During November's cool fall evenings and typically warm sunny days, Southern California gardeners have one last opportunity to plant vegetables and flowers for the year. 

Plant Hearty Flowers: Plenty of cool-season flowers are durable enough to withstand heavy rains, near freezing temperatures and even hot Santa Ana winds--almost anything that Mother Nature can throw their way in November in Southern California. Plant fall annuals including pansies, primrose, sweet alyssum, snapdragons, California wildflowers and calendula so they will be in full bloom in fall and winter. Flowers may last until spring.

Divide Existing Perennials: Divide perennials including Shasta daisies, daffodils, callas and yarrow. To divide, begin digging around the roots at the drip line so there is less chance of root damage as more roots will remain intact. Replant in well-composted soil and water generously until roots take hold.

A Vegetable Garden in November: Gardeners who want fresh vegetables year-round have a variety of cool-season vegetables to plant in November. Beets, carrots, radishes, turnips, strawberries, celery, cabbage and broccoli can all be planted in November and will produce vegetables one to two months after planting.

Mulch Gardens: Mulch is just as important in fall as it is in spring and summer. Spread a two-inch layer around gardens, bushes and trees. Weeds use any amount of rain to begin to grow. The layer of mulch keeps weeds in check. Mulch will also stop rain-producing mud from splashing onto garden plants.

Winterize Lawns: Mow lawns very short, sow grass seed, scatter a light covering of soil amendment and water to produce a green winter lawn. Rake falling leaves from lawns as leaves could impede lawn growth. If a lawn is looking "tired," sow in seeds to cover brown spots and to introduce new growth. After seeding, scatter a light covering of soil amendment and water thoroughly. To avoid the "dead" look of winter Bermuda lawns, overseed the lawn with annual rye to cover up brown.