Archive for the ‘Temecula’ Category
California is known for its perfect weather, providing mild temperatures year round for outdoor sports, entertainment, and gardening. Many people think, upon first settling down in California, that the entire state has the same weather patterns and temperatures, but there are several different microclimates in California, each with their own set of temperatures and growing conditions.
Temecula is located in the southwest corner of California’s Inland Empire. It is approximately an hour away from Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. The Temecula Valley has been inhabited for centuries, long before European settlers crossed into California. The valley provides the perfect microclimate for growing wine grapes and Temecula is becoming known worldwide for its robust wines that rival and, at times, surpass, its competition to the north in Napa.
The same weather and climactic patterns that make Temecula suitable for grapes make it perfect for gardening. The average annual temperatures range from 78.4 degrees Fahrenheit on the top end to 50.3 degrees on the low end, although frost is not unknown in the region. Gardening in Temecula takes some planning, however. Like most of California, it suffers from a lack of rainfall with an annual average of only just over 13 inches. Much of California is heavily irrigated and Temecula is no exception. Expect to build an irrigation system into your gardening plan. Most plants require a constant source of water regardless of rainfall patterns so supplemental watering is a given.
To reduce your reliance on supplied water, you can grow native plants and grasses. Native grasses such as California Fescue and Blue Eyed Grass do well with little water. Yuccas are also well-suited to the Temecula area as they can store moisture for long periods of time.
With the addition of supplemental water, you have a much wider selection of flowers, shrubs, trees and vegetables that will thrive in the Temecula Valley. Fragrant jasmine and mandevilla offer up intense scent and vibrant color against the terra cotta of the soil. California is known for its citrus and lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits all grow well in the Temecula Valley, although they are heavy water users. Figs are particularly suited to the area as their roots can explore up to 50 feet into the soil to find their own source of water.
More delicate plants like bananas, fuchsias and ferns may have to be brought inside for the winter but they will do well outside in pots for much of the year. A simple greenhouse will also protect delicate plants from the lows of the Temecula winter.
Of course, if you want to try your hand at making wine, Temecula is the perfect spot to grow grapes. Warm days, cool nights and a flinty soil combine to give wine grapes character and depth. Popular grapes in the valley are zinfandel, chardonnay, and pinot noir.
Walk down any street in Temecula and you will see amazing blooms, luscious fruits hanging from the vine and produce ready for the picking. Gardening in Temecula is a popular pastime and it’s easy to do with a little planning.
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