Bill Camarillo

You don't have to have a green thumb to be a successful gardener. Plant just about any type of vegetable or flower in May for great results by summer.

April is the time of year to prepare and plant flower and vegetable gardens so they produce throughout summer and early fall. All this activity makes April one of the busiest months for gardeners.

Without a real winter in Southern California this year, gardeners can expect plenty of sunny days in March to prepare garden soil and plant warm season vegetables and flowers.

Southern California cities average about seven days of rainy weather in February meaning there is still plenty of sunny days to plant trees and shrubs and prepare gardens for spring.

With the average January rainfall in Southern California at about three inches, gardeners have opportunities this month to spend time outdoors preparing their yards for the spring growing season.

Cool weather in December means less plant growth in Southern California, however, keep an eye on the weather and be ready to take action to keep winter gardens looking beautiful.

Cooler November weather in Southern California makes it the ideal time to plant over a dozen varieties vegetables while also pruning trees for a healthier, fuller look in spring.

With the fall sun moving lower in the sky, October is the time to adjust your garden to keep it producing beautiful flowers and tasty vegetables in Southern California.

Typically warm Septembers in Southern California mean there is still plenty of growing left to be done in Southern California gardens.

Harvesting vegetables should be in full swing in August, but if you haven't started your garden, there is still time to enjoy a healthy crop of vegetables and annuals if planted now.