Unfortunately, however, at this time we are not able to host K-1 during lunch bunch unless we have an ABUNDANCE of volunteers and plan ahead with teaching staff, so if that is something you are interested in helping with, please let us know at miracatgarden@gmail.com.
• Grades K–1: 11:55 AM – 12:20 PM (optional)
• Grades 2–3: 12:20 PM – 12:45 PM
• Grades 4–5: 12:50 PM – 1:15 PM
Fall has arrived — and in our mild climate, that means prime planting time! While the rest of the country is winding down, Zone 10b gardeners get a second growing season. Cooler nights and shorter days help seedlings thrive, and the intense summer sun finally eases up.
Pull out any remaining summer crops that have stopped producing.
Remove old mulch, weeds, and plant debris to reduce pests and disease.
Add compost or organic matter to refresh soil before new planting.
Cooler temps slow some pests, but whiteflies, aphids, and leaf miners can still linger.
Inspect the undersides of leaves often.
Prune off infested or damaged foliage and toss it in the green bin, not the compost.
Now’s the time to sow or transplant:
Beets, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, collards, endive, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, mustard greens, green onions, peas, radishes, spinach, turnips.
👉 Tip: Stagger plantings every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvests through winter.
Cilantro, chervil, chives, dill, fennel, mint, oregano, parsley, sage, thyme.
Cooler weather helps prevent cilantro and parsley from bolting too soon.
Fall is the perfect time to start or refresh flower beds with:
Alyssum, calendula, carnation, chrysanthemum, columbine, coreopsis, delphinium, dianthus, foxglove, gerbera, impatiens, lobelia, pansy, penstemon, petunia, phlox, poppies (California & Iceland), snapdragon, statice, stock, sweet pea, verbena, viola.
Plant now for blooms that will last into spring.
Santa Ana winds can still strike in October — keep mulch around roots to protect moisture.
Water deeply but less often as temperatures cool.
Check soil moisture before watering; overwatering is common this time of year.
Start a compost pile with fall trimmings and leaves.
Prune lightly to shape perennials and remove dead growth.
If you have fruit trees, feed with a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote root health.