Melons in a Tire

Message from Pam: I heard your lecture on summer vegetables. I am ready to plant melons in a tire. I bought muskmelons which I guess are the same as canteloupe. How many do I plant in each tire and what is the yield? ANSWER FROM PAT: Dear Pam: Please...

Growing Citrus Trees on Drip

Question from Michelle: I have a garden that was planted around February which includes dwarf lime, lemon and mandarine. The irrigation is all drip and our watering schedule is for 8 minutes twice a week. I think I’m overwatering the citrus as...

Hearty beautiful tree suggestion

Question from Jenny: We need suggestions for a hearty, low maintenance, attractive tree or bush that won’t grow too tall (we don’t want to block neighborhood views of the ocean) that can withstand being planted by two people with black thumbs....

How to Grow Cucumbers on a Trellis

Message from Pam: I am growing cucumbers in a tomato cage. There are many little cucumbers hanging on. Will the weight of all the cucumbers harm the plant or harm the cucumbers? Should I be growing them by spreading them out instead of growing them straight...

Bearded Iris

Question from Kathy: I have is relative to the bearded iris. I have some lovely gold ones and I just reread what to do after they bloom in your book. Do they require much water and also do you ever fertilize them? I usually put down the organic fertilizer...

Bell Peppers

Question from Dee: This is my first garden and IAm getting these black spots on my bellpeppers. What is the cause of this. Answer from Pat: Black spots on peppers sounds like a bacterial spot disease. I would try spraying with Serenade. It might control...

Shallots

Question from Dee: I emaied you about shallots before.I washed them after I pulled them up but it seems like some of the skins came off.What is the best way to wash without pulling off skins? I planted them in spring( sets)some of them grew but others...

Italian Cypress Trees For Narrow Land Strip

Question from Nolanda: 1. I reside in Pasadena, CA. I have read alot of problems, mostly dust mites, killing italian cypresses after 3 yrs despite  professional care & spraying.  2. Is the italian cypress  too difficult to thrive in the CA valley...

How to Determine the Correct Spacing of All Garden Plants

Controlling Algerian Ivy & Plants that Attract Birds All nurseries will provide you with information when you purchase plants as to correct spacing of the plants you buy. Most plant labels have size and spacing listed on the label. Always ask the...