Everything you need to know about garlic (well, almost everything)

Garlic is a staple in kitchens, and of cuisines all the world over.   Long used both for its medicinal value and its ability to wake up any tired dish, garlic has been raised and traded by indigenous people for all … Continue reading

Finding the perfect place for your pitaya

Known variably as pitaya, pitahaya or dragon fruit, this is an epiphytic cactus that is native to the tropical rainforest regions of Mexico, Central and South America.  In the last 5 years, sub-tropical fruit growers and gourmet chefs have “rediscovered” … Continue reading

Put some passion near your patio

Passion fruits are the rounded, to oval, tart and tangy fruits that are borne on vigorous growing, evergreen vines that can grow 15-20 feet per year. While these are fast growers, passion vines are short-lived plants, usually living for only … Continue reading

Planting and growing olive trees

Olives are native to Mediterranean and tropical climates and are ideally suited to environmental conditions here in Southern California.   Mature trees can grow to be 50’ tall and can spread to 30’ wide.  However, with regular pruning, the trees can … Continue reading

Tips for growing lychee and longan trees

These are fruiting trees that are native to China and have been gradually introduced into our area over the last 120 years.  The trees are handsome, densely foliated, and fairly slow growing, typically reaching a height of 15 feet, here … Continue reading

How to plant guava

Guavas are evergreen shrubs or small trees that can grow 10-12 feet, make a handsome addition to your landscape and provide a wealth of fruit in the early fall.   These are a sub-tropical fruit that cannot tolerate temperatures that range … Continue reading

Growing Grapes

Grapes can be a great addition to your garden.  These deciduous vines provide fruit, wine and shade.  Grapes can be planted on fences, trellises and arbors and will grow just fine in a wide range of soil types, as long … Continue reading

Tips for planting a fig tree

Figs are at their best when grown in a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters  and where the temperatures do not go below 25 F.   Once in the ground, fig trees will grow quickly, and can … Continue reading

Grow some coffee right in your own backyard

The Coffea arabica plant is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall.  However,  under normal circumstances, the plants are pruned and kept under six feet tall, to make harvesting easier, and to encourage a heavier fruit … Continue reading

Growing cherimoya in Southern California

The cherimoya is a sub-tropical fruit tree that is native to the Andean mountain valleys of Chile.  The fruits are prized for their rich, complex flavor and their creamy custard-like flesh.  The flavor has been described as a combination of … Continue reading

Growing blueberries in the southwest

Although they are native to the eastern United States, there is growing proof that with the correct varieties, it is possible to successfully grow blueberries here in the southwest.   When selecting blueberries to grow at your place, choose varieties that … Continue reading

Tips for growing cane berries

BLACKBERRY, BOYSENBERRY AND OLALLIBERRY Collectively known as the Cane Berries, these are generally thorny vines that tend to mound up and cover whatever structure or trellis they are growing on.   The juicy fruits are formed in small clusters on the … Continue reading

Yes! You can grow bananas in Southern California

Bananas are a plant that can be grown quite successfully here in Southern California if they are given proper soil conditions and are protected from temperatures that venture below freezing.   When looking for a location to plant your banana, choose … Continue reading

Tips for growing aspargus

When planting asparagus into your garden, you should choose a site that is elevated, to provide for a well-drained soil, and one that you are willing to dedicate as an asparagus patch for years to come.  Once established, these plants … Continue reading

Tips for planting strawberries

SourceURL:file:///Users/joe/Desktop/Island%20Feed%20%26%20Seed/HowToGrow%20Strawberry,%20etc.doc Around mid-fall, October/November, we should begin to receive our bare root strawberry plants and it is at this time, that those who know, will begin to plant them out into their gardens. Plant your new strawberry crowns into your … Continue reading