Other area gardening

Question from Llyana: First of all thank you so much for your book, Southern California Gardening-Month by Month. I can’t tell you how much I rely on it and have learned so much that it has become the only book I recommend for San Diegan gardening...

Chicken or Horse Manure

Q. I’ve heard you talk about the benefits of horse manure.What is your opinion of using chicken instead of horse manure? I was told recently chicken is stronger than horse. A. Chicken manure is superior to horse manure but needs longer aging and...

Horticulture Teacher Question

Question from Judy: I teach horticulture for a community college to men in a prison. We have been enjoying some of your old gardening videos. We were wondering what you were doing now? Are any new videos on dvd now? I have limited funds for new materials,...

Torrey Pine Trees

Question: Can I legally prune or cut back Torrey Pine Trees. I have three native Torrey Pines in my yard. They were growing here when my family bought property next door in 1946. My neighbors are complaining that their view is being blocked. I...

Stop blossoms from dropping off tomatoes

Question from Holt: Wondering why my tomato plants keep dropping their blooms? Answer from Pat: Tomatoes often drop blossoms early in the season. (This problem and solutions are discussed on page 171 of my book in the chapter for April, which is when...

How Gypsum Improves Drainage

Question from Barbara: Can you tell me whether adding gypsum will truly help break up and/or improve clay soil in the home garden? The information I find on line is conflicting and confusing.  So glad you’re there (or here) to help us. Answer...

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...