uscjusto- I'm guessing you are in SoCa from the usc (university of spoiled children) reference? I'm in Northern CA and sometimes my "summer " crops will go into November and I've even had tomatoes into January! I try to keep 2 raised beds JUST for fall/winter crops. I let the carrots and broccholi hang out and go to seed, then clear the beds, add in compost and manure, start the seeds in the shade or indoors in about a week. I'm just starting to save seeds (just retired 3 weeks ago!), and am getting serious about starting stuff from seed! Some things such as lettuce can be sprinkled around under some things like tomatoes, utilizing the cooling shade. I've been gardening about 12 years and I'm still kind of confused about the summer/winter stuff! That's why I decided 2 beds would be "winter only" beds! Nancy

You have to maintain soil temps at 70 degrees to get lavender or rosemary seeds to sprout and grow, very difficult. Of course, my gravel walkway seems to handle this job just fine on its own. When I try to formally raise the lavender its a no-go. See what you can do to start your seeds with some warmth, you already have the seeds so there's no reason not to give it a try. I'd plant them now to have the plants ready for the fall.....if you are the kind of person to maintain lots of pots, etc. I've learned the hard way that I am NOT that kind of person and should do my planting and growing in the ground outside. If you are not successful with the seeds, try getting a plant or two and take cuttings to expand your crop. If you know someone in your area with a lavender they may be willing to give you cuttings from their spring trim back. You're welcome to come here for some, but it seems that's a wee bit of a drive just for some clippings. :-)

Start broccoli now. Cabbage as well as brussels sprouts. Keep in mind there are less cold weather crops, and that includes beets and carrots. Greens and lettuce are usually cool weather, but many can grow in summer too. Some seeds can survive winters as can some herbs like thyme. I started thyme from seeds two years ago and they are huge plants now. Dill has now started to flower and I never even planted a single dill seed. The dill all sprouted from seeds that dropped from last summer and those plants came from the year before. I just hope my tiny cuke plants will get bigger soon. We finally had a single day of sunshine here after over 2 weeks of gloom and rain.

I would plant them in the fall. And they should grow next spring. If its a small amount, I press them in the soil, (not under the soil) and then cover with mulch. I usually put a marker with the name on it. So I can remember where I put them. If its a large amount, I would sprinkle over the ground where I want them and leave them be.