Dormant Spray For Low-Chill Apple Trees

Question from Robin: Truly hope this email is reaching you with a greatly improved shoulder! Question: I need to winter spray my Anna and Golden Dorsett apples both of which have loads of leaves and varying size of apples. Last year I simply stripped...

Growing Lilac (Syringea vulgaris) in Southern California

Question from Rachel: First things first: Pat, I asked you a question about fruit trees a while ago, and you sent the most thoughtful, detailed message with a host of helpful suggestions, including a recommendation for Bearss lime trees. I managed to...

Creeping Fig

Question from Patty: Me again. I wanted your thoughts on creeping fig. We have a half wall on the east side of our property and I’m considering planting creeping fig as coverage. I’ve read mixed reviews…some saying the plant is unruly,...

Pea Seeds Sprouting

Question from Jack: Pat, how long does it take the pea seeds to sprout using your plastic bag trick? Answer from Pat: It usually takes about three days for pea seeds with the shriveled gene to sprout when wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in a...

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 winter squash (after reading the wonderful “Compleat Squash”)...

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 facing and gets a lot of sun. I’m in the South Pasadena/ Highland Park area of Southern...

Evergreen Tree for a Planter

Question from Ivana: We have a large planter 6ftx6ft in the back of our building and would love to find a good evergreen accent tree. The planter is just next to parking spaces and the building so we need a tree that would not be messy and/or bear fruit...

Dahlia Imperialis

Question from Cynthia: Hi Pat – I didn’t know till now that you are in Del Mar. I grew up in Cardiff in the 1950s and ’60s, and I honestly believe there is no more perfect place on earth (and I’ve been around!). I’m...

Beach Front Plants for English Seacoast Gardens

Question from Katie: Hi Pat, just found your www site and saw it said, “Send a Q to Pat”, so, here goes… location: seaside, south-facing (in England: the sunny side), sheltered terrace.  Required: architectural, evergreen, “WOW!”...

Community Gardens

Question from Andrea: My question is about planting in a community garden raised bed. I live in a apartment with very limited planting space. My love for gardening is so strong I am looking into a local community garden to be able to grow more veggies...

How to Graft a Podocarpus or Grow One from Cuttings

Question from Diana: Hi Pat, After surviving a fire that destroyed  everything around it, the the massive Podocarpus that graces the center of the Southwest Community Center in Santa Ana is coming down tomorrow.-Tuesday.   Arborists say it will...

Pruning Lavendar

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 in fact. Answer from Pat: Prune lavendar as soon as the main blossom season...

My mission in the Kalu Yala

Question from Chris: My name is Chris Garcia, I am not a beginner gardner but I am definitely not at your level yet. I am on a mission to gain as much knowledge as possible regarding organic gardening, I am seeking an internship of sorts in Panama to...

Hummingbirds

Question from Cynthia: Hello! I live in an apartment and have a balconey. I’d like to have a plant/tree that would attract hummingbirds. Can you give me some suggestions? Answer from Pat: I suggest Fuchsia ‘Gartenmeister Bonstedt’,...