
Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen
Nutsedge flower Nutsedge is a perennial plant that resembles a grass. It reproduces by seed and almond-shaped tubers at the end of running roots. Description and Life Cycle: Solid stems that are triangular in cross section (true grasses are hollow and round). Grows 6 to 30 inches tall depending on variety. Leaves grow from the
Parsley has a clean, fresh, peppery flavor that makes it a good match for all savory dishes. Add chopped parsley to sliced tomatoes and toss with a vinaigrette. Add chopped parsley to scrambled eggs or an omelet. Add chopped parsley with butter or olive oil to make a sauce for boiled new potatoes, carrots, and
The secret to making delicious homemade grape juice is to never boil the grapes. Grape juice reduces bad cholesterol, helps maintain healthy blood pressure, prevents damage to blood vessels in your heart, and reduces the risk of blood clots. Do you see a down side to drinking fresh-made grape juice? Concord grapes are great for
The apple is the most widely grown fruit. Apple trees grow everywhere except in the very hottest and very coldest regions of the world. Apples vary from crisp to soft, from juicy to dry, from acid or insipid to bitter, bland, or aromatic. Apples can range in color from green to gold to yellow to
Winter begins this week in the Southern Hemisphere. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of good things coming out of the garden. The citrus harvest is in full swing now. Sweet navel oranges, early mandarins, limes, grapefruits, and tangelos are ready for the table. Late apples, avocadoes, bananas, guavas, feijoas, early kiwifruit, olives, and