“Autumnal springtime”
Right around the corner is “the autumnal springtime,” according to Edward Wickson. Spring in autumn? Sounds like nonsense. But hear Wickson explain: “Spring is defined as ‘the one of the four seasons when plants begin to grow.’” And therefore, California has two...
Growing cucumbers in Southern California
Even on a hot summer day, I can go into the yard and pick a cucumber and bite into it and feel cooled and refreshed. How does that work? There’s no other vegetable quite like a cuke. I need to have them in my summer garden. Here’s how I go about accomplishing that....
Young avocado trees cannot handle competition
In June of 2023, I planted a GEM avocado tree. It was a good-looking tree, on top and bottom. The leaves showed healthy new growth and the roots were abundant and with new white tips. I planted in the best way I knew, a way in which I’d planted many trees before that...
The Hellen avocado tree: a profile
“The skin is tough and leathery and peels easily (as a glove would),” wrote Carter Barrett of the Hellen avocado in the 1939 Yearbook of the California Avocado Society. Mr. Barrett was right. Hellen avocados do peel like a glove. They are also large, usually weighing...
Summer burnout
“How’s your garden?” asked a friend. “I’ve basically given up for the summer,” I said. “Me too!” “If it weren’t for sunflowers, half of my vegetable area would be bare dirt right now. And I didn’t even plant the sunflowers – they’re all volunteers!” I’m burned out....
More garden, less time
Work will expand into the allotted time, goes the saying, and garden work is no exception. If I have all afternoon to prune my nectarine tree, then I will fiddle and get artsy and take all afternoon to prune my one nectarine tree. But I have other fruit trees that...
Avocado variety tasting and Q&A with John Schoustra
On August 23, you can join John Schoustra in a tasting of six varieties that are in season at Apricot Lane Farms in Moorpark, Ventura County: Pinkerton, Hass, Nabal, Reed, Lamb, and Gelado. Schoustra is the orchard manager at Apricot Lane. In addition, he cultivates...
July in Jacques’ garden
What is to eat in July in Jacques' rich food garden in Southern California? Apples, pears, and nectarines. More apples, peaches, and goji berries. Cape gooseberries? What are those? You must join me for a tour and some tasting, plus a tip on how to trap green fruit...
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