Updated on 2026-02-01 Southern California’s mild winters and long season make it possible to grow great potatoes at home—often with more than one planting window ... Read more
Written by: Hunter James
Published on: August 25, 2025
Updated on 2026-02-01 The California mango tree (Mangifera indica) brings a tropical look—and sweet fruit—to warm pockets of the state, especially Southern California. With the ... Read more
Written by: Hunter James
Published on: August 26, 2025
Updated on 2026-02-01 Purple potatoes are grown the same way as other potatoes, but their deep violet flesh makes them a standout in the garden ... Read more
Written by: Hunter James
Published on: August 24, 2025
Updated on 2026-02-01 Shallots are a mild, sweet member of the onion family that’s usually grown from small bulbs called sets. Getting the planting depth ... Read more
Written by: Hunter James
Published on: August 25, 2025
Updated on 2026-01-31 Dasheen, commonly known as taro root, is a starchy corm grown across many tropical and subtropical regions. The plant’s scientific name is ... Read more
Written by: Hunter James
Published on: August 25, 2025
Updated on 2026-01-31 “Christmas loquat” is a loose name some growers use for loquats (Eriobotrya japonica) that ripen very early. In mild places, that can ... Read more
Written by: Hunter James
Published on: August 25, 2025
Updated on 2026-01-31 Dodka is ridge gourd, a green vegetable with long ridges on the skin. It comes from a climbing vine (Luffa acutangula). In ... Read more
Written by: Hunter James
Published on: August 25, 2025
Updated on 2026-01-30 Bean pots are sturdy, lidded pots—often ceramic or stoneware—made for slow cooking. They’re best known for baked beans, but they also work ... Read more
Written by: Hunter James
Published on: August 25, 2025
Updated on 2026-01-27 Okra, scientifically known as Abelmoschus esculentus, is a warm-season flowering plant in the mallow family (Malvaceae). It is grown for its tender ... Read more
Written by: Hunter James
Published on: August 25, 2025
Updated on 2026-01-26 When gardeners talk about nespoli/nespolo, they most often mean loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)—not common medlar (Mespilus germanica), which is a different species. Loquat ... Read more
Written by: Hunter James
Published on: August 25, 2025