By Richard Restuccia (This article originally appeared in the 2022 July/August edition of California Garden) The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates in the Southwestern United States that, 60 percent of total water use is for outdoor purposes, and typically 50 percent of that water is wasted due to inefficient watering systems and methods. […]
Mary James A landscape icon in San Diego and throughout Southern California, the ubiquitous oleander (Nerium oleander), is falling victim to an incurable disease. Native to the Mediterranean region, these versatile shrubs with slender leaves and azalea-like flowers are often planted a carefree screen, defining property lines, and providing privacy or, as one gardener admitted, “separating […]
Specialized pollinators, crucial to food supply and biodiversity, are at risk; here’s how to help them BY BY LEAH TAYLOR (This article originally appeared in the San Diego Union-Tribune on June 11, 2022) Native bees belong to a group of animals that we call pollinators, and they play a crucial role in the biodiversity of our […]
Question: I have very limited experience in growing tomatoes. I promised myself this year to have tomato success! Can you please explain the difference between “hybrid” and “heirloom” tomatoes and between “determinate” and “indeterminate” tomatoes? Answer: An heirloom tomato is one that has been cultivated for at least 50 years. Heirloom tomatoes are pollinated […]
BY MARY FRIESTEDT (This article first appeared in the San Diego Union/Tribune, May 14, 2022) Ah, spring has arrived and what a wonderful time to be in the garden, especially if you grow herbs, many of which thrive in our Mediterranean climate. Gardeners grow herbs to add to foods to make them taste better, but […]
