Asparagus originated in Mesopotamia and the East Mediterranean area. Cultivation traces back thousands of years and found its way to California in the late 19th century. The first commercial crop was grown on Bouldin Island in 1892. Asparagus officinalis does well in...
Cinch bugs are a nuisance for California landscapes, especially those with St. Augustine grass. These pernicious pests suck the sap from grass nodes and crowns, causing yellowish to brownish patches on lawns. They can ruin a lawn in short order if left unchecked....
Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable for home gardening. They’re relatively easy to grow, remain productive all summer, and can be grown in containers, raised beds, and on ridges. There’s nothing like the sweet, rich flavor of a freshly picked tomato...
“Old roses tend to be stable, long-lived, and sturdy, especially when grown from cuttings. Many show a strong resistance to black spot and other diseases. The unforgettable ‘true rose’ fragrance is not found in the modern hybrids. Old roses have an...
Roses are one of the best medicinal and culinary plants. If used for these purposes, they should be grown organically. Toxic pesticides and other chemicals will compromise their medicinal and food value. Spraying the plants with synthetic poisons is a bad idea if you...
