A Good Time to Plant Seeds

It might not feel like gardening weather, but August does provide opportunities. The days are long and evenings warm, so there is plenty of time and even a few hours at the beginning and end of the day when it’s cooler. Watering remains job No. 1.

As unlikely as it may sound, this month is one of the best to start plants from seed. For seed to germinate quickly, it must be warm, and there is no shortage of warmth now. It takes about six weeks for seeds to sprout and grow to a size where they can be planted in the garden. Six weeks from now, it will be mid-September--the best time to plant all sorts of things. In flats or packs, sow spring annuals and winter vegetables, hard-to-find perennials and even trees and shrubs.

From the Los Angeles Times California Garden Calendar

* Smart gardening workshop from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Arboretum of Los Angeles County. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. Free with $5 admission. No reservations required. For information, call (626) 821-3222 or visit www.ar boretum.org.

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Send garden announcements to Garden Events, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, or e-mail to garden @la times.com at least three weeks before the event.