Gardening Tips 

Our Ask the Gardeners section answers your no-frost gardening questions.  Send us your question and we'll ask our master gardeners and no-frost readers for their answers.  New questions and answers are posted in our Ask the Gardeners section.  It currently features questions on bindweed, a very prolific weed that some gardeners mistake as a white morning glory.  Earlier questions are archived and available in our Gardening Tip section.  These include:

• Growing plumeria from seed

In addition, there are many resources available for gardeners.  These can be from the plant growers, gardening associations, universities, garden product companies, public agencies and local government among many others.

Some No Frost favorite resources:

Master Gardeners.  This volunteer system is organized through the University of California cooperative extension program.  These volunteers are accredited master gardeners and can help answer your gardening questions.  This service is available throughout the no-frost gardening zone: 

• Los Angeles County 
• Orange County   
• Santa Barbara County  
• San Diego County 
• San Luis Obispo County
• Ventura County

Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program.  The University of California Davis's Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program website provides detailed information on landscape and garden pests and how to safely deal with them.  

Toxic Plants.  Some plants can be toxic to children and pets.  Children can stick many things into their mouths, especially when they are out running in the garden.  A list of  toxic plants can be found at the California Poison Control site.  Among the poisonous plants listed are plumerias, vincas and Angel's trumpet.  Dogs, such as Luigi, need to be aware of sago palms and its seeds; and cats of geraniums and oleanders.  The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provides a list at Toxic and Non Toxic Plants.     

Gardening Resources.  Some other garden resources recommended by our No Frost friends and family:

• Flowers, Plants and Gardening for Kids:  A site with links and information for kids on studying plants and flowers, and on gardening.  Recommended by Sarah at the Valley Book Club.
• Garden Forever: A site with many links and information on gardening "for people of all ages, abilities and lifestyles."  Recommended by Mary Jenkins.