Growing Heirloom Winter Squash in a Coastal Zone

Question from Forrest: Hello Pat, I was told that you live in Del Mar and I’d love to get your expert opinion on something. I have become very interested in growing heirloom winter squash (after reading the wonderful “Compleat Squash”)...

Problems with Beans and Tomatoes: a Message from our Urban Horticulture Advisor

Pat inquired with the Urban Horticulture Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension about recent problems with beans and tomatoes. Here are the results of that exchange: I am hearing from many gardeners this year that they are having problems with green beans....

Problems with Beans and Tomatoes in 2010

Question from Claudia: We live in Corona, CA. We grow tomatoes from seed and also store-bought. Initially, they seem to thrive, but after the first fruit, the lower leaves begin to droop and then turn brown and dry out, look dead. The plants continue...

Artichokes and Earwigs

Question from Jennifer: I have just finished watching your video on planting artichokes and am hoping you might be able to answer a related pest question. I planted artichokes from seed last fall for the first time and the plants grew wonderfully at...

How to Prevent Blossom End Rot on Tomatoes, and Best Temperatures for Setting Fruit on Pepper Plants

Question from Ramon: I am new to gardening and this is only my second year. My first year was hot peppers and tomatoes. The hot peppers did great that year but the tomatoes, I found out later, that I was over watering. This year I went to deep watering...

When to plant tomatoes for fall/early winter harvest

Question from Lewis: I wanted to know when to plant tomatoes and what kind of tomatoes for a late fall, early winter harvest. Answer from Pat: The best time to plant tomatoes for summer use is in March, but this year our temperatures have been cool along...

Do Not Dig Chipper Materials into the Ground

Question from Harry: I have heavy clay soil. When it gets wet, it sticks to my shoes. Recently I got a load of chipper materials from a local tree-pruner. I have been wheelbarrowing it around and spreading it on paths and beds and around my fruit trees....

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...

Squash

Question from Peggy: Plant starts to grow a squash about 2-3 inches nice shape and color then the tip turns yellow. After that the whole thing turns yellow and dies. Planted in 5 gal plastic pots with bottom cut out, and sunk down about a foot with...

Runner Beans Have Stopped Growing

Question from Ramon: Hi Pat, I planted my green bean seeds in early May. They sprouted in the first 2 weeks and seemed to be growing just fine. At the end of June it seemed like they just stopped growing, with the biggest plants only 6 inches tall. I...

Don’t Bother Growing Rhubarb in Southern California

Question from Bob: I am in zone 9B by the USDA Zone map. Rhubarb requires the best results in Zones 3-8. Are you aware of a good root stock the will flourish here in So. Calif? I have heard of placing ice cubes over the top of the plant locations at night...

Melons in a Tire

Message from Pam: I heard your lecture on summer vegetables. I am ready to plant melons in a tire. I bought muskmelons which I guess are the same as canteloupe. How many do I plant in each tire and what is the yield? ANSWER FROM PAT: Dear Pam: Please...

How to Grow Cucumbers on a Trellis

Message from Pam: I am growing cucumbers in a tomato cage. There are many little cucumbers hanging on. Will the weight of all the cucumbers harm the plant or harm the cucumbers? Should I be growing them by spreading them out instead of growing them straight...

Bell Peppers

Question from Dee: This is my first garden and IAm getting these black spots on my bellpeppers. What is the cause of this. Answer from Pat: Black spots on peppers sounds like a bacterial spot disease. I would try spraying with Serenade. It might control...