Flowers

July Flowers to Plant Now in Spring For Summer Wedding

Question from Jackie: Pat, HELP! I’m having a wedding in my back yard in mid July. What flowers or beds of flowers can I plant now that will show... Read more »
Poinsettias

Poinsettias

Question from Jeff: I recently bought your So Cal Organic Gardening book and like it very much.  Helped me right away on winter time sweet peas, and made me feel better about... Read more »

Garden Q & A

Growing Heirloom Winter Squash in a Coastal Zone

Growing Heirloom Winter Squash in a Coastal Zone

Question from Forrest: Hello Pat, I was told that you live in Del Mar and I’d love to get your expert opinion on something. I have become very interested in growing heirloom... Read more »

Agonis flexuosa ‘After Dark’

Question from Gail: Hi Pat, I enjoy your books and website very much–what a wealth of information and inspiration! My question is about Agonis... Read more »

Pests

Getting Rid of Citrus Pests

Question from Jon: I have something here that I need some advice on. I have attached 3 photos of a branch on my Meyer Lemon tree. I have a steady stream... Read more »
Exotic Ladybeetle Found In Southern California

Exotic Ladybeetle Found In Southern California

Question from Lee: Ladybugs, once the championed protectors of backyard gardens, are showing spots of a less flattering color, and their public image looks like it could be taking... Read more »

Citrus & Fruit Trees

Fruit Tree Nutrients

Fruit Tree Nutrients

Question from Tom: I have planted many varieties of citrus and stone fruits in my yard within the last year. They are all low chill selections and should do well in the Rancho... Read more »

Getting Rid of Citrus Pests

Question from Jon: I have something here that I need some advice on. I have attached 3 photos of a branch on my Meyer Lemon tree. I have a steady stream... Read more »

Pots & Containers

Drought tolerants for patio

Question from Tracey: I would like to find out if there are some drought tolerant /native plants that will do well in pots on a patio. The patio is south... Read more »
Agonis flexuosa ‘After Dark’

Agonis flexuosa ‘After Dark’

Question from Gail: Hi Pat, I enjoy your books and website very much–what a wealth of information and inspiration! My question is about Agonis flexuosa. I’ve planted... Read more »

Herbs

Pruning Lavendar

Pruning Lavendar

May. 4 | Question from Heather: I live near the coast. When is the best time to prune back lavendar? I did it a few months back, but not aggressively. Now they are even larger, too big... Read more »

Tarragon and Thyme

Mar. 29 | Question from Dee: This is my first garden this year so I really don’t know what I Am doing.I buy tarragon and Thyme every year and put it in pots.I... Read more »

Composting

Pre-Compost or Trench Composting

Feb. 16 | Question from Sharon: I’m here on the central coast of CA and we have citrus trees, pomegranate, and fig in our yard. No official compost pile yet,... Read more »
Spent Brewery Grains as Compost or Soil Amendment

Spent Brewery Grains as Compost or Soil Amendment

May. 10 | Question from Ica: My friend is a brewmaker and has tons of the filtered barley grains they use to make beer. Would this be a good soil admendment? Also should it be composted... Read more »

Fertilizer

Spent Brewery Grains as Compost or Soil Amendment

Spent Brewery Grains as Compost or Soil Amendment

May. 10 | Question from Ica: My friend is a brewmaker and has tons of the filtered barley grains they use to make beer. Would this be a good soil admendment? Also should it be composted... Read more »

Fertilizing Trees

May. 8 | Question from Michelle: A year or two ago I switched from conventional to organic gardening. Occasionally I find some old synthetic fertilizer in my garden... Read more »