Peach Trees

Question from Dan I live in Massachusetts.I recently pruned my two 11year old trees because they were getting way to big. I topped them at about 6 feet. my mother in law fears that I may have ruined them. they have plenty of new growth on them. I read...

Frost Protection Issues

Question from Mary: ‘Tis I, Mary Bull from Chalice Farm in Sebastopol of the long thread starting with “kiwi problems” left off a few weeks ago. Your book must have come via slow boat from China, but it has finally arrived! Can’t...

How to Space Plants when Planting a Bank

From Kathy: Oh for goodness sake I never thought of Ellwood’s as I hardly go there.  I got turned off by coldness in attitude there and never went back.  I’ll check it out.  Okay will cut off the thatch too.  Thanks again.  Now I have...

Planting Macadamias

From Dave: Pat, quick report – planted 2 Beaumont Macadamias from 10 gallon containers into ground 2 weeks ago. Each was planted in clay soil amended with 1 cubic foot of chicken manure mix from Armstrong. Tress are very happy and have new growth...

Sick Bay Tree

Question from Tony: Thank you for your advice on the atlas cedar. I’ve replanted a nice specimen in a raised planter over soil that has been treated with gypsum for better drainage. I hope to get your help with a new problem.  For many years...

Time to Prune

Question from Csaba: I am totally confused about the time of pruning, advises from friends, nurseries, experts, gardening books are completely perplexing. Southern California, San Clemente area, half way between Los-Angeles and San Diego. 3 blocks from...

Fox tail

Question form Jake: Fox tail has taken over my lawn in the back yard. I have a grazing tortoise that lives back there so using toxic weed killer is out of the question. Is there any solution? What would you suggest? Answer from Pat: Several grasses...

Artichoke

Question from Julia: I watched your Youtube.com video which was very helpful. This summer I planted my first artichoke plant and unfortunately I believe the voles ate all of the artichoke flowers. I do live in New York State and understand that I could...

Controlling Early Blight on Tomatoes

Question from Sean: I’m trying to grow tomatoes in hadowridge area of Vista and some plants have early blight. What can I do to cure and minimize spread or do I need to pull these plants so blight does not spread Thank you and I bought your book...

Spraying of Peach Trees in Southern California

Question from Stennis: My peaches have brown spots and some worms inside this year; what is the appropriate time for spraying? What kind of schedule do you recommend and with what? Answer from Pat: It is too late to spray fruit at this time of year with...