Beets and Pole Beans

Question from Andrea: I recently planted pole beans Kentucky Wonder and next to them I planted beets. I just read they they stunt each others growth. Should I pull out the beets? Thanks. Answer from Pat: The idea that beans and beets “stunt...

Scarlet Runner Beans

Q.  I have been looking for some guidance in planting scarlet runner beans. I life in San Clemente, do they grow well in this area? Should they be planted in fall like Fava Beans? Or treated like regular snap beans and planted in the spring? A. Now about...

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,...

Step-By-Step Method For Growing Great Organic Vegetables

If you are growing organic vegetables year-round there will be some carryover of cool-season organic crops into warm weather, for example organic artichokes, which can be put in from transplants in March and harvested in June, or organic globe onions,...

Dormant Spray For Low-Chill Apple Trees

Question from Robin: Truly hope this email is reaching you with a greatly improved shoulder! Question: I need to winter spray my Anna and Golden Dorsett apples both of which have loads of leaves and varying size of apples. Last year I simply stripped...

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”)...

Broccoli question

Question from Christine: I planted this Broccoli di Cicco (heirloom) from seed in February and it’s growing in a 16″ deep planter box in south Carlsbad 5 miles from the ocean. A few weeks ago I noticed this purplish blemish on the main trunk...

Best Home Grown Plums, Apricots, and Nectarines in Southern California

Question from Jon: We had a gorgeous old plum tree in our back yard.  It had produced really great juicy plums for 1 season, but unfortunately the tree was very old and was not well cared for by the previous owner, so we had to remove it a few months...

Growing grapes in Temecula

Question from Debbie: I just bought a country home in Temecula (in Meadowview) and there were 3 rows of grapes but they let them die; there are the “t” frames and wires running to each to replant and start. I do not know what type of grapes...

Soil for Raised Vegetable Garden

Question from Debbie: I just moved into Temecula and I need to bring in truckload of dirt to begin 3 large vegetable beds next week. Is there any particular type of soil to ask for and do you know where to purchase this in that area? Answer from Pat: Look...

Soil for Raised Vegetable Garden

Question from Debbie: I just moved into Temecula and I need to bring in truckload of dirt to begin 3 large vegetable beds next week. Is there any particular type of soil to ask for and do you know where to purchase this in that area? Answer from Pat: Look...

Tomato Blossom End Rot and Drip Systems

Question from Walt: Thanks for the very informative presentation at the Del Mar Garden Club. You did make a statement for which I need a little more info. You stated for tomatoes NOT to use a drip irrigation system. I have planted grafted tomatoes and...

Growing Kiwi’s in La Mesa

Question from Jon: I hope you are recovering well from your surgery and feeling better.  My mother (who is 90) has also had several joints replaced as well as heart valve.  Hopefully the technology will continue to improve by the time I need something...

Bareroot Berries

Question from Maddie: I recently planted bareroot berries (black/boysen/raspberries) can I plant beets, swiss chard around them? any problems with that? Answer from Pat: There is no problem with planting beets, Swiss chard or any other vegetable near...