California’s Mediterranean climate makes gardening here unlike anywhere else. While most of the world experiences wet summers and dry winters, our seasons are reversed: winter is our wet season. Smart gardeners use this cycle to their advantage—planting in the fall to help new plants establish strong root systems, conserve water, and thrive with less maintenance.

Perennials, on the other hand, keep coming back. They build stronger root systems, need less replanting, and often improve soil health over time. Once established, they create a sustainable, low-maintenance garden system.

Low chill fruit trees and varieties that are perfectly adapted to San Francisco’s mild, foggy microclimates. With the right selection, you can enjoy a backyard orchard in San Francisco that produces fruit year after year.

August is the perfect time to plant quick-growing crops for a late summer harvest, as well as longer-season vegetables that will thrive into fall. With a little planning, you can keep your garden productive well beyond the traditional summer season.