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 live in Riverside Ca. and the […]

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 to give them […]

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 the problem but won’t cure it. Wet weather and moist […]

Question from Sally: Which of your books would be best for a novice San Diego vegetable gardener. Many thanks – buying one of your books for Christmas gift. Answer from Pat: “Pat Welsh’s Southern California Organic Gardening, Month by Month”, published by Chronicle Books, covers vegetable gardening in every chapter. This is the best book […]

Question from Debbie: Is it possible to purchase an artichoke at the supermarket, put the stem in water and have it bloom or flower? You know, like you can do with roses? Answer from Pat: Unfortunately by the time an artichoke has been cut from the plant and shipped to a store it is too […]

Question from Madonna: Wow!  I AM ACTUALLY TALKING TO YOU?? Really??  I use your 1992 So CA month by month gardening guide book as as a staple. (I have been mentally talking to you for years and wishing I could meet and talk to you.)  Just now hitting on this site and then told I […]