Zucchini is an annual, warm-season vegetable in the Cucurbitaceae family grown in most areas from spring through summer. Advanced gardeners who have had consistent success growing zucchini over summer can consider growing zucchini from late summer through to spring in warm winter areas without frost, such as along the Southern California coast. Zucchini but may […]

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 […]

Summer squash, including zucchini, are monoecious, meaning that a single plant produces both male and female flowers. Pollination is critical for squash plants to produce fruit. It is normal for the first few blooms to fall off a squash plant. Early squash flowers are usually all male; no fruits will form from these flowers. If […]

Blossom drop: Bean plants will drop blossoms due to low humidity, excessive smog or air pollution, dry soil or unevening water, wind, excessive soil nitrogen, daily or consistent high temperatures above 85°F, heat waves above 90°F, and cold and/or wet weather. Flowering without setting pods: This may be caused by poor pollination/lack of pollinators, zinc […]

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 […]

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 […]

November is an ideal month for starting most cool season vegetable and herb plants. Here is our list of tasks: Start most cool-season annual vegetable-and-herb seeds for fall-and-winter harvest indoors or directly outdoors, and transplant starts outdoors; experienced gardeners growing appropriate varieties may succeed with a variety of cool-season crops and warm-season crops year-round in […]

November is an ideal month for starting most cool season vegetable and herb plants. Here is our list of tasks: Start most cool-season annual vegetable-and-herb seeds for fall-and-winter harvest indoors or directly outdoors, and transplant starts outdoors; experienced gardeners growing appropriate varieties may succeed with some warm-season crops over winter in your zone such as […]

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 […]