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

Yes, summer flew by. Here in Zone 9, we have wonderful weather in late summer, early fall. It's a great time to work in the garden. Here are some key activities to focus on: Vegetable Garden | Photo credit: Wix.com Vegetable Garden Plant cool-season crops: lettuce, spinach, kale, arugula, beets, carrots, peas, radishes, broccoli. Remove spent summer crops to free up space and reduce pests. Start garlic, shallots, and onions toward the end of September. Pansies | Photo Cre

August can be especially hot in Lodi, CA. While the climate of warm days and cooler nights is great for winegrape growing, it can be tough on some garden favorites. Here are five plants that not only survive, they thrive in these challenging conditions, rewarding gardeners with vibrant color and low maintenance. Lantana | photo credit: Adobe.com 1. Lantana (Lantana camara) Why It Thrives:Lantana is a heat-loving superstar. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and thrive

As gardeners in Zone 9, we’re fortunate to have a diverse and beautiful climate for outdoor gardening. However, the colder months or our occasional rainy days make it the perfect time to explore the wonderful world of indoor house plants. If you're looking to add a bit of greenery to your home and brighten up those indoor spaces, here are some incredible house plants that may not get as much attention, but are certainly worth adding to your collection. Snake Plant (Sansevieri

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