I garden in the Bay Area of California, a part of the world with a very weird and wonderful climate. As a result of the hilly terrain and interlocking land and water masses on the edge of the ocean, we famously have microclimates, which vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. So, to be specific, I garden in…
Category: Care & Advice
Revel in the Arrival of Spring
Happy Vernal Equinox! This has been a historically wet and chilly winter in the Bay Area, and it looks like more clouds and showers are in store. But, at least I know that from tomorrow, March 20 until the summer solstice, every day will be longer than the last. I never fully appreciated spring until I started appreciating plants;…
How to Grow Spring Bulbs in the Bay
My first attempt last year at growing spring bulbs in a pot failed miserably. I purchased ten tulip bulbs from the hardware store, dutifully followed instructions (or so I thought), and they all withered and died almost as soon as they’d sprouted. What did I do wrong? I had a few theories and tried to…
Is It Worth It to Grow Food on a Small Scale? An Honest Reflection
The gardening internet is full of encouragement for folks who want to grow their own food. Even as an apartment dweller, I am constantly being urged to grow lettuce in a window box or tomatoes in a bag. In theory, I completely support it. I would opt out of the industrial food system in a heartbeat…
This Year I’m Sowing Flower Seeds
When you’re gardening in a small space, it can be tempting to buy all your colorful annuals at the nursery. After all, you don’t need a huge quantity and the pretty store-bought plants offer instant gratification. I get it! I love shopping for plants and am all for indulging in the occasional nursery splurge if…