October is the Perfect Month to Plant Your Veggie Garden

Fall planting season is here! It’s a terrific family activity — teaching your kids how to grow their own food.

According to UC Master Gardeners of Orange County, October is the best month for fall vegetable gardens. It’s a good time to plant broccoli, cauliflower, kale, spinach and lettuce. October is also a good time to grow garlic, but experts advise planting soft-neck garlic this time of the year.

Three herbs to plant in October are lavender, rosemary and thyme. Be sure to water your garden early in the morning to reduce evaporation; add layers of mulch to also reduce evaporation but also to help retain nutrients; and consider installing a drip irrigation system so that you can target water flow.

Even if you don’t have a backyard, you can grow veggies! Windowsills and well-lit spots are ideal for herbs as houseplants. They’re easy to grow and convenient for use in soups, stews and everyday dishes.