Category Archives: Blog

Cleaning Up Strawberries

Posted on January 29, 2009 by Christy

“Hello Christy! Could you give me a bit more info on what is involved in
“cleaning up” strawberry plants? Do you top them? Do you separate
them?  How much do you cover them with compost?  One more question….do
you recommend ordering blueberries, blackberries, and grapes from a
catalog or buying them locally? thanks, Diedre”

All very good questions here.  Now before I answer, a disclaimer:  I may preach one thing, but do another, because I’m a gutless wonder in some regard. 

Some publications I’ve read tell us to mow down our strawberries with the lawnmower on a very high setting, or …
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The Gardens of Esalen

Posted on January 29, 2009 by Christy

We took a trip up the coast, our California Adventure we called it, through San Luis Obispo, Big Sur, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, and then we visited Napa before heading down Interstate 5 to get home.  We were blessed with the most beautiful weather, the kind, as my husband says, that explains the reason for high real estate prices. 

We saw monarch butterflies fluttering in the trees and elephant seals basking in the sunshine along the shore.  It seemed to be a good time for all things natural.  The gardens were no exception.  We spent 3 days at …
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Winter Harvest

Posted on January 25, 2009 by Christy

After being gone for 10 days up the coast of California during what could be called the most beautiful summer-like winter weather Northern California has ever seen, my husband and I have returned to find the gardens thriving.  Some veggies are just coming into fullness, while others – like the Osaka Purple Mustard – are finishing up.  We came home to find a bright yellow flower shooting out the top of overgrown mustard greens (we couldn’t possibly have kept up with the production of those giant leaves).  We also found tiny, bright white, waxy cauliflower heads starting to …
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LA Times Article on Victory Gardens

Posted on January 13, 2009 by Christy

For those like me who don’t get the paper, here is the recent article by Mary MacVean on the resurgence of Victory Gardens in Los Angeles.  It appeared in the Saturday, January 10th edition of the Home and Garden section of the Times.  Enjoy!


http://www.latimes.com/features/home/la-hm-victory10-2009jan10,0,7167635.story …
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An Ailing Meyer Lemon

Posted on January 9, 2009 by Christy

A desperate plea came in this week that sounds like a 911 call:

“New meyer lemon dwarf tree doing poorly, yellow leaves, flowers dropped off. So sad….Help! Suggestions?”

You said the magic word – new.  I’m guessing that your lemon tree is suffering from transplant shock in some way.  It can take around 3 weeks for a plant to show signs of it,  but chances of survival are pretty good , especially in winter, if you address it right away.  Here’s what I can say about it and other possible problems your tree might be suffering from:

Yellow leaves – There are a …
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Building a Recycled Compost Tumbler

Posted on January 8, 2009 by Christy

Someone from my home town wrote in recently:

“I am trying to track down a used food-grade barrel to make a compost tumbler. Do you have any idea where to check? I really want to reuse one and not buy new. I’m in 93065 zip code. (Simi Valley) Preferably it would be one with an lid that can open.Thanks for your help.  PS I live in a small space hence the need for a tumbler. Also I don’t think I’ll be churning very often so I’m avoiding a bucket composter.”


I grew up in Simi …
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Santa Monica Mirror Article

Posted on January 3, 2009 by Christy

And now for a moment of shameless self-promotion:

http://www.smmirror.com/MainPages/DisplayArticleDetails.asp?eid=9299

…
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Soil for Starting Seeds

Posted on January 3, 2009 by Christy

A question came in over the holiday:

“What is a good commercial soil in which to start vegetable seeds?“

That’s a great question.  There are many ways to start seeds, and almost as many opinions about what soil to use for seed starting.  In general, commercial seed starting mix is of a finer grade of potting soil, meaning it is not as course or chunky as regular potting soil.  It is intended for use when starting seeds indoors under grow lights.  Many companies produce seed germinating mix that has higher moisture retaining properties, and some add fertilizers to their mixes …
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Planting a Nectarine Tree

Posted on January 2, 2009 by Christy

For those who have been tracking our landscaping project, you might recall there are 5 spaces for fruit trees in the front yard, and only 4 trees.  On Christmas Eve, the final addition arrived via FedEx (upside-down, despite the multiple appearances of “up” arrows all over the box, thank you very much).  Our Fantasia semi-dwarf nectarine arrived virtually safe and sound, with only a couple of broken branches. 

Admittedly, I had never planted a bare root fruit tree before. I’ve killed a couple bare root roses in the past, so …
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Creating a Concrete Jungle

Posted on December 26, 2008 by Christy

A brave new gardener sent in this question recently:

“I finally want to have some greenery on my patio. Can you suggest some flowers and foliage that will make it look warm and inviting? I SUCK at this. = )”

Good for you!  It’s always a big first step to get growing on a patio, and I have to say, not always successful at first.  Take heart if something doesn’t work out the first time, though.  My husband is a firm believer in survival of the fittest.  He’ll buy 3 different plants and waits to see which one thrives, then …
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