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 of ants crawling on just 1 branch. When I inspected it much more closely, I could see something...

Problems with Beans and Tomatoes: a Message from our Urban Horticulture Advisor

Pat inquired with the Urban Horticulture Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension about recent problems with beans and tomatoes. Here are the results of that exchange: I am hearing from many gardeners this year that they are having problems with green beans....

Pelargonium Violareum, Growing From Cuttings

Question from Zane: I have 200 plants Pelargonium Violareum, I never grow them. Can you tell me more information about these plants? I would like to know about soil, moisture, about propogation with making cutings. Thank you before! Answer from Pat: Pelargonium...

Problems with Beans and Tomatoes in 2010

Question from Claudia: We live in Corona, CA. We grow tomatoes from seed and also store-bought. Initially, they seem to thrive, but after the first fruit, the lower leaves begin to droop and then turn brown and dry out, look dead. The plants continue...

Is Cape Honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis) Toxic?

Question from Sandy: Need to know if cape cod honeysuckle is toxic or not-want to put in exotic bird cages for them to perch and/or eat on(parrots-amazons,macaws,cockatoos)do not see it listed on toxic sheets for birds,tortoises ectc and can not find...

How to Make a Pomegranate Tree Bear Fruit

Question from Karen: I live in a coastal town in California. My house is about five blocks from the ocean in a canyon that runs east west. Two years ago my then twelve-year-old daughter asked for a pomegranate tree for Christmas. That is all she wanted....

Erosion Control for Steep Hillside: Last Minute Installation to Hold the Soil

Question from Melissa: Hi Pat, My elderly parents live in Rolling Hills Estates on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and have a very steep hillside leading down from their backyard. About 1 year ago a “live” sprinkler pipe ruptured and sent a...

Lime, Peach, Nectarine, and Apricot Trees for Mild Climates

Question from Rachel: Pat, your book has been a lifesaver!  But I have a specific question to ask, and I can’t find an answer anywhere. I live in zone 10, Long Beach, CA.  I have a sunny backyard that has 2 citrus trees: a lemon tree that became...

Artichokes and Earwigs

Question from Jennifer: I have just finished watching your video on planting artichokes and am hoping you might be able to answer a related pest question. I planted artichokes from seed last fall for the first time and the plants grew wonderfully at...

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 beautifully in July? Thanks for any help you can give me Answer from Pat: First, do not worry too much....