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Spent Brewery Grains as Compost or Soil Amendment
Question from Ica: My friend is a brewmaker and has tons of the filtered barley grains they use to make beer. Would this be a good soil admendment? Also should it be composted or can it be added directly to the garden? Answer from Pat: Spent brewery grains...
Erosion Control for Steep Hillside: Last Minute Installation to Hold the Soil
Question from Melissa: Hi Pat, My elderly parents live in Rolling Hills Estates on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and have a very steep hillside leading down from their backyard. About 1 year ago a “live” sprinkler pipe ruptured and sent a...
Humic Acid
Question from Maureen: How often do you recommend applying humic acid? I did purchase from Peaceful Valley. I put it in my veggie garden before planting seeds. Thank you! Answer from Pat: Humic acid seems to have a strong effect as a planting fluid....
Vegetables, Eucalyptus, Clay Soil, and Fruit Trees
Question from Christian: I live in Del Mar near Fairbanks Ranch, and I’d like to get some of your thoughts on gardening and adding some new organic fruits, herbs, and vegetables to my house to feed us! My goal is to turn a portion of my property...
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...
Terr-O-Vite
Question from Trinidad: Where can I purchase this product? Nobody seems to know about it. I live and work in Encinitas, CA. Places I have checked are Grangettos, Home Depot, Hydroscape… Please help. Answer from Pat: Terr-O-Vite is no longer available....
Aspergillosis or Fungus Diseases of the Lung Caused by Earth-born Pathogens in Soil and Compost
Question from Robin: I am an old friend of Nancy Schibanoff and Sharrie Woods. Have known them both close over 25 years…as our sons grew up together. Sharrie told me about a lecture you gave within the last several months about being careful not...
Honeysuckle Dying
Q: Purchased a ‘mint crisp’ honeysuckle in a 1 gal pot; transplanted to a larger planter (hoping to move so I’m trying not to actually plant it). Was doing just fine and growing but has started to have sections where its starting to...
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....
Potting Soil for Planter Box
Question from Judy: Great website. I just found you. My husband just built a planter box 38x48x12deep. It is on wheels so i can move it to get sun both summer and winter. My growing space is small with everything planted. I have removed much of the none...
Aspergillosis or Fungus Diseases of the Lung Caused by Earth-born Pathogens in Soil and Compost
Question from Robin: I am an old friend of Nancy S and Sharrie W. Have known them both close over 25 years…as our sons grew up together. Sharrie told me about a lecture you gave within the last several months about being careful not to inhale fungus...
Humic Acid
Question: I live in San Diego. I read your books and I am looking for a supplier for humic acid and for EnviroTree. Where do you get these products? Answer: Humic acid is contained in the product “John and Bob’s Soil Optimizer” which...
Moisture Control Miracle Grow Potting Soil is No Good
Question from Connie: I mostly garden in containers. Last spring was my second year to do this type of gardening. I bought and planted in Moisture Control Miracle Grow. My plants did not flourish and grow, and I’m pretty sure it was the soil. How...
