Few flowers “talk” to gardeners. A snapdragon will. The name “snapdragon” derives from the flower’s resemblance to a dragon’s mouth, which opens and closes when you gently squeeze the sides. Scientifically known as Antirrhinum...
What do you get when you cross a carrot with a radish? It might be the turnip, a slightly bitter and peppery root vegetable that ruled European stew pots until the sweeter and prettier carrot came along. Did you know that turnips: Pack more vitamin C than carrots to...
Is there a perfect tree for low-effort gardeners? In SoCal, it might be the desert willow, a native plant that manages just fine without help but flourishes with a little TLC — occasional waterings and “haircut” now and then. The desert willow (Chilopsis...
Gardening in Southern California is a year-round endeavor, with no forced off-season like winter in Milwaukee. Still, knowing what to plant and when can make the difference between a bountiful garden and one that produces little or nothing. This guide outlines a...
Which produce goes bad fastest after a trip to the market? A betting person would say “lettuce,” with some varieties wilting almost as soon as they hit the shopping bag. It doesn’t have to be this way. Homegrown lettuce is: Fresher More flavorful...
