Seeding tips for cool-weather flowers

October is the time to plant coolweather flowers and vegetables because cooler autumn days mean the garden needs less water, according to experts at Agromin, a Camarillo-based manufacturer of soil products.

•Seasonal vegetables and flowers. Seasonal vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and carrots are available in sixpacks. Fall flowers include calendulas, pansies and snapdragons. Plant in well-cultivated and amended soil.

•Perennials. Thin out perennials, including Shasta daisies, callas and yarrow. Prune overgrown and dead stems almost to the ground. When the plants grow back , they will be fuller and less straggly.

•Plant lawns. Whether by seed or sod, October is a good time to replace lawns. Types suited to the area include tall fescues, bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. Remove patches of crabgrass and use a seed that matches the lawn. Use topper mix to keep seeds moist.

•Herb season. Among the herbs that can be planted in autumn are garlic, oregano, parsley, rosemary, chives, cilantro, dill, fennel and thyme. Basil goes to flower in the fall. Harvest and dry the leaves and use them in winter cooking.

•Water less. Unless the Santa Ana winds blow long and hard, gardeners can reduce watering lawn, garden, trees and shrubs. Turn off sprinkler timers when it rains.