Contra Costa

On January 1 of this year a new law went into effect in California, greatly limiting the use of a pesticide class known as neonicotinoids. Originally developed in the 1980's, these pesticides became the most widely used class of insecticides in the world.

Companion planting and intercropping are two planting methods that include growing a variety of plants in close proximity. When we grow different types of vegetables, herbs, and flowers together, they can work together to create a healthier and more productive garden.

Whether today's temperature is low enough might seem like a funny question to ask, but if you are growing fruit trees or berries, it's important to wonder if it's cold enough. Sufficient cold temperatures can mean the difference between an abundant fruit crop or little-to-no flowers or fruit.

Our previous HORT COCO blog (December 17, 2024) focused on caring for live holiday plants, including live Christmas trees. This article will focus on how to plant and care for a live tree after the holidays.

Note: This was originally published in the Contra Costa Times. Q: I like to decorate my home at the holidays with poinsettias and other holiday plants, but they don't last very long.

To explain seasonal changes, the ancient Greeks told the story of Persephone, goddess of the Spring, who was abducted by Hades and taken to the underworld. Her mother Demeter, goddess of Agriculture, was filled with grief and neglected the earth, creating a famine.

Note: This was originally published in the Contra Costa Times. Q: I have a lot of mistletoe in my street tree, which is some sort of ash, I think.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is loved and respected around the world as a symbol of protection and luck. It is thought to impart strength and endurance and is prized as a natural medicinal remedy with antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Impressive for such a humble vegetable.