Read more about the article Field Trip: Dallas Arboretum
Cobweb Spiderwort is an unusual and macabre water-wise plant.

Field Trip: Dallas Arboretum

Continue ReadingField Trip: Dallas Arboretum

We traveled to Texas last week to help a friend sort out her landscape design for her new home. While there, we took in the sites including the Dallas Arboretum. It gave us a chance to see what's growin' on in Texas between thunderstorms. North Texas is still suffering from drought, I am told, but the Dallas area was lush and green from plentiful spring rains. I was curious to see what plants grow well in Texas. The Arboretum helped…

Read more about the article Review: From Cows to Concrete
The photo from which the book's title came. Read the book to find out where and when it was taken.

Review: From Cows to Concrete

Continue ReadingReview: From Cows to Concrete

An author must support her fellow wordsmiths, especially when a book takes 7 years to produce from concept to publication. Rachel Surls, of UC Cooperative Extensions' Master Gardener program, and Judith Gerber, a friend in the LA garden scene and author of Farming in Torrance and the South Bay, have painstakingly researched and documented the history of agriculture in Los Angeles in their new book, From Cows to Concrete: The Rise and Fall of Farming in Los Angeles. I had…

Read more about the article Field Trip: Huntington Herb Garden
The bees enjoyed the flowers of bolting kale and mustard greens.

Field Trip: Huntington Herb Garden

Continue ReadingField Trip: Huntington Herb Garden

Spring is a beautiful time to visit botanical gardens, and Southern California does not disappoint. The Huntington Library and Gardens is off the charts in May with flora and fauna. We took a visit to the Huntington Herb Garden after tea last weekend to see what's growin' on. Perennial herbs including Rosemary and thyme form clear boundaries for this formal garden. Annual crops fill in the spaces in between. The end of the season can be as beautiful as the…

Read more about the article May To-Dos
May flowers are here! Let's enjoy them.

May To-Dos

Continue ReadingMay To-Dos

It's May, everyone! We love the garden in May. It really gets going right about now, which means there's no time to rest. If you haven't planted spring or summer crops yet, now is the time. If they're already in the ground, we're here to help you keep them happy. Here's your list of May To-dos: May To-Dos Deadhead spent flowers to keep them producing through spring. Hand-pollinate squash plants in the morning before flowers shrivel up. By 9 a.m.…

Read more about the article Thinning Fruit on Apple Trees
Tiny Fuji apples from our first harvest. Didn't thin - how else can you fit 7 apples in one hand?

Thinning Fruit on Apple Trees

Continue ReadingThinning Fruit on Apple Trees

Every gardener does it. We get so excited about impending fruit that we don't do what's best for the tree. We see all those tiny blossoms, then tiny orbs, and we stop using our rational brain in hopes of more, more, more. Thinning fruit from our fruit trees ensures larger fruit and a healthier tree. Young trees often become misshapen when they are laden down with more fruit than their branches can bear. So let's review techniques for thinning fruit…

Read more about the article New Toy: Compost Tea Sprayer
The unit comes with several tip options. We like the brass sprayer (beware of lead, though).

New Toy: Compost Tea Sprayer

Continue ReadingNew Toy: Compost Tea Sprayer

Last year after taking Dr. Elaine Ingham's Soil Food Web intensive, I ran out and purchased a piston-pump sprayer to take my compost tea to the next level. Compost tea is great for plant roots and soil health, but it also makes a great foliar feed (using said compost tea sprayer). Plants respond with a jump in growth, and a reduction in surface- or soil-born fungal infestations. Since tomato season is here, and blight is never far behind here in…

Read more about the article Where’s Gardenerd – New Orleans, Louisiana

Where’s Gardenerd – New Orleans, Louisiana

Continue ReadingWhere’s Gardenerd – New Orleans, Louisiana

Mr. Nerd made his way from Northern California to New Orleans this month, where he visited Eugene Arceneaux. Doesn't that name just scream New Orleans? We love to see the slices of cross-culture Mr. Nerd experiences on his travels. What's growing in Louisiana right now? Let's find out. Mr. Nerd kept Eugene company while Eugene planted his tomatoes, peppers, bush beans and more. He starts his seeds in seed trays, then transplants them to red Solo cups (roomy enough for…

Read more about the article Gardenerd on Hallmark’s Home and Family Show 4-13-16

Gardenerd on Hallmark’s Home and Family Show 4-13-16

Continue ReadingGardenerd on Hallmark’s Home and Family Show 4-13-16

It's been three years since my last appearance on the Hallmark Home and  Family Show, and I'm happy to return this Wednesday (it repeats on Thursday, so I am told) to share information with you about growing sunflowers for pollinators. Tune in Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at 10 a.m./ 9 a.m. central for fun and flowers as we discuss bee-friendly gardens, why pollinators are important, and how to grow sunflowers for color, pollen, and food. The photo above was taken…

Read more about the article Wordless Wednesday: April Garden
22 different tomato seedlings under grow lights.

Wordless Wednesday: April Garden

Continue ReadingWordless Wednesday: April Garden

They say April showers bring May flowers, but it's more like February rains bring April abundance here in Los Angeles. Color and new life reign supreme in the April garden, as we transition from winter to summer crops in a flash. It's time to plant warm-weather crops in warm-winter climates. Here's a look at what's growin' on in our Test Garden. Enjoy your April garden and get out there and plant something!

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