Fall Planting in the Kern River Valley — What to Plant Right Now

Fall is one of the most rewarding seasons to plant here in the Kern River Valley. Cooler temperatures, softer sunlight, and warm soil create the ideal environment for roots to establish before winter. While spring gets all the glory, fall planting is your secret weapon for stronger, healthier plants that thrive when the weather warms up again.

If you’re ready to set your garden up for long-term success, here’s your guide to what grows beautifully in our climate — and why fall is the best time to dig in.

🌱 Why Fall Is the Best Season to Plant

• Warm soil + cool air = rapid root growth

• Less stress on plants

• Lower water needs

• Better blooms and harvests next year
  

Planting now gives your garden a head start that spring simply can’t match.

🌿 What to Plant in Fall (Kern River Valley Favorites)

1. Trees That Thrive Here

Fall is the perfect time to get trees into the ground. Strong root systems now mean better resilience in summer.

Local favorites:

• Fruit trees (apple, peach, apricot, cherry)

• Shade trees such as sycamore and ash

• Evergreens and drought-tolerant picks like Italian cypress
  

Our Garden Shop is stocked with varieties selected specifically for our local soil and climate.

2. Hardy Shrubs & Perennials

Great choices for structure and year-round beauty:

• Lavender

• Salvia

• Lantana

• Rosemary

• Coneflowers

• Catmint

• Breath of Heaven (Coleonema)
  

These plants shine here thanks to drought tolerance and heat resilience.

3. Cool Season Vegetables

Fall is prime time for:

• Carrots

• Broccoli

• Cauliflower

• Kale

• Lettuce

• Garlic

• Onions
  

Plant now and enjoy steady winter harvests.

4. Wildflowers & Native Plants

Sow seeds now so winter rains can do the heavy lifting.

Customer favorites:

• California poppy

• Lupine

• Penstemon

• Sage varieties

🍁Visit the Garden Shop

Our Garden Shop is refreshed for fall with new trees, shrubs, perennials, wildflower seeds, and cool-season vegetables — all hand-selected to thrive here.

Stop in, explore what's fresh, and chat with our team. We’re here to help you make the most of this planting season.