While in most areas of the United States people think of fall as the harvest season, here in the Coachella Valley fall is the best time to do your planting. Most trees and plants have their best shot at surviving our tough summers if they are planted now and have time to get established before the heat returns. This is true for beloved citrus trees as well.

Fall is also a great time to get your vegetable garden going. Arugula, beans and cabbage are just the beginning of the long list of veggies and fruit ideal for October planting. You can check out a monthly planting guide put together by a local gardening expert, Lisha Astorga. Getting the timing right is your best bet to a hearty harvest.

This month, there is also a great opportunity to meet other gardeners, get information from water agencies and connect with community organizations. Join CV Water Counts at Coachella Valley Garden Day on Saturday, October 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

If you can’t make it, local water agencies have on demand classes for gardeners (and those who hope to be).

CVWD courses

DWA webinar