Tree Kale Can Live for 20 Years
Robert Steele, who maintains a thriving vegetable garden in West Covina, always has something new to teach, especially in the area of pest control, a trade in which he worked professionally for many ...
Category Archives: Edible Gardens
Black Fruit, Red Fruit, and Birdscapes
There is a reason that mulberries and blackberries are so attractive to birds. In whatever stage of their development, whether red and unripe or black and ready to pick, mulberries and blackberries s...
Of Cabbages and Kings
“The time has come,” the Walrus said, “To talk of many things: . . . of cabbages and kings.” (from Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll) It is no wonder that cabbages make an appearance ...
Spider Mite Deterrence and Peanut Growing
We have a 40 year old camellia that has lately been invaded by spider mites. All of its leaves have turned brown on the front side, while the backside is still very healthy looking. Can you recomm...
Wisteria, Camellia, & Multi-Color Corn
It has been several weeks since Wisteria stopped blooming but still I thi...
Capers from the Desert
If you enjoy perking up your roast, your fish, your pasta, or your salad with capers, you might find it of interest to know that you can grow capers to your heart’s delight in this part of the ...
Mulch, Fertilizer, & Tomatoes
“I dumped quite a bit of redwood mulch on my tomatoes, roses and annuals. The tomatoes are thriving, but the others are just doing so-so. Why the difference and what can I do to improve the con...
Zucchini is Easy
A recent e-mail served as a reminder that zucchini squash is one of the easiest plants to grow. Many of the fruits and vegetables we harvest in our back yards are smaller than the versions we see of ...
Bountiful Tomatoes Year After Year
Thirty years ago, Arlene Gantman planted tomatoes in several sections of her Van Nuys back yard. Her initial attempts enjoyed a bountiful harvest that first year. Every year since, she has planted to...
How to Grow More Vegetables
“How to Grow More Vegetables” (Ten Speed Press, $30) is a set of directives that, if followed to the letter, could radically change your life. “How to Grow More Vegetables” by John Jeavons has been t...
