Weather News for SoCal--This Week and Winter

Two days ago the National Weather Service in San Diego released their Winter Outlook (December to February). The 10 minute YouTube video puts things in perspective as we begin a new water year October 1. There’s discussion of El Niño and possible scenarios ahead and the more immediate heat wave.

Short term we’re heading into the first notable Santa Ana, bringing hot and dry weather across Southern California for the next five days. That changed my garden activities for the week. Two days ago, unaware of the upcoming conditions, I planted my mesclun lettuce and arugula. I intended to continue planting winter greens, beets and carrots as I usually do in early October.

Instead, I brought out the shade cloth and covered the newly planted beds. No more in ground planting for now. I retreated to the shaded planting bench and seeded six packs of spinach, kale and lettuce. Those will fare well in the garage away from drying breezes and the sun.

Our Santa Ana conditions will likely recur over the next few months. To prepare your garden for hot weather, check a previous blog post Prepare the Garden for Hot Weather with tips for things you can do now.

Shade cloth—40% protects my garden during hot weather and especially after transplanting or when seedlings are small and vulnerable. I especially like the “knitted” shade cloth which resists tearing and fraying.

Shade cloth deployed last year on October 2 after planting beets and carrots.

It protects plants from direct sun while allowing water and air through. There is no need to remove mesh shade when watering. I elevate it above the plants with posts topped with old tennis balls. Amazon carries a number of knitted 40% shade cloth products in various sizes. This one works well for me.

Or improvise with whatever’s at hand to shade your garden in hot weather.