Granulated Sulfur

Question from Robin: Hi. I have a problem and I need some advice. I spread granulated sulfur on the top of heavy clay soil. Hindsight shows me this is not optimum, and I would like your opinion on my options. I want to establish vegetables on the site....

Message From Pat

Dear Reader: This site contains more than one thousand answers to garden questions on a wide range of subjects common to Mediterranean climates. Among them, we hope you find the answer to your question.  Please take this opportunity to share your experiences,...

Tarragon and Thyme

Question from Dee: This is my first garden this year so I really don’t know what I Am doing.I buy tarragon and Thyme every year and put it in pots.I live in zone 9 and I planted some french tarragon and varigated thyme in my garden and it gets...

Cilantro

Question from Christina: I have cilantro in a container outside…the problem is, it’s leaves have turned purple. I don’t know what I am doing wrong and can’t find my answer anywhere online. I would appreciate any tips you might...

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...

Corn Meal Gluten

Question from Robin: Reading in your book about Organic Corn Meal Gluten for pre-emergence of lawn weeds but where do I find that in our area. Also read where you have to find a reliable source as there is an increase in sound-a-likes. Much appreciated,...

Poinsettias

Question from Jeff: I recently bought your So Cal Organic Gardening book and like it very much.  Helped me right away on winter time sweet peas, and made me feel better about poinsettias.  That is, I have been trying to grow poinsettias for the past...

Choosing a Drum Composter That Really Works

Question from Jan: I heard you speak @ Temecula Valley Garden Club (both times) and enjoyed it immensely. I recently moved and can’t find my notes (oh no!) Would you mind refreshing my memory about the composter your daughter researched? I’m...

Romancing the Garden: A philosophy of gardening Pt 3

The next step is: How do you carry it out? Mine in a nutshell is: “Create a romantic garden and then live in it.” A Paradise Garden The Garden of Eden Dictionary definition of romance: “Imagination, love, idealization, wafting one to another time...

Hydrogen Peroxide in Horticulture

Question from Christine: I have read that adding hydrogen peroxide to plants helps the root system with oxygenation, and produces healthier plants. I have used 3% with annuals/perennials, and food grade – 35% for my vegetables…both diluted...

Blueberries with rust and leaf curl

Question from Monty: Blueberries I’ve had for many years in pots have now developed rust, and one with leaf curl. It appears that a branch on one is dead – all brown. I have three total. Soil remains well drained. Perhaps even dry right...

Plant Zinnias Seeds

Plant seeds of zinnias now. “Benary’s Giants” (sold as “Parks Picks” by the Park Seeds) is immune to mildew. Choose a spot in full sun, till the ground to spade depth, work in organic soil amendment and balanced fertilizer into the top six inches....

Generic Fertilizers & Soil Amendments

This Generic Fertilizers Chart show you what products can be used for a “source of”, how quickly it works, approximate formula, and characteristics. Generic Fertilizers & Soil Amendments Chart. Be sure to reference “Southern California...

Monarch Way station

Question from Sally: Received outdated 2011 seed kit today. Never grown milkweed before do you think I’ll have any problems sowing these older seeds in Ventura Ca. or should I send them back. Thank you Answer from Pat: Your question is slightly...