How to Plant a Tree: a Gardener’s Guide

Mighty oaks from little acorns grow. And if you wait a thousand years, a little acorn might drop in the precise location where you’d like an oak tree in your yard. But if you want that oak tree sooner, you might have to take matters into your own hands. How hard...

Citrus Tree Care in Southern California

There was a time when citrus trees grew everywhere in Southern California. You’d see them on the way to school, church, the root beer stand, or wherever you were heading. New housing tracts were planted squarely in the middle of active citrus groves. Even now,...

Indoor Ficus Care: Common Varieties

A long-time favorite for interior foliage, Ficus (fig) comes in many varieties, from large specimens to accent plants of various sizes. The Ficus genus contains 800 species of tropical and subtropical plants. Growth habits vary significantly between varieties. From...

Common Plant Pests & Diseases: How to Identify & Treat Them

Plants and shrubs are vulnerable to attack by insects and diseases (primarily fungi). When the symptoms are similar, such as damage to leaves, bark, or other parts of the plant, it can be hard to diagnose the problem. Guessing wrong can make the problem worse....