Archive Nut, Prune and Olive Programs

Tips for growing root celeriac in the Sonoma County home garden; this odd-shaped root vegetable related to celery, carrots, parsley, and parsnips has starchy flesh similar to potatoes. Its subtle, celery-like flavor has nutty overtones, often described as a cross between celery leaves and parsley.

Until potatoes arrived from the New World, parsnips and their carrot relatives were the most important Old World root crops. Besides an important food source, they were also used as a sweetener.

Planted in late spring, grown in summer, harvested in fall, then stored during winter, winter squash occupies a unique niche in the home garden. This member of the Cucurbitaceae (cucumber or gourd) family includes many species and varieties, some familiar, many colorful with unusual shapes.

Identify and manage weeds when young and before they produce seeds, without the use of chemicals.

Fruit trees need water to set and nourish fruit. When water is at a premium, there are some actions that can be taken to help your trees survive drought. With reduced moisture, trees grow slower and fruit is smaller. Under the most severe conditions, leaves wilt, burn, and trees may die.

This tender perennial from southeast Asia is one of the most highly scented herbs. For best success with its longevity, grow clumps in pots that can be moved in the cool season to a protected location where it will not suffer from winters cold.

Botanical name Common name Aeonium arboreum (variety probably Atropurpureum) Aeonium Agave vilmoriniana Octopus Agave Arctostaphylos Emerald Carpet Manzanita Artemisia 'Powis Castle' Wormwood Berberis thunbergii 'Concorde' Concorde Barberry Brachyscomb Multifida Blue Swan River Daisy Ceanothus Conch...

Summer Dry Climate In Sonoma Valley, summers are always dry. Using natives and other low-water use plants offers beauty while conserving water.

It's spring, and new plants are going into the soil. Watch for corn, peanuts and even cotton growing there. Spring and fall field trips from Sonoma Valley schools to Sonoma Garden Park are a full day of fun in the Garden. And summer brings week-long summer camps there.

In Sonoma County, with the right gardening practices and crop variety selections, its possible to harvest salad greens 12 months of the year. Refer to the Vegetable Planting Summary link and others below for details about planting times, growing conditions, and characteristics of many leafy greens.