Growing pluots in Southern California
I’ve met people who don’t like the tart skin of some plums, and I’ve met people who find apricots mushy, but I’m still waiting to meet the person who has eaten a homegrown pluot and doesn’t ask for more. Just this week I shared some from my trees with a friend who has...
More photos; fewer words
I crack up whenever I think of this comment someone made to my wife: "I really like your husband's blog, except there are so many words." Maybe not this week? Here are ten photos that capture aspects of this past summer, with captions that I've trimmed and trimmed....
Using the evapotranspiration rate to water your garden better
How often do you adjust your irrigation timer? How do you estimate how much to water your fruit trees or vegetables? The local evapotranspiration rate is a great guide in answering both of these questions. What is the evapotranspiration rate? Evapo-transpiration is a...
Tomato varieties for Southern California, 2019
It so happens that every tomato variety of the seven I’m growing this summer has done well and tastes good enough to justify planting again next year. They're all a little different, and I’d be selfish not to tell you about them. Small-fruited types Blush tomatoes....
Growing raspberries in Southern California
Most of my raspberry plants have come from friends and family who live where raspberries grow best. The Sunset Western Garden Book says that raspberries grow best in Zones 3-6 and 15-17. These Zones cover the central and northern California coast, and then western...
Unirrigated fruits and vegetables in Southern California, summer 2019
I haven’t watered this lime tree for three years now and yet it still gives us more limes than we can handle -- and limes of high quality. I don’t know for certain why it no longer needs my irrigation, but I have a suspicion. Step back and take a look at the tree's...
Starting brassicas in summer
Growing good broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussels sprouts in Southern California is all about timing. August is a great time to sow these “brassicas.” You get the seeds started now and you’ll likely harvest some around Thanksgiving, certainly around Christmas....
Protecting avocado trees from heat
If the air temperature is comfortable for you, then it is comfortable for your avocado tree. I spent last week -- the last week of July -- camping next to the beach in Carpinteria, Santa Barbara County. At night I wore a sweatshirt, and during the day I could sit in...
Gardening Calendar for 2020
Welcome
I'm Greg. My goal is to help others grow some food at home, with a focus on vegetables and fruits -- especially avocados -- in Southern California. I write a new "Yard Post" every Friday. Custom engraved garden signs
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