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...

Brunfelsias

Question from Trinidad: I just read on one of your books that Brunfelsias can take two shots of high nitrogen fertilizer in December and January. What kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Do I do a soil drench or spray on leaves? I care for a garden that...

Fertilizing Deciduous Fruit Trees

Question from Jane: When do I fertilize my fruit trees and what do you recommend? Thank you I live in Fallbrook Answer from Pat: No, I do no suggest bloodmeal as the best fertilizer for deciduous fruit trees. It is strong nitrogen and can burn. Not...

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...

How the Weather Can Make a Barren Peach Tree Bear Fruit

Question from Diana: My peach tree is about 8 years old. It has never had peaches until this year. It rained a lot. I started picking peaches on June 10-July 26. I have no peaches on my tree-just picked the last few. What can I do so that I will have...

Plant to Prevent Erosion on a Steep Hillside

Question from Kathy: I love your book and use it as my garden bible. I have a new problem and do not know what to do. I live on top of a steep hillside and have been here for 34 yrs. I have never had a mudslide. However, the hillside is in three levels...

When to Harvest Lettuce

Question from Ginny: How do I know when the lettuce and shallots are ready to pick? What is your best book regarding this. I live in San Marcos, CA. Answer from Pat: The time when lettuce is ready to pick depends on the variety you are growing, the...

Pruning a Camphor tree

Question from John: I have a Camphor tree that was planed in August of 2010.  It has since grown about 4 ft and has filled out.  filled out so much that tow main branches almost snapped from the weight of rain.  We have since tied them to large stakes. When...

Birds & Tomato Cages

Question from Fred: We took your advice and have a number of Sweet 100 plants in large containers in our yard. Everything looks good except we now have a problem w/bird droppings on those plants w/tomato cages. What can we do to stop the birds from perching...

Carrot Germination by Boiling-Water Method

Question from Matt: I was fortunate enough to attend your presentation at the last SD Master Gardener Seminar. At that time, you suggested speeding up the germination period for carrots by pouring boiling water over the freshly-sown seeds. Although...

Raised Bed Planting

Question from Chad: I am just installed a raised 13 1/2 foot by 5 1/2 foot veggie bed in mu back yard that will get great amounts of south facing sun. I have filled the bed with good quality organic soil. I am using a soaker hose that is hooked into...

Drought-resistant Lawn Substitute for People and Dogs

Question from Candace and Cyrus: We recently got rid of our entire fescue lawn and replaced it ( or tried to ) with UC Verde, a new form of buffalo grass specially engineered for the climate of the southwest. Unfortunately, because we are within a...