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...
Plumeria, also known as frangipani or temple tree, are tropical American shrubs or small trees with sweet, fragrant blooms. Despite their close association with Hawaii (aloha!), Plumeria plants are native to the Caribbean Basin. They thrive in Southern...
One of gardening’s oldest techniques is also one of the cheapest and most effective. And it’s especially useful in dry climates like Southern California’s. We’re talking about mulching or covering the soil with a protective layer. What makes it...