People perspire. Plants transpire. Transpiration is a plant’s cooling process, where it releases water vapor from stomata in its leaves. This natural evaporative cooling moderates plant temperatures and urban heat island effects, especially in densely built...
Today’s weather report? Another heat wave lasting a week. Welcome to the dog days of summer in SoCal. Extreme heat is hard on your plants, too. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 95°F can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and sunburn in sensitive plants like...
The hardest part about diatomaceous earth is the spelling. Once you’ve mastered that, the rest falls into place. If you’re an organic gardener looking for a natural way to protect plants and improve soil health, diatomaceous earth could be your new bestie....
There’s nothing quite like the satisfying, crisp, juicy sweetness of a watermelon picked fresh from the garden. Nothing could be better — except maybe a watermelon that’s even crisper, juicier, and sweeter. You’ve followed the planting schedules, the...
The Los Angeles Basin was once a prime farming area for oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and — yes — strawberries. Fertile soil and benign weather meant that almost anything could grow here. The sprawling fields are long gone, but strawberries remain a favorite among...
If a cucumber plant posted a want ad, it might read like this: Wanted: Constant companion for daily support. Must be able to fix nitrogen and discourage pests. Also must be willing to work for free. Such are the demands for a companion plant for cucumbers. Companion...
