification and treatment.
Drought Stress: Watch for drought stress and water as needed if rainfall has been spotty. Focus on new plantings and follow watering restrictions. When rains begin, shut down the irrigation system.
Plant Propagation: Produce more plants by air layering, grafting, division, or cuttings.
Pruning: Lightly prune summer-flowering shrubs, like hibiscus, oleander, and ixora, during the warmer months to increase blooming.
Fertilizer Restrictions: Numerous municipalities prohibit the application of fertilizer to lawns and/or landscape plants during the summer rainy season (June–September). See if such an ordinance exists in your area.
Soil Solarization: Clean up your vegetable garden and solarize the soil for 4–6 weeks to kill pests and disease.

7.6. Understanding Soil Solarization

Soil solarization is a non-chemical method of controlling soilborne pests and diseases by using the sun’s energy to heat the soil to lethal temperatures. Here’s how to solarize your soil effectively in Zone 10a:

Prepare the Soil: Clear the area of any plant debris and weeds. Till the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches to break up clumps and improve heat penetration.
Moisten the Soil: Water the soil thoroughly to help conduct heat more effectively.
Cover with Plastic: Cover the area with clear plastic sheeting (1-4 mil thick). Clear plastic is more effective than black plastic because it allows more sunlight to pass through.
Secure the Edges: Bury the edges of the plastic in the soil to trap heat and moisture.
Wait 4-6 Weeks: Leave the plastic in place for 4-6 weeks during the hottest part of the summer. Soil temperatures should reach 120-140°F (49-60°C), which is lethal to many soilborne pests and diseases.
Remove the Plastic: After 4-6 weeks, remove the plastic and allow the soil to cool down before planting.

8. July Planting Guide for Zone 10a

July is one of the hottest months in Zone 10a, so focus on heat-tolerant plants, water conservation, and hurricane preparedness.

8.1. Flowers to Plant in July

Celosia: Summer annuals to plant now include celosia.
Coleus: Coleus continues to be a good choice for shady areas.
Torenia: Torenia thrives in shady locations and offers delicate flowers.
Ornamental Pepper: Ornamental peppers add a touch of spice to the garden with their colorful fruits.

8.2. Bulbs to Plant in July

Butterfly Lily: Bulbs of butterfly lily and gladiolus are bulbs that can be planted during the middle of summer.

8.3. Herbs to Plant in July

Herb Transplants: While summer is too hot to start herbs from seeds, many, such as oregano and mint, do well if planted out from small plants.

8.4. Vegetables to Plant in July

Tropical Vegetables: Plant tropical vegetables, such as boniato, calabaza, and chayote this month.

8.5. Garden Maintenance in July

Palm Planting: Continue planting palms while the rainy season is in full swing. Support large palms with braces for 6–8 months after planting. Do not drive nails directly into a palm trunk.
Hurricane Preparation: Prepare for hurricane season by checking trees for damaged or weak branches and pruning if needed.
Fertilizer Restrictions: Numerous municipalities prohibit the application of fertilizer to lawns and/or landscape plants during the summer rainy season (June–September). See if such an ordinance exists in your area.
Soil Solarization: Use summer heat to solarize the vegetable garden for fall planting. It takes 4–6 weeks to kill weeds, disease, and nematodes, so start now.
Rain Shutoff Device: Install an inexpensive rain shutoff device to save money by overriding an irrigation system when it rains. If one is already installed, check that it is operating properly.
Fruit Tree Care: Check fruit trees for damage to fruit or leaves and take action to minimize the effect of insects and/or disease on developing fruit or the overall health of the tree.

8.6. Hurricane Preparedness Tips

Living in Zone 10a means being prepared for hurricane season. Here are some tips to help protect your garden and landscape:

Prune Trees: Prune trees to remove dead, damaged, or weak branches that could break during a storm.
Secure Loose Objects: Secure any loose objects in your yard, such as garden furniture, pots, and tools.
Protect Young Plants: Cover young plants with blankets or tarps to protect them from wind and rain.
Provide Drainage: Ensure that your garden has good drainage to prevent flooding.
Consider Windbreaks: Plant windbreaks, such as hedges or trees, to help protect your garden from strong winds.
Have a Plan: Develop a hurricane preparedness plan and share it with your family.

9. August Planting Guide for Zone 10a

August remains hot in Zone 10a, so continue focusing on heat-tolerant plants and preparing for fall planting.

9.1. Flowers to Plant in August

Heat-Tolerant Annuals: The hottest days of summer limit planting to heat-tolerant vinca, coleus, salvia, and celosia.

9.2. Bulbs to Plant in August

Lily Varieties: Bulbs of Aztec lily, butterfly lily, walking iris, and spider lily can be planted any time of the year, even late summer.

9.3. Herbs to Plant in August

Herb Transplants: Herbs that can be planted from plants (not seeds) include bay laurel, ginger, Mexican tarragon, and rosemary.

9.4. Vegetables to Plant in August

Fall Vegetables: Start planting eggplant, okra, peppers, pumpkin, squashes, and tomatoes for the fall garden.

9.5. Garden Maintenance in August

Palm Care: Check palms trees older fronds for yellowing as it may indicate a magnesium or potassium deficiency. Apply an appropriate palm fertilizer.
Soil Solarization: Solarize the vegetable garden for 4–6 weeks in preparation for fall planting if not done in July.
Poinsettia and Mum Care: Pinch back poinsettias and mums before the end of the month to allow time for buds to form for winter bloom.
Fertilizing: Fertilize those plants that show signs of deficiencies. Rapid growth and leaching rains may result in nutrient deficiencies in some plants.
Fertilizer Restrictions: Numerous municipalities prohibit the application of fertilizer to lawns and/or landscape plants during the summer rainy season (June–September). See if such an ordinance exists in your area.
Deadheading: Remove spent blooms, cut back, and fertilize flowering annuals and perennials to extend the bloom season into the fall months.

9.6. Addressing Nutrient Deficiencies

Identifying and addressing nutrient deficiencies is crucial for maintaining healthy plants in Zone 10a. Here are some common nutrient deficiencies and how to recognize and treat them:

Nutrient	Symptoms	Treatment
Nitrogen (N)	Yellowing of older leaves, stunted growth	Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, such as ammonium sulfate or urea
Phosphorus (P)	Stunted growth, purplish leaves	Apply a phosphorus-rich fertilizer, such as bone meal or rock phosphate
Potassium (K)	Yellowing or browning of leaf edges, weak stems	Apply a potassium-rich fertilizer, such as potassium sulfate or muriate of potash
Magnesium (Mg)	Yellowing between leaf veins, starting with older leaves	Apply Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) to the soil or as a foliar spray
Iron (Fe)	Yellowing between leaf veins, starting with younger leaves (iron chlorosis)	Apply chelated iron to the soil or as a foliar spray; improve soil pH to increase iron availability
Calcium (Ca)	Blossom-end rot in tomatoes and peppers, stunted growth, distorted young leaves	Apply lime to the soil to increase calcium levels; ensure consistent watering to prevent blossom-end rot

Begonia flowers blooming in a garden bed

A field of verbena flowers in full bloom

A gardener mulching around plants with wood chips

Drip irrigation system in a vegetable garden

Soil solarization in a garden using plastic sheeting

Yellowing leaves indicating a nutrient deficiency

Beautyberry shrub with vibrant purple berries

10. September Planting Guide for Zone 10a

September marks the transition from summer to fall in Zone 10a, making it a great time to refresh summer beds and plant cool-season crops.

10.1. Flowers to Plant in September

Fall Flowers: If summer beds need refreshing, try scarlet sage, nasturtium, celosia, and wax begonia for color into fall.

10.2. Bulbs to Plant in September

Gladiolus: Plant gladiolus corms every 2 weeks to stagger blooming. Stake each plant.

10.3. Herbs to Plant in September

Warm-Season Herbs: Plant herbs that tolerate the warm temperatures of early fall, such as Mexican tarragon, mint, rosemary, and basil.

10.4. Vegetables to Plant in September

Cool-Season Vegetables: Numerous cool-season (as well as warm-season) vegetable crops can be planted.

10.5. Landscape Plants to Plant in September

Native Shrubs: Consider placing native shrubs, like beautyberry, marlberry, firebush, and dahoon holly, where you can view the birds that enjoy them.

10.6. Garden Maintenance in September

Fertilizer Restrictions: Numerous municipalities prohibit the application of fertilizer to lawns and/or landscape plants during the summer rainy season (June–September). See if such an ordinance exists in your area.
Fall Vegetable Garden: Prepare the fall vegetable garden if not done in August. Using transplants from your local garden center will get the garden off to a fast start, but seeds provide a wider variety from which to choose.
Dividing Plants: Divide and replant perennials and bulbs that have grown too large or need rejuvenation. Add organic matter to planting beds and monitor water needs during establishment.
Irrigation Systems: Check that irrigation systems are providing good coverage and operating properly before summer rains taper off.
Citrus Fertilization: Fertilize citrus with a balanced fertilizer either this month or in October. Use controlled-release nitrogen because rain will not leach it from the soil too quickly.

10.7. Choosing Native Shrubs

Incorporating native shrubs into your landscape provides numerous benefits, including attracting wildlife, conserving water, and reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides. Here are some excellent native shrub options for Zone 10a:

Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana): Beautyberry produces clusters of bright purple berries in the fall, providing food for birds and other wildlife.
Marlberry (Ardisia escallonioides): Marlberry is an evergreen shrub that produces small, red berries that attract birds.
Firebush (Hamelia patens): Firebush is a heat-tolerant shrub that produces bright orange-red flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine): Dahoon holly is an evergreen shrub or small tree that produces red berries in the winter, providing food for birds.

11. October Planting Guide for Zone 10a

October brings cooler temperatures to