This Is a Great Time for Planting

Aside from the plants associated with the holidays, the fall-early winter season is also an ideal time for the gardener or homeowner to plant ground cover or to put in ornamental trees or shrubs.

“Right now’s a real good time to plant just about anything, especially ground cover,” said Dick Sanders S & S Growers in San Marcos. “That way, when it warms up in the spring, it will really take off and grow fast.”

Ken Humphreys, owner of the Vista Tree Farm, also cites the advantages of holiday-season planting.

“With the warm days here in Southern California, it’s great time to plant evergreen trees or almost anything,” said Humphreys. “Just because the days are shorter doesn’t mean it’s not a good time to plant. Just the opposite. Shrubs and trees are very hardy, so it’s an ideal time to plant. But don’t wait too long, you still want to beat the first frost.”