CONSIDER RAINWATER HARVESTING:
During a one-inch rainstorm, you can harvest 600 gallons of water off a 1,000 square-foot roof. That’s a lot! Tanks come in all shapes and sizes.
PREPARE FOR STORMS:
Bioswales, Rain Gardens and Dry Creek Bedslook lovely and prevent erosion and drainage issues. When it comes to rain, the new mantra is “Slow it, Spread it, Sink it.” That is, keep rain on the land, and out of the storm drain—and eventually the ocean, where it deposits pollutants like car oil.
PUT DOWN MULCH:
Like a warm blanket, mulch protects plants from the cold. It also keeps nutrients in the soil, since bare soil is prone to erosion and run-off.
PLANT COVER CROPS:
We love fava beans because they fix nitrogen in the soil, are beautiful, grow without fuss, and bees love them. Another plus: they are an ancient Middle Eastern food source, and they taste great. (Did someone say fava hummus?)
ALSO, PLANT YOUR WINTER GARDEN!
Now is the time to plant lettuces, spinach, Asian greens like bok choy, as well as broccoli, cauliflower, peas, beets and garlic – and much more.
AND THINK AHEAD:
For very early spring color, plant daffodils and seed for annuals like hybrid poppies—now. It’ll gladden your heart—later.
