GardenZeus Recommendations for Edible Sage
The discerning gardener can choose from a variety of sage plants based on appearance, suitability for a given microclimate, and flavor. Salvia officinalis, or common sage, is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae and the genus, salvia. Many think all salvias are drought tolerant, but the salvia genus includes many perennials that require significant […]
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Sage in the Mediterranean Garden
As a Mediterranean native, sage has similar cultural needs to thyme, rosemary and lavender and makes an excellent addition to a sustainable, drought tolerant or edible garden. Sage is a perennial grown for both its attractive appearance and its value in cooking, When mature, it is a low maintenance plant that comes in a range […]
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GardenZeus Quick Tips: Rosemary in the Sustainable Garden
As a Mediterranean native, rosemary is an ideal choice for a sustainable garden in much of California. Rosemary can thrive in harsh microclimates in a given garden that are too infertile or dry for other plants. When given full sun and just enough water, rosemary graces the garden as attractive plant with its silver leaves […]
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GardenZeus Quick Tips: Garlic and Companion Planting
For many reasons, garlic makes an excellent choice for interplanting with other herbs and vegetables. Garlic is a compact, upright plant that consumes minimal garden space. As an upright plant with thin leaves, it does not block the sun from other plants in a cool season garden. In addition, its watering need of moist but […]
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GardenZeus Quick Tips: How to Water Garlic
Before planting garlic cloves, water soil thoroughly. After planting garlic bulbs, briefly water the soil again. Be particularly careful not to overwater cloves immediately after planting as cloves are vulnerable to rotting prior to germination. Garlic plants are shallow-rooted and prefer moist but not wet soil. Do not allow the soil to dry down completely […]
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Growing Garlic in Containers: Essential Requirements
As an upright plant with shallow roots and relatively small size, you would think that garlic would be a good choice for growing in containers. And you would be partly correct. The problem? Some of garlic’s other requirements make growing in containers a bit of a challenge. Garlic plants have a long time to maturity, […]
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Grow a Sustainable Patch of Garlic
In Mediterranean climates, fall is planting time for garlic. Some gardeners plant garlic in grid-like patterns in raised beds while others plant garlic cloves in nooks and crannies, around existing plants. But have you ever thought of using garlic in a sustainable garden? Or use sustainable gardening practices with respect to garlic? Garlic can be […]
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Chives: A Low Maintenance Addition to an Edible Landscape
Chives are an ideal addition to a low-maintenance edible landscape. When allowed to flower, chives readily self-seed. Garlic chives are known to be particularly likely to self-seed. Once established in mild climates, as in California, chives will grow for many seasons. They need little care other than watering until established. Chives are native to the […]
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Growing Mint: What to Think About Before Planting
Mint is one of the easiest garden plants to grow and is highly recommended for the beginning gardener. Other than regular water, it requires little care and is not particular about soil. If you are considering growing mint, here is what to think about before you get started. Garden or Container. Before planting, consider […]
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