Southern California Coastal & Inland Valleys
January, 2006
Regional Report
National News - From NGA Editors
Best New Flowers
Every spring, garden centers are filled with new varieties of brightly colored annual flowers. Here are some of the best new choices available for planting this year. Zowie! Yellow Flame...
Organic Rules?
When does "organic" not mean "organic?" When the labels arent clear. The growth in the organic food industry continues to climb at about 20 percent per year. However, when shopping for organic...
New Red-Leaved Peach
Fruit trees are not usually known for their ornamental foliage, but this new dwarf peach is an eye-catcher in any yard. Bonfire ornamental peach ( Prunus persica Bonfire) has long, thin dark...
New Environmentally Friendly Wood Treatment
Wood pressure-treated with CCA has been pulled from the market for its leaching of toxic chemicals into the environment. Substitutes such as recycled plastic wood and wood pressure-treated with...
In the Garden
Pruning Fruit Trees and Vines
January is the time for pruning deciduous fruit trees and cane berries. The basic guidelines for pruning trees during their winter dormancy are to remove crowded or crossed branches; to open the center for good light exposure and airflow; to repair...
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Resources
Shows & Events
Bare Roots: Their Mysteries Revealed Learn how to care for strawberries, blackberries, peaches, almonds, and other dormant, bare-root...
Clever Gardening Technique
Clear Milk Jugs to the Rescue Provide frost and pest protection of just-germinated seedlings with mini-greenhouses made from...
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Regional Reminders
- Start Tomatoes and Peppers
- Plant Garlic, Onions, and Shallots
- Moving Poinsettias Into the Garden
- Keep Lawns Clean
- Be Prepared For Frost
