Seeds or plants?

Seeds - are less expensive but take more time and effort. They are best started in peat pots inside. I like to use these seeds:

1. For summer - sunflower, sweet pea flowers (planted in Oct for spring flowers).
2. For winter - radishes, arugula, carrots, beets.

Plants - good quality plants from nurseries do well.

What to plant

Plant what you like to eat and share! It is possible to get hooked on filling every space with something.

Plant more than once. Some veges will get burnt out mid summer and start falling short on producing. Something like zucchini can be planted again for a healthy bounty.

Perennial herbs are a great addition to non-edible planters. They are important for adding to the bounty. The best are:

Rosemary, thyme, oregano. Chives and French tarragon die back in winter but start up quickly in Spring. Sage gets scraggly and should be trimmed back in Jan.

Parsley grows for a full year and is good in the winter. Replant each Spring. Basil is best replanted 2 times in summer. Make pesto!

About Locations

If you were not sure what type of location is good for planting in the north San Gabriel micro climate this summer, here are some pointers.

1. The directions "plant in full sun" should not be taken too literally. For example, it is 15 degrees hotter in SG than Irvine.

2. How much air circulation is there, because it makes a difference on how hot the plants get.

3. Plants can be happier with some filtering from the afternoon sun either by trees or from other plants.

4. No dedicated planting area is necessary. Vegetables look great tucked around non-edible plants.

5. Raised Boxes are good because they are easily controlled - to contain the water, keep out pests, retain amendments added to soil. Boxes can be any size and easily constructed.
http://naturalyards.com/raisedbeds/?gclid=COie-KSA9qACFSBSgwodyT1Ivw/
http://www.no-dig-vegetablegarden.com/
http://organicgardens.suite101.com/article.cfm/building_a_nodig_garden/
http://www.sunset.com/garden/perfect-raised-bed-00400000039550/

Soil Preparation

If you have not started a garden this year yet, there is still time, but start now!

1. Start with garden type mulch and work in enough to make a nice loose earth that is not clumpy. The dirt should not be totally dry. http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1602.html

2. Into the top 6 inches work in 1/2 to 1 inch layer of prepared chicken manure + 1/2 inch prepared worm castings.

3. Sprinkle prepared alfalfa garden food on the top and work into the top few inches.

4. If the dirt is dry, water it down the day prior to planting so it will be moist but not wet.

5. Homemade compost is great, I don't have time or enough brown matter to do good compost. If you can, do it. http://compostinstructions.com/