Your Garden . . . with Kate Russell: Trees planted too deep will fail to grow

by Kate Russell | Feb 1, 2019 | Environment

Published in the February 6 – 19, 2019 issue of Gilroy Life Being planted too deep is the main reason why trees in South Valley fail. Is your tree failing to thrive? Does it seem overly susceptible to pests or diseases? Are leaves smaller, scorched, or otherwise...

Your Garden . . . with Kate Russell: Amphibians are sensitive to toxins, so presence indicates a healthy garden

by Kate Russell | Jan 18, 2019 | Contributors

Published in the January 23 – February 5, 2019 issue of Gilroy Life Frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders are all amphibians that you might find in your Morgan Hill garden. If you are lucky, that is. Amphibians are very sensitive to toxins, so their presence...

Your Garden … with Kate Russell – Brown bud on broccoli means a smaller, less desirable crop

by Kate Russell | Nov 10, 2018 | Environment

Published in the November 14 – 27, 2018 issue of Gilroy Life Gilroy gardeners can grow broccoli in spring and fall. Those densely packed heads of unopened flower buds are excellent in salads and casseroles. But sometimes they don’t grow the way you expect...

Your Garden … with Kate Russell – Brown marmorated stink bugs have invaded South County

by Kate Russell | Oct 27, 2018 | Contributors

Published in the October 31 – November 13, 2018 issue of Gilroy Life The brown marmorated stink bugs have invaded Gilroy and Morgan Hill. Well, maybe not invaded, but these invasive pests can be serious garden pests. Most stink bug species eat popular crops,...

Your Garden … with Kate Russell – Gilroy gardeners can grow food year-round with succession planting

by Kate Russell | Sep 14, 2018 | Environment

Published in the September 19 – October 2, 2018 issue of Gilroy Life Living in Gilroy makes it possible to grow food year-round. Instead of simply planting in spring, Gilroy gardeners can use the same space all year with succession planting. Succession planting...