By Laura Leidner, Colusa County Seed Library Coordinator
My tomatoes have slowed down; the zucchini started to turn brown. My garden harvest was not quite as bonanza as I prefer, and I had new troubles this year with gophers and pests. So, I’ve been eagerly anticipating cool season gardening. I want to plant something that I know will be easy to grow and likely to succeed, and fall is the perfect time to sow California native seeds.
In one of my few flower beds not completely invaded by bermuda grass, I have a spot of bare soil that I am slowly filling in with California natives. The narrowleaf milkweed has started setting seed, which means it’s a good time to plant more native seeds! I’m planning to sow some California poppies (Eschscholzia californica), lacy phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia), and tidytips (Layia chrysanthemoides) this month. They are all low growing and should provide a lovely patch of wildflowers in the spring.
All of these California native seeds are available in our Colusa County Free Seed Library. Several of the native seeds we have in stock were donated by the local Heritage Growers, who sourced much of the seed from the hills and valleys in Colusa County. These locally adapted seeds are designed to do well in our dry, hot summers and wet, cool winters.
With all gardening endeavors, I like to imagine I am on the epic hero’s quest, just like Odysseus making his way home. There are many obstacles to overcome like weeds, bugs, or gophers that can delay the harvest or even ruin the garden. But the point I am always reminding myself is to keep trying, to find another way, to ask for help when I need it, and enjoy the journey.
Seeds are free for library patrons, and your order is fulfilled by a fantastic team of volunteers (thank y’all so much!). Browse the Colusa County Free Library’s seed library (https://www.countyofcolusaca.gov/1098/Colusa-County-Seed-Library) and place an order online or at your favorite library branch. If you’re interested in getting involved with the seed library as a volunteer or donor of seeds, please contact me at colusaseedlibrary@gmail.com.