i am also in cali and i planted my broccoli and cauliflower seeds about 2 weeks ago. they have both sprouted and by the time they are ready for transplant - another 2 or 3 weeks - i think the temp will be well into the 70s

also planning/preparing for other fall plants but my zucchini have "revived" and producing again. I think this weather is confusing them.

thanks greenthumbs, I think I will stop by lowe's after work and get some potting soil and sart them this weekend, I saw one of your posts and you had the most beautiful califlower what time of year did you plant them? I planted a small sf garden and was growing fall veggies they were doing good but we moved and had to pull them up. So this my second attempt for fall veggies.

hey ancfan, I'm in Los Angeles and I also started my seeds 2 weeks ago for most of my fall crops. A lot of the resources I found said to start in September, though October is the most ideal time. We're basically in October now so I'd say go ahead and start your seeds. They'll take a while to germinate and grow. Like you said, if they die in the heat, start again. That's what I'm planning on too.

Its still quite warm for the little tads. I started some seeds inside and when they sprouted, put them outside in the shade with a cover over them at night.

As I'm still composting most of the beds, and pulling out summer things, I am planting a few at a time. Some are being put in shady location, and will transplant to sunnier areas when they are stronger, and the soil is ready for them.

Haven't lost any yet, and have lots more in cups in case the first don't survive.

Will plant seeds direct when weather cools, - lettuce, spinach, etc.

Bejay

I am in norcal and it has been 90s and I anted me broccoli and cauliflower from seed. Husband made a shade thing for them so they wouldn't fry.

So far do good.

Here is a link that might be useful: fall planting blog post

ancfan, the cauliflower were bought around February I believe, it was a 9-pack from home depot so I am not sure on the variety. I had 18 plants, out of which, 15 produced heads that were approximately 2 lbs or more. Last year was the first time ever I had success with cauliflower so I got encouraged and bought seeds instead so I can time the planting, 8 first month, 8 the next and so forth. My plants are looking healthy despite the 90s its been here.

I planted myne about 4-5 day ago direct sowing & sprouted in about 3 days despite the heat. Planted rutabagas salad beets etc. Brocc onion & collards in six pacs. Start more in couple weeks. We have 2 large gardens. Good luck

I started my first round of broccoli, broccoli rapini, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts seeds a month ago, inside. They are now outside in the shade. I started round 2 a week ago and they are still inside. For lettuce, beets, and other direct sow items I might wait another week so the high temps are below 90.

When I went to lowe's to get potting soil I bought garden (organic) soil instead of potting soil, Can I just use the garden soil or do I have to go back and get potting soil? By the way it was so hot (100) this weekend I didn't get the garden cleaned up yet :( I think I'm going to take a day off during this week so I can get some garden work done while it's cooler. Thanks everyone with your replies!!

I may have missed it, but it sounds like you're growing in containers. If you are, that garden soil isn't going to be what you want. I accidentally did the same thing, and went ahead and potted a bare root plum tree in it. The soil is heavy, too moisture retentive, and seemingly not very nutrient rich.

Our weather here was stiflingly hot up until yesterday, when it started to cool down a bit. Today is cool enough that I've considered wearing socks. And I HATE socks. I should probably be out in the garden pulling up spent tomatoes and things, but I just can't seem to find the motivation just yet.

This summer I filled my containers with 50/50 blended compost and coarse vermiculite, similar to what I have been doing with my raised beds. This blend has been working very well for herbs and retains moisture well.

I have raised beds with no borders (wood, brick etc) I am going to plants starters in cups to transplant into the garden for now, so guess I would need potting soil for them. (will be starting the brocolli, califlower, brussel sprouts and cabbage) I have some blue cabbage seeds that I'm dying to see how they turn out and some purple califlower as well as the reg. I'm going to try the kiddie pool garden this year for the radishes, carrots and root stuff our ground is too rocky for root veggies.

Just a note. I started my fall vegetables in mid August when it was in the nineties here. The cabbages, turnips, collards, and onions came up with no problem. The lettuces (4 kinds), kales, and carrots were no shows. I have started the lettuces and kales inside and will transplant them out soon now that it is finally cooling off. I have kept floating row covers over the outside things to keep the swarms of insects away from them and that has worked. Interestingly, I sowed beets and about half of them came up outside. I read on another post that if you let the row cover rest right on top of the ground it will hold in moisture and aid germination. Sure enough, the beets that came up were on the edge of the tunnel and the row cover was lying on top of the ground. I'm going to try it for carrots.