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: How to Attract Mason and Carpenter Bees in California
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
Garden Notes: Growing Kandy Korn Sweet Corn
Here's an easy-to-grow, no fuss sweet corn that is not only tasty, but has attractive purple-hued leaves and husks that make it a standout in the garden.