In warm-winter climates it's time to do a few things. Here's some inspiration for upcoming tasks, along with moments to enjoy from our Test Garden.
The Gardenerd Test Garden is now fully planted and life is popping up from the soil. Whether you are just getting started on your fall garden, or shutting down for winter, we offer these images as inspiration for your next garden.
Summer has given way to fall, and while it's still hot in places, the gardener's eye is set on cooler, shorter days.
It's that time where it's too soon to plant fall crops in Los Angeles (watching the 10-day forecast for temps under 73 degrees), and the summer garden is waning.
Technically the Dog Days of Summer end today, August 11th. Dog Days are supposed to be hot and sultry, but here at Gardenerd HQ it's mostly hot and dry.
This year has been the most challenging gardening year for us here at Gardenerd HQ. Even with dozens of rat traps, our cat Mittens, and night vision cameras, we're still losing to rats this year. But that makes the harvest we do get all the more delicious.
I don't know about you, gardenerds, but the pest population here in Los Angeles has exploded this spring/summer. We're experiencing rats like never before (emboldened by our absence over 2020, no doubt). White flies are absolutely everywhere, and leaf hoppers are abundant.
It's right about the time when tomato plants look like they're doing something, and we start to see fruit on squash and cucumber plants. Exciting times, gardenerds. All that work is about to pay off. Let's take a moment to enjoy the progress in our gardens, and savor the late spring garden excitement.
Not all days are rosy in the garden, some days it's a mix of sunshine and clouds. This week we celebrate the clouds (pests, failures) as much as the sunshine (successes and progress). If you're feeling defeated, don't give up. Gardening is about learning from failure more often than not. Dust off and try again.
Happy National Gardening Day, gardenerds! It's full-blown gardening season here in Southern California, and so far it has not disappointed us. While other parts of the country are still under snow (sorry, guys) we're watching plants set fruit and flowers bloom. Here's some inspiration to get you out in the garden (did someone say Ditch Day?).