Plant Care

Three main types of raspberries are grown in the United States: red, purple and black. They differ in ways other than fruit color. Red raspberries have erect canes and are propagated by suckers. These are usually grown in the Western States. Black raspberries have arched canes that root at the tips. Purple…

The tree you plant today may be here for your children and grandchildren and beyond. Photo: Candid Shots, Pixabay Use our PLANT LIST: > TREES FOR BACKYARDS AND PATIOS These trees thrive in Marin and are well-suited to the typical backyard setting.

Some perennials bloom exuberantly in the heat of summer. Photo: Creative Commons When temperatures rise, everyone feels the heat even your garden. If you live in a hot summer area, be sure to use strategies to avoid heat stress in plants.

Belgian endive can be successfully grown in Santa Clara County as a cool weather green. The plants need to be started in the summer. In late fall, they are harvested, trimmed, and transplanted into damp sand where they are kept cool and dark. Six plants will yield weekly salad greens from December through…

Checking your irrigation system periodically to reduce leaks and help conserve water usage. Photo: L Stiles Almost a third of Marin Countys water is used for irrigation. The majority of Marin residents use around 8,000 gallons or less of water per month.

Wells Brothers Farm > What is (and isn't) a fertilizer > Why fertilize? > What to use > Understanding labels & terms > Chemical vs.

Plant painted lady gladiola corms (Gladiolus carneus) in spring for a beautiful summer display. Photo: Creative Commons Maintenance and prevention Troubleshoot irrigation system for missing or clogged emitters and broken spray heads. Begin irrigation as rainy season ends.

Hydrangea. Photo: Annie Spratt, Unsplash This section covers flowering trees and shrubs that have been introduced to Marin and other California counties as a result of European contact. These tend to enter dormancy when days shorten and temperatures cool.

When to plant: January–March (bareroot) Harvest window: October–November, depending on variety Fertilization: Regular nitrogen feeding during first half of growing season Provide sturdy trellis or arbor for the wide-spreading (up to 30 feet) deciduous vine.

Alstroemeria aurea 'Saturne'. Photo: Wikimedia Commons Perennials are flowering plants that live longer than two seasons. Some are evergreen; others die back at the end of the flowering season and then regrow from the same roots the following year. Perennials are dependable and easy.