Your Garden … with Kate Russell – Oats in the garden or landscape

by Kate Russell | May 12, 2018 | Environment

Published in the May 16 – 29, 2018 issue of Gilroy Life Long ago, when people were first growing cereal grains in the Fertile Crescent, there was a weed on the side of the fields. These weeds may have benefited from the irrigation and fertilizers used on the...

Your Garden … with Kate Russell – Get ready, it’s that time to start planting your springtime seedlings

by Kate Russell | Mar 16, 2018 | Environment

Published in the March 21 – April 3, 2018 issue of Gilroy Life Starting seeds is the joy of spring gardening in Gilroy. It reflects confidence in natural cycles, the self-discipline to plan ahead, and the patience to wait for results. Timing is everything As...

Your Garden … with Kate Russell -Great time of year to consider replacing your lawn with native or non-native groundcovers

by Kate Russell | Dec 22, 2017 | Environment

Published in the December 27 – January 9, 2018 issue of Gilroy Life Sure, this time of year, your Gilroy lawn looks pretty amazing. Cooler temperatures and a little rain can do wonders. It’s probably lush and thick and green and ready for mowing. But you...

Your Garden … with Kate Russell – Medfly infestation could cost California businesses $2 billion annually

by Kate Russell | Dec 8, 2017 | Environment

Published in the December 13 – 26, 2017 issue of Gilroy Life Mediterranean fruit fly has been spotted in Half Moon Bay. This short, squat fruit fly is known as the “World’s Worst Agricultural Pest.” The California Department of Food and Agriculture...

Your Garden …with Kate Russell: Give cool weather crops a boost

by Kate Russell | Nov 9, 2017 | Contributors

Published in November 15 – 28, 2017 issue of Gilroy Life Odds are pretty high that you reuse the same garden beds and containers, season after season. Over time, the nutrients in those areas get used up. You can replenish the soil by incorporating aged compost,...