Plant Care

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Gary Barnes, Pexels Propagation through cuttings is the process of using a piece of an existing plant and encouraging it to grow into a new plant. Stems, leaves, and roots can all be used for cuttings. This is a good method for woody and herbaceous plants.

Fall is the perfect time to plant native plants, like this California fuchsia (Epilobium). Photo: Marie Narlock Maintenance and prevention Reduce irrigation times significantly as day length shortens and plant growth slows or stops.

Propagation is the process by which plants are multiplied or reproduced. It is used for ornamental as well as edible plants. Propagating your own plants can be fun and rewarding because you can grow many species not found in nurseries. This includes many tasty and unusual vegetables.

When to plant: February to March Harvest window: July to October, depending on variety Fertilization: Light (if any) nitrogen in the spring; monitor for possible zinc and potassium needs Prune in the dormant season, using the pruning system (cane or spur pruning) based on the grape variety.

Most plants are a pleasure to grow. Fortunately, there are only a few to avoid. Here's how invasive plants and plants that have been treated cause problems. Scotch broom currently infests millions of acres throughout California.

Have a shady nook that needs attention? There is a world of gorgeous plants up for the job. They come in every imaginable shade of green from pastel to chartreuse, emerald, and deep forest green. Shade plants are often slower growing than sun-loving species.

Gardening in Tahoe is unlike many other places in California. The microclimates, elevation, and cold weather are just some of the things that make the area distinct, and a distinct challenge for those of us who love to dig in the dirt.

The most water conserving edibles are winter/spring crops that take advantage of rain and crops with the shortest days to maturity. Photo: PlantMaster Water is a precious resource whether it's being used in the edible garden or elsewhere.

Much planning goes into espalier. Pixabay Creating an espalier is an especially fun and rewarding method of growing flowering and fruiting plants in a garden. The process has existed for many hundreds of years and, although challenging for complex forms, is achievable by even novice gardeners.