• Root crops such as carrots can survive light frosts.carrots image by William Berry from Fotolia.com
  
  Southern California sustains a "microclimate," according to Digitalseed, "which results in local areas having a significant variation in their winter season". For accurate planting zones refer to University of California Cooperative Extension's "Sunset Zones" which take local microclimates into account. Overall, Southern California gardeners welcome sunny days with only a moderate temperature variation. If the thought of steamed fresh artichokes slathered with melted butter makes your mouth water, grow winter vegetables in your Southern California garden beds.
  
  

Artichoke

• Native to southern Mediterranean regions, the perennial artichoke will succeed when it is planted on the coast. Artichokes need full sun and rich, well-drained moisture retentive soil with a soil pH 6.0 to 6.8. "Sunset's Western Garden" recommends that you "water plants thoroughly once a week, wetting the entire root system". Space plants 3 feet apart in parallel rows at with 6 feet between rows. Keep the soil cool and moist by mulching around the plants.
  
  

Carrots

• For home gardens in the coastal region with rocky soil, carrot varieties such as 'Nantes' or the miniature, 'Lady Finger' prove superior. Gardens with light textured soil, free of stones, can plant longer varieties such as 'Imperial' and 'Trinity.' Plant this cool season crop in January. According to University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, "the upper 30 inches of soil should be uniform and free of barriers for root growth". They contend that, "silt loam soil with a pH from 5.5 to 8.0 produces superior carrots."
  
  

Broccoli

• The Mediterranean native broccoli is a hardy, cool-season vegetable and a member of the mustard family. Gardeners plant broccoli from December to February in the inland valleys. "This cool season plant tends to bolt into flower at high temperatures," according to "Sunset Western Garden", so broccoli should be planted during cool weather. During the winter season, plant broccoli in raised beds 38 inches to 42 inches wide with 12- to 18-inch space between plants. Grow broccoli in full sun with well-drained soil.
  
  

Spinach

• "Spinach thrives in the inland valleys during winter months," states the National Gardening Association (NGA). The NGA maintains that "young plants grow best at cool temperatures and tolerate light frosts." Plant spinach seeds six weeks prior to harvest in two to four rows on raised beds 38 to 40 inches wide. Spinach plants require full sun to light shade and well-drained sandy soil. California gGrdeners favor the variety, 'Winter Bloomsdale'.
  
  

Turnips

• Turnips, a cool season crop, germinate and grow rapidly, adapting well to different soils. The 'White Globe' and 'Royal Crown' varieties are recommended for the Southern California desert valley region. "Bare-root vegetables such as turnips can be planted in February," according to Pat Welsh, author of "Southern California Gardening". Turnips will mature in two months if the plant has full sun and well-drained soil. This bare-root vegetable thrives in sandy loam soils with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. When you plant turnips, space them 2 inches apart with a depth of 12 to 15 inches. Select a variety of turnips to make use of both greens and roots.