Garden
The 5 Best Tomatoes for Zone 9
I tested 40+ varieties to find the 5 best tomatoes for Zone 9. Discover the high-yield, heat-resistant winners I grow every year in my garden.
The Great Gopher Spurge Scam
Think gopher spurge is a natural way to repel pests? Think again. Here's the truth about Euphorbia lathyrus, why it fails as a repellent, and how it can become an invasive weed in your Southern California garden. Learn the real way to control gophers without poisons.
Bee Hotels Aren’t Just Garden Decor
Bee hotels do work in Zone 8-10 gardens. Learn how I filled mine with native bees and pollinators using weathered wood, deep tunnels, and smart placement.
Italian Frying Pepper Review: Flavor, Yield, and Growing Tips
The Italian frying pepper (Friggitello) is a Zone 9 standout! Get 5/5 stars for high yield, long production season, and a delicious, savory-sweet flavor.
Fall Keyhole Garden Maintenance
Late-autumn is a great time to do maintenance on raised garden beds like a keyhole garden, especially if you grow year round or want an early start next spring
It’s Only November and The Creek is Rising
A series of Pacific storms came through this past week and dropped several inches of rain—the most we've had in November in almost 50 years. So now we have a muddy creek flowing
The Pumpkins Come Down from The Hanging Garden
I removed the last of the pumpkins from the hanging garden trellises yesterday. While overhead pumpkins looked interesting, I won't grow them this way again.
5 Reasons You Should “Leave the Leaves” and Be a Lazy Gardener This Fall
My best garden advice in fall? Do less. Don't rake the garden clean. Save time and money by being a Lazy Gardener and leave it be. Mother Nature will thank you.
The 12 Best Vegetables for Your Zone 9 Fall Garden
Don't pack up your gardening gloves yet! USDA zone 9 is perfect for an autumn season of delicious, bountiful vegetables. Here are 12 varieties to plant now
The 5 Best Sweet Peppers to Grow for High Yield and Great Flavor
Looking for a sweet pepper that's easy to grow, has high productivity and tastes delicious? Here are 5 varieties that you should put at the top of your list