Alkaline soils can be acidified with a solution of 1 tablespoon white vinegar per gallon of water used as a soil drench. To determine the alkalinity of your soil, GardenZeus recommends the following articles: Down and Dirty 5: What is the Mother of All Southern California Landscape and Garden Problems? Down and Dirty 7: Mud […]

See customized advice and information for growing tomatoes in your Southern California zipcode Don’t know your GardenZeus California Climate Zone? Enter your zipcode at GardenZeus.com. GardenZeus receives commissions for purchases made through links on this post. Midsummer through late summer can be a challenging period for gardening in hot Southern California areas, with the proportion of […]

This is the time of year when coastal gardeners are growing and harvesting almost everything from chard to tomatoes. Here is a suggested list of July tasks: Monitor plants regularly, at least every other day during warm weather and every day during hot weather to catch wilting, irrigation, pest, disease, weed, and other problems early. […]

The hot weather that typically arrives in July can pose a challenge for gardeners in Southern California’s inland valleys, but it also bring the rewards of perfectly ripe homegrown fruits and vegetables. Here is a suggested list of July tasks: Monitor plants at least every other day during warm weather and every day during hot […]

For those gardeners living in areas of Southern California with coastal influence, June can be a busy month in the garden. Here are some tasks that should be on your list: Monitor plants regularly, at least every other day during warm weather and every day during hot weather to catch wilting, irrigation, pest, disease, weed, […]

By the end of June, gardeners in Southern California’s warmer inland valleys are generally maintaining and harvesting rather than planting. Few if any cool season vegetables are still thriving, and warm summer vegetables are generally ready for harvest. However, to get the most out of existing plantings, gardeners need to to do more than occasionally […]

Want to plant tomatoes in June or July but not sure the seasonal timing is right? This article gives tips and advice for succeeding with summer tomato planting in warm-summer, mild-winter California areas, particularly in GardenZeus California Climate Zone 14: Southern Strong Coastal Influence. See customized advice and information for growing tomatoes in your Southern […]

Want to plant tomatoes in June or July along the Southern California Coast but not sure the seasonal timing is right? This article gives tips and advice for succeeding with summer tomato planting in GardenZeus California Climate Zone 15: Southern Coastal. See customized advice and information for growing tomatoes in your Southern California zipcode Don’t […]

Control aphids and hornworms. Insect attacks on tomatoes by aphids and hornworms are common in late spring and early summer. Pick hornworms by hand, and use a strong stream of water to remove aphids. This closeup photo shows aphids on the back of a leaf. Hornworms often blend well into the green foliage. Control ants. […]