I live in southern California, USA. We are a Mediterranean type climate -- no rain in the summer, average precipitation 10inches /25.4cm per year. Costal marine layer (fog) adds moisture but is not counted in precip. totals.

I find that the best time of year to plant is in the fall season. The snails and insects are going dormant and the cooler weather means that the garden requires less supplemental water. Right now, Since summer is coming on, tomatoes are planted and I’m trying to grow summer squash and zucchini. Lettuce is still growing but it is showing signs of wanting to bolt. This summer, I’m going to try a lettuce bed in the shade of a Brazilian Pepper tree as an experiment.

Also, this year instead of eradicating all the weeds from the garden, I’ve planted amongst them to give the snails and other varmints something to eat besides the veggie crops. It looks strange only in the sense that a garden is not "supposed" to look that way, but it seems to be working.

I agree with you feed the soil first.

Terran