Books that help explain the importance of garden design
For readers ready to embark on an adventure in garden design.
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5 tomato superstars for a mouthwatering summer harvest
Every year, I grow at least one new-to-me variety in hopes of discovering the next...
These succulents need regular water to thrive and flower
Five things to do in the garden this week.
From lilies to butterflies: Reader gardening questions answered
Plus, how to participate in the California Native Plant Society's BUG program.
What is dry canning, how to do it and is it safe?
Columnist Laura Simpson warns to use caution when researching canning recipes on the internet.
These are the 10 top-performing new plants for this season
Did they thrive? Bloom reliably? Succumb to disease or infestation? These are important things to...
Did you know seaweed is one of the most effective fertilizers?
Five things to do in the garden this week
It’s blooming time for woody perennials
The association between plants and fertility goes back to ancient times.
How can I keep ladybugs in my yard?
Also, how do I stake my young tree? When should the stakes be removed?
Flower gardens endure hot, dry summers better if you choose these plants
Although there’s not much we can do to counter extreme weather, we can equip our...
Tips for growing crispier apples and using nut shells in your garden
5 things to do in the garden this week.
What’s the difference between heirloom, open-pollinated and hybrid plants?
The subject most frequently arises when speaking about vegetable varieties.
How do I know if my plants have thrips and what damage do the insects cause?
Thrips are tiny, slender insects that cause mostly cosmetic damage to leaves, fruit, and flowers.
Too much kale? Here’s how to preserve it and other greens
Plus, are praying mantises good bugs or bad bugs?
Need bees to pollinate your vegetables and fruit trees? Plant this
Five things to do in the garden this week.
Flowering plants are divided into monocots and dicots. Here’s why
Monocots possess four morphological characteristics — and one anatomical one — that account for the...
Gardeners often hear about supposed hacks and quick fixes. Here are some common ones debunked
Here are some common myths and misconceptions that might seem to make sense but can...
How California’s fire laws affect how and where you plant around your home
Even if you live on a small property, you can take steps to decrease your...
When to use trellises in vegetable and flower gardens
5 things to do in the garden this week
How to grow and care for voodoo, calla and peace lilies
All of these are members of the aroid family (Araceae) and are easily recognizable by...
How to mulch your garden beds without harming plants
Mulch is defined as a protective layer applied over soil to retain moisture, suppress weeds,...
Can ‘mosquito eater’ insects be harmful to your garden?
Also, what is winter chill and why is it important?
When to prune your fruit trees and plant dahlias
Five things to do in the garden this week.
How the history of carrots and monarch butterflies intertwine with the House of Orange
The family is associated with two orange delights that, if we’re lucky, grace our gardens.
Still unsure about composting? Here’s why and how to make ‘black gold’ for the garden
Compost is the single best additive available for improving any soil type. Is your soil...
Microgardening means getting a surprisingly big harvest from a windowsill or balcony garden
Short on space? Consider microgardening.
DIY projects can save money and build confidence. But not always.
When something in the house stops working or needs to be replaced, the first impulse...
How to grow guava, rhubarb and more
5 things to do in the garden this week
Why a Dutch farmer moved to California to grow orchids
The two most common errors in orchid maintenance result from misunderstanding light and water requirements.
Why roses produce different colored blooms
Plus how to protect fruit trees from fire blight.
Small snack gardens in yards and window boxes offer cheap, healthy produce
Kristin King More than 20 million Americans planted a garden for the first time during...
How to use cardboard pellets as mulch
5 things to do in the garden this week
What kind of apples grow well in Southern California?
Remember – just because you can buy it here does not mean that it will...
How seedless watermelons are created
Insight into the process typically involved in creating watermelon varieties — from seedless to egg-shaped...
Soil is the foundation of your garden. Keep it healthy!
The garden is a structure, and like any structure, it requires a good foundation.
Plant these vegetables and herbs now, plus flower misconceptions
Five things to do in the garden this week.
A Meyer lemon tree has pests. What should be done?
This plant has several issues, but may not require much action.
Here’s how to grow your own food with less water, even in a drought
Experts share tips about ways to reduce water use in your edible garden.
Southern California maple trees like shade of their own. Here’s why
If there is one leaf shape everyone knows, it’s the maple leaf.
Green flowers are growing more popular: Here are some to check out
I recently discovered a startlingly different sort of Dianthus known as Green Ball or Green...
What heat stress can do to your new fruit trees and plants
Plus, how to make a skunk spray neutralizer at home.
If you have many blueberries blooming at once, here’s what you can do
Five things to do in the garden this week.
Plastic garden gear can add microplastics to soil. Try some alternatives
Plastic products eventually break down into minuscule particles called microplastics.
Lavender is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant for your garden
Plus, more you can do in the garden this week.
Why shouldn’t you use pesticides all over the garden? Here’s why.
The pests will always win in that scenario.
What you should know about watering the soil around your trees
Sometimes a tree will look great for a few years and then, due to crowding...
See California’s native bees close up in Krystle Hickman’s photos
The San Fernando Valley-based nature photographer is the author of 'The ABCs of California’s Native...
What you can do now to prevent weeds in your vegetable garden
Mulch heavily when setting out new plants.
Why April is the ideal time for Southern California roses
There is one group of roses that will bloom longer and with fewer headaches than...
Strawberry pots aren’t just for the fruit. Its ‘windows’ make for striking, efficient displays
Trailing flowers and vines can make a statement in the pots.
Now is the time to start thinning the stone fruit trees in your garden
Also, crop rotation is essential to insuring healthy vegetable crops.
Why ‘gravel gardens’ with native plants are growing in popularity
Once your drought-tolerant, native plants are fully established, they will seldom, if ever, require supplemental...
Gravel gardens can cut wildfire and heat risks. It’s being used outside fire zones too
In at-risk areas, gravel serves as an exceptional substitute for organic mulch.
How to prevent tomato hornworms from destroying your garden vegetables
Plus, the best way to keep birds from eating your seeds.
How a 40-year-old aloe garden still thrives in Southern California
California native milkweed plants are recommended for spring planting.
How to prevent urban wildlife from eating your garden crops
What to do in the garden this week.
How to understand seed packet jargon to confidently plant your garden
Plus, the terms to understand before you go shopping.
This community science project aims to help bumblebees; you can help, too
The Bumble Bee Atlas project is active across 21 states and trains volunteers to survey,...
Plants with dark leaves provide a dramatic backdrop for flowers
If you're thinking about going to the dark side, consider planting Peruvian lily, Black mondo...
What’s the story on durian fruit, which tastes heavenly but smells awful?
Each cultivated variety has its own flavor (and odor) profile and is stinky in its...
Marguerite daisies are a sure sign that spring is here
Plus, why you shouldn't buy a fruit tree that already has fruit on it.
Vegetable gardens aren’t just for backyards. Consider putting one out front
If you've dreamed of growing a vegetable garden, consider the front yard.
What you need to know about these colorful, and smelly, flowers
Plus, check out this many ornamental grass that's a California native.
Do you really need a water filter? Here’s what experts say
The challenge is knowing how to decide whether you need a filter.
How to protect your garden and vegetables from hungry critters
If you’ve got the good stuff, you may just have to share a little more.
Why now is an excellent time to plant citrus trees in your garden
Here are some things to do in the garden this week.
5 low-maintenance flowering plants novice gardeners can start growing now
Easy-to-maintain plants include lily of the Nile, birds of paradise, sea lavender, and more.
Why almond trees might become an option for more Southern California gardens
In ancient Greece, a hole was drilled in the trunks of almond trees into which...
Wildflower bloom: Here’s a checklist of Southern California favorites
Here are some must see wildflowers in the desert, mountains and hills
How to add more flowering plants that attract bees to your garden
Aim for several different types of flowers to be in bloom every week of the...
Planting fennel in your garden will encourage butterflies to visit
Here are some things to do in the garden this week.
This simple seed-starting trick helps tough-coated seeds sprout faster
Seed starting is an annual ritual for many gardeners, but if you're new to the...
Aloe vera is blooming now. Here’s what to know about its varieties
The most popular Aloe species is the candelabra plant.
Why Cape jewels are a perennial choice for Southern California gardeners
Here are things to focus on in the garden this week.
Want to start your plants from seed? Here’s what you should know
Before planting outdoors, the seedlings should be gradually acclimated to full sunlight.
7 unusual tomatoes for gardeners to try as seed-starting season nears
Seed-starting time is right around the corner, and that means it's time to think about...
How Southern California’s heavy rains will affect the wildflower bloom
Plus, why blue lavender rush is a good choice if you have a pond.
How to keep your garden plants free of thrips and other pests
Due to their size and ability to hide, pesticide effectiveness can be a hit-or-miss proposition.
Strawberries, sunflowers and more plants to consider for the garden
Here are five things to do in the garden this week.
How to finally start that backyard vegetable garden
If you want healthy food, experts say to eat what's local, organic and in-season.
How to attract more birds to your garden and help them thrive
Birds (and other wildlife) need a food source, water, cover from predators, and nesting sites.
Popular garden plants perfect for long-lasting dried displays
Foliage of some of the most common garden ornamentals will last up to a year...
This 6-foot shrub will flower for half the year in near-drought conditions
Here are five things to consider this week.
No garden space? Create a calming ‘nature nook’ with indoor plants
Have you dreamed of creating a calm and cozy spot at home to relax and...
What happened to your bean seeds? Here are some possibilities.
Plus, how to deal with a plant that got damaged by the cold.
How to create a garden bursting with multi-colored, variegated foliage
Speaking of trees, rainbow eucalyptus is famous for its multi-colored, exfoliating bark that is painted...
Record cold has fireplaces working overtime. Should those ashes be put to use in the garden?
Wood ashes from burned untreated wood can benefit your plants — but with caveats.
Consider the pop of purple that milk thistle can bring to your garden
Here are five things to consider this week.
Succulent gardens can offer gardening joy with minimal effort
Shallow dishes crowded with tiny, drought-resistant plants in shades of green, red and purple are...
Tickets are now on sale for the Carlsbad flower blooms
For those of you who love flowers and fun days out, note that tickets have...
3 essential elements to help you successfully grow plants from seed
Renee Shepherd, founder of Renee’s Garden Seeds, talks about what she's learned.
Here’s a good reason to grow passion vine in your garden
Here are some things to do in the garden this week.
Got clover or oxalis in the garden? Tips to keep your turfgrass lawn healthy
Plus, more tips for keeping your grass healthy.
How February can make us feel cozy and help us slow down
February is the shortest month of the year, yet for many of us, it reliably...
Drought-tolerant loquat trees offer up a variety of good qualities
A mature loquat tree, given equal light on all sides, grows into an attractive symmetrical...
What to do in the garden this week: Checking your fig trees
Here are some activities to do in the garden this week.
These succulents with unusual leaves make striking houseplants
Some of the most striking houseplants are succulents with unusual leaves.
If your garden produces more fruit or vegetables than you can eat, try this
Check out 'The Preserver’s Garden,' written by Staci and Jeremy Hill. It's essential to anyone...