How to Prepare for Spring Planting for a Bountiful Harvest of Summer Veggies

  By Donna McClay The secret to ensuring a successful summer vegetable garden is planning ahead.  With winter in full swing, it’s not too early to plan for spring planting.  Here is a simple step-by-step plan to help you make the most of your efforts to grow a robust summer vegetable garden.   What Do You […]

Read More

Succulents as Low Maintenance Shrubs

BY SHARON REEVE When you picture a succulent garden, you might be like me and see in your mind’s eye many colorful tiny plants in a precious arrangement, but have you ever thought of succulents as shrubs in a low-maintenance and drought-tolerant garden? Many succulents have a neat and tidy domed habit that suits a low-water […]

Read More

Harvest some enjoyment with your own kitchen garden!

BY HELEN PURCELL MONTAG (This article originally appeared in the September 10, 2022 issue of the San Diego Union-Tribune)   No doubt about it: Gardening can promote a sustainable, healthy and active lifestyle. You’ll enjoy the outdoors as you get your hands in the soil planting seeds, vegetables, fruits or flowers. You’ll reap benefits from all […]

Read More

Master Gardeners Program is a Fertile Opportunity to Learn – and Help

By LESLIE CRAWFORD The next class for Master Gardener Association of San Diego County program volunteers begins January 2023, with applications being accepted until September 30, 2022. The program is overseen by the local University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) office, part of the University of California’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Master Gardeners […]

Read More

What’s the best way to harvest and store produce from my garden?

Question: What’s the best way to harvest and store produce from my garden? Answer: It depends on what you are growing! BY Donna McClay Here’s how: Most backyard gardeners know what, when and how to plant our favorite veggies; but we also need to know how and when to harvest them for peak flavor and […]

Read More