I never saw apple trees when I was growing up in southern California. There were lots of orange trees and other citrus, of course, and a few neighbors had peach, plum or apricot trees, but no apples. I had heard that it didn’t get cold enough to grow apples. It wasn’t until I went through […]
Enjoy the Fruits of Summer All Year
The wonderful fruit of summer is here! Whether from your own garden, a local farm stand or farmer’s market, it’s time to make the most of the delicious fruit of summer. The picture above is the harvest from my garden yesterday. Sometimes it’s a bit overwhelming and a challenge to use it all before it […]
What to Do in the Garden: June
June marks the transition from spring to summer. The typical ‘June gloom’ overcast mornings that often occur in southern California provide one last chance to get the garden ready to weather the hot days of July, August and September. It’s also not too late to do some planting of veggies and flowers that will take […]
Five Simple Steps for Citrus Tree Care
My orange trees are blossoming now and the scent is heavenly! Got citrus? Southern California is premiere citrus growing territory. Even if you don’t have a yard, you can grow citrus in pots. Now that the chance of frost is past, it’s a great time to plant citrus. They are beautiful evergreen trees with the […]
Save Space with Vertical Gardening
No Space? Go Vertical! Most of us have limited garden space and soon lust for more growing area. If you’ve run out of room in your garden, consider vertical gardening! From commercial vertical growing systems like the one shown above, to do-it-yourself systems from materials available at the local home improvement store, take a look […]
What To Do in the Garden: March
Feed! Seeds! Weeds! March is probably the busiest month of the year in the southern California garden. So head to the nursery to get plants and supplies, slap on those gardening gloves, and let’s get busy! Feed Everything! It’s spring and everything in the garden is sending out new growth. Encourage vigorous healthy growth, and […]
Grow Fruit Trees in Wine Barrels
Think you don’t have space to grow fruit trees? Grow them in wine barrels! Wine barrels are great containers for growing dwarf fruit trees. And at about $40 per half wine barrel, they are a good container for the budget conscious gardener. You can have an entire veggie garden in wine barrels, too! See ‘Six Easy […]
How to Grow Strawberries
Balcony, Patio or Backyard, Strawberries Grow Anywhere! Strawberries are great edible plants to grow in any size garden. As long as you can find a spot with sun for at least six hours a day, you can grow strawberries. They are happy and prolific producers in hanging baskets, pots, raised beds, or in the ground. […]