Spring Gardens

May is one of the most rewarding months in the garden. The soil is warm, the days are longer, and everything seems to be growing overnight. A little attention now will set you up for a productive and beautiful summer. Photo credit: Wix.com Stay Ahead of Weeds Weeds love the same warm conditions as your plants, so don’t let them get the upper hand. Pull them while they’re young and before they go to seed. A layer of mulch can help suppress new growth and keep soil moisture co

April is one of the most rewarding months to be in the garden here in Lodi. The soil is warming, the days are stretching longer, and everything feels ready to grow. It’s a month of momentum—where a little effort now sets the stage for a beautiful and productive late spring and summer. Here’s how to make the most of your April garden in Lodi. Embrace the Season: Spring Is in Full Swing With our Zone 9 climate, April is a transition month. Cool-season crops are still producing,

March is one of the most exciting months in the Lodi garden. The soil is warming, daylight is increasing, and spring growth is just beginning to take off. Life is showing itself in the garden. Take hold of it and a little preparation and timing make all the difference for a productive and beautiful garden season ahead. Prune Fruit Trees (Before Full Bud Break) March is your last window to finish pruning deciduous fruit trees before vigorous spring growth begins. In Lodi, mos

Photo Credit: Wix.com If you’ve ever watched a hummingbird hover in place, wings buzzing like a miniature machine, you know the magic these little creatures bring to the garden. In USDA Zone 9—where mild winters and hot summers bless us with long growing seasons—we have many flower choices that are both beautiful and irresistible to hummingbirds. Here are five standout plants that grow well in Zone 9 and are sure to bring hummingbirds zipping into your garden: Photo Credit:

Gathering Pollen | Photo credit: Wix.com Looking to add some buzz to your garden—literally? Bees are not only essential pollinators, they’re also a joy to watch flitting among the flowers. The good news is that it’s easy to create a bee-friendly garden right here in Lodi, and many of the best plants are already well-suited to our warm, sunny climate in USDA Zone 9. Whether you're working with a spacious backyard or a small patio, here are some top plant picks and helpful ti

Dragonflies are incredibly beneficial insects to have in your garden, especially in USDA Zone 9, where warm temperatures and water sources can help support their populations. With the right features in your garden, you can harness the power of the dragonfly to benefit your garden's environment without harming your plants. Many believe that it is good luck if a dragonfly lands on you. It is a symbol of good luck in the Chinese tradition. Native Americans see the dragonfly as