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SoCal Gardening Must-Haves
21
items I’m gardening in Southern California (Zone 10b) and using this list to save the seeds, tools, and supplies I actually use and recommend. These are beginner-friendly gardening essentials for containers, grow bags, and raised beds that make growing veg...
Sections
4
Seeds I’m Growing (Zone 10b Friendly)
Raised Beds, Grow Bags, and Containers
Soil and Amendments
Garden Tools I Actually Use
Seeds I’m Growing (Zone 10b Friendly)
These are the containers, grow bags, and raised bed options I like for small-space gardening. Great for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers without needing a full backyard setup.
A great onion variety to grow at home, especially for cooking. Easy to start from seed and a solid option for cooler season gardening in SoCal.
Red Wethersfield Onion
Such a fun pumpkin variety to grow, and the color is beautiful. Great for fall gardening and perfect if you want something unique for cooking or decorating.
Jarrahdale (blue) Pumpkin
A great cucumber variety for warm weather and container gardening. Perfect for salads, snacking, and it produces a lot once it gets going.
Muncher Cucumber
I love this mix because you get different beet colors in one packet. Great for cooler weather gardening and easy to grow in containers or grow bags.
Assorted Beet Mix
Tomatoes are always a good option to grow from seeds.
42 Day Tomato
Raised Beds, Grow Bags, and Containers
These are the containers, grow bags, and raised bed options I like for small-space gardening. Great for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers without needing a full backyard setup.
A great option if you want a raised bed setup without doing a full garden build. It gives plants more room to grow, helps with drainage, and makes gardening easier since everything stays contained and organized.
Metal Raised Garden Bed Kit - 15” Tall
These are perfect for container gardening in SoCal. They’re roomy, breathable, and great for vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and even herbs. I like grow bags because they drain well and are easy to move around.
10 Gallon Grow Bags Garden
This is a great starter set for growing seeds before transplanting them into bigger containers or grow bags. Super helpful for staying organized and starting plants early, especially if you’re working with limited space.
Cells Seed Starter Tray, 10 Pack Biodegradable
These are great for DIY garden projects, especially if you want to create an easy raised bed border or small garden structure. They’re sturdy, simple to stack, and a budget-friendly way to build out a garden space.
Oldcastle 5.50-in H x 7.75-in L x 7.75-in D Tan Concrete Planter wall block
Great for building a simple raised bed or garden frame. This is an easy way to customize the size of your garden bed without buying a full kit, and it’s perfect if you want a DIY option.
Severe Weather 2-in x 6-in x 4-ft #2 Prime Southern yellow pine Above ground Pressure Treated Lumber
Soil and Amendments
Soil quality makes the biggest difference in gardening. These are the soil mixes and amendments I use to help plants grow healthier, drain properly, and produce better results in containers.
A great all-purpose soil option for container gardening. Easy to work with and a good base for growing vegetables and herbs in SoCal weather.
The Roots Organic Soil & Plant Food
Great for mixing into soil to boost nutrients and improve plant growth. I like using this as an amendment when my containers need a little extra help.
Black Kow 1 cu. ft. Manure 50150151
Perlite is a must for container gardening because it improves drainage and keeps soil from getting too compact. Especially helpful in grow bags and pots.
Doter Organic Perlite for Plants, Soil Amendment
These are great for seed starting and saving space. Just add water and they expand, making it easy to create soil for seedlings or small containers.
Peat Bricks
One of the best soil boosters you can add. Worm castings help improve soil health and give plants nutrients naturally, especially in containers.
Worm Castings
Garden Tools I Actually Use
These are the tools I use most often for planting, transplanting, and everyday garden maintenance. This section also includes my go-to gloves and simple essentials that make gardening easier.
These gloves are great for gardening when you want real hand protection. Perfect for digging, handling rough soil, and working with plants that have thorns or sharp stems.
Leather Work Gloves
A must-have gardening tool for trimming herbs, dead leaves, and pruning plants. These are sharp, easy to use, and super helpful for keeping everything clean and maintained.
Oligei 2 Pack Stainless Steel Pruning Shears
Great for climbing plants like cucumbers, tomatoes, peas, and even flowering vines. It helps keep plants upright, saves space, and makes the garden look more organized.
Arch for Garden Climbing Plants Vines
Helpful to keep on hand for preventing pests in the garden. A great natural option for protecting plants from bugs, especially when growing outdoors.
Harris Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade 5lb w/ Duster
This twine is perfect for tying up plants, securing stems to stakes, and supporting vines. Super useful for tomatoes, peppers, and anything that needs extra support.
PerkHomy Natural Jute Twine 600 Ft
This one is durable, easy to maneuver, and great for container gardens, raised beds, and larger watering tasks.
Pocket Hose Silver Bullet 2.0 3/4 in. D X 50 ft. L Medium Duty Expandable Flexible Garden Hose Mfr# 17843-6 - Ace Hardware