Planting a Bank

Question from Christy: I have just removed ice plant from my bank and would like to go with native/drought tolerant/succulent/and maybe even some edible plants.  I live in San Diego and the bank gets full sun. I have a good idea (from your web-site)...

Crop Rotation

Question from Sharon: I admire you so much and all you do.  I have a garden plot in a community garden in Santa Monica. I know how important it is to rotate crops and I do as much as possible given the small space that I have. I grow veggies year round...

Squash

Question from Peggy: Plant starts to grow a squash about 2-3 inches nice shape and color then the tip turns yellow. After that the whole thing turns yellow and dies. Planted in 5 gal plastic pots with bottom cut out, and sunk down about a foot with...

Suggestions re Flowering vine or hedge as divider

Question from Diane: I live in middle of Los Angeles (Hancock Park red clay soil) and have cyclone fence between new neighbors and my yard. Old divider was eugenia hedge now removed. East/south facing so sun most of the day. Think Jasmine, potato vine,...

Long Reach Pruner

Question from John: Where did you get the long pole you used in one of your videos to reach under your plants.  It was a long pole with a handle and a gripping part at the end.  I have MD and it would be a great help to me Answer from Pat: Many years...

Runner Beans Have Stopped Growing

Question from Ramon: Hi Pat, I planted my green bean seeds in early May. They sprouted in the first 2 weeks and seemed to be growing just fine. At the end of June it seemed like they just stopped growing, with the biggest plants only 6 inches tall. I...

Don’t Bother Growing Rhubarb in Southern California

Question from Bob: I am in zone 9B by the USDA Zone map. Rhubarb requires the best results in Zones 3-8. Are you aware of a good root stock the will flourish here in So. Calif? I have heard of placing ice cubes over the top of the plant locations at night...

Peach Tree Problems and Solutions: Pruning, Fertilizer, and Dormant Spray

Question from Michael: My peach trees are about 7 yrs old and I have never trimmed them because I do not know how. I live in Illinois . About 4 yrs ago I had a good yeild of peaches and i canned them. Every year after when I get peaches, they seem to...