Planting
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....
Question from Howard:
We are a Homeowners association with a steep bank, 45 degrees or steeper, three blocks long and about 30 feet high. What drought tolerant plant(s) would you recommend? Also, what ground cover, if any, would you recommend to replace...
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,...
Question from Bonnie:
I always thought you should plant in Spring so the plant has time to grow before summer temperatures rise. Just so I can understand can you please give me a short explanation of why you would plant in Fall.
Is Fall just for San...
Question from Trece:
I have 2 pots I would like to plant to make a window screen for privacy. The pots are about 35″ long x 11″ wide x 10″ deep. Can you suggest something that would make a privacy screen, grow quickly and thick in...
SHRUBS
Adenostoma fasciculatum—Chamise
Most abundant shrub in some local coastal chaparral, often called “Chamise chaparral”. Known for spring bloom but often flowers in fall.
Arctostaphylos glandulosa, ssp. crassifolia—Del Mar manzanita
Coastal...
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!”...
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....
Question from Shannon:
I just bought your book tonight and then I stumbled upon your website. As for my sad Tibouchinas, I guess I have to accept that they are not made for our climate or our water concerns. I saw them everywhere around LA, so I ...
Question from Mari:
I live near Fairbanks Ranch in San Diego county and grow organic vegetables in raised beds. Since I love broccoli, I want to grow them most of the year, however, I realize that you need crop rataions. Is it o.k. to rotate with...
1. Choose a site in full sun.
2. Build raised boxes or plant in ground.
3. For raised beds: Nail 1/8 1/4 hardware cloth on bottom of each box to keep out gophers.
4. Fill boxes with good-quality topsoil.
5. Cover the ground surrounding the raised boxes...
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...
Question from Eliana:
Thanks for all your wonderful writings!
I am thinking of siting a duranta erecta in a small area next to a house with full sun, where preferred height is really only 7′ high x 5′ x 3′ wide and deep.
I realize...
Controlling Algerian Ivy & Plants that Attract Birds
All nurseries will provide you with information when you purchase plants as to correct spacing of the plants you buy. Most plant labels have size and spacing listed on the label. Always ask the...