Avocados are delicious and nutritious (said Captain Obvious). They’re also remarkably easy to grow in Southern California yards. The plant hails from Mexico, which also gave us the poinsettia and the zinnia. Persea americana dates back thousands of years and was...
Artichokes are cool-season perennials. In California, they’re typically planted in the fall and produce buds in the spring after they overwinter. They require cool weather to form buds, a chilling period known as vernalization. The plants thrive in mild winters...
Love ’em or hate ’em, there’s no denying the nutritional punch and distinct flavor of Brussels sprouts. Glucosinolate compounds are responsible for their bitterness and intense aroma. When roasted, Brussels sprouts develop a sweet, caramelized flavor...
Growing your own vegetables has become a thing. It’s easy to see why. Homegrown vegetables are picked at their peak ripeness, ensuring superior flavor and nutrients. You control the use of pesticides and fertilizers, resulting in healthier produce. You save...
We’re an impatient culture. Fast food, fast service, instant messaging, on-demand streaming — we want it all now. Sadly, the words “fast” and “gardening” rarely go together unless they’re in the title of this blog. Gardening takes...
Zucchini originated in Mesoamerica, the region extending from central Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. It’s a relatively recent addition to gardens but has been cultivated since at least the mid-19th century. Records from the 1800s...
