Author Archives: Kathy Ikeda

If you’re looking for a productive and child-friendly summer project, this just might be it. The Latin word “vermi” means worm, and vermicomposting is the process of using worms to create compost. It’s a small-scale recycling process that converts kitchen waste to “garden gold.” Most horticulturalists consider worm compost to be the best soil amendment, […]

In one way or another, COVID-19 has been a dominant influence in our lives these past few months, and like it or not, it will continue to be for the foreseeable future. And even if you’ve “had it up to here” with coronavirus news, please read on for the sake of those you care about. […]

An extended period of home isolation might be necessary in the near future to minimize the rapid spread and devastating consequences of the new coronavirus pandemic. Last week, I recommended vegetable gardening as a way to cope with the stress of social distancing and as a source of healthy food and safe outdoor activity. That […]

This is truly an unprecedented period in the history of our country and our world. The sudden development and rapid spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus is upending lives around the planet, and our normal lives and customary routines have been put on hold for the foreseeable future. This column is supposed to be garden-related, but […]

Spring is a busy time for garden-related happenings in San Joaquin and neighboring counties. There’s something happening nearly every weekend between now and summer, and with so many events to choose from, there are plentiful opportunities for fun and enriching outings. Consider taking advantage of these upcoming events to expand your knowledge, buy new water-wise […]

I enjoy mild winter weather as much as the next person. It’s so refreshing to emerge from the house on an unseasonably warm and dry day and bask in the sun’s rays while catching up on garden chores.  People tend to think of cold weather as inconvenient at best and damaging at worst. Frigid days […]

Euphorbias are simply incredible. Over my many years of visiting various botanical gardens, arboretums, and nurseries, I’ve developed a great fondness for and sense of amazement about this genus of plants. Almost every time our family visits a new public garden, we encounter yet another Euphorbia species, and we exclaim in near disbelief, “That’s a […]

Poinsettias have become a symbolic plant during the holiday season, their deep green leaves and bright red rosettes adorning tables and windows across the country. Marcy Sousa’s recent column briefly discussed the care of this and other ubiquitous Christmastime houseplants, but let’s take a closer look at this unique plant species. Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are evergreen […]

We’re fortunate to live in California’s Central Valley—one of the most fertile agricultural regions in the country—and thus we have the ability to grow a huge variety of fruit- and nut-bearing trees. Stone fruits (apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums), pome fruits (apples, pears, Asian pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), and others (figs, persimmons) all do […]

We’re only a week and a half into fall, but already it’s been a season of unexpected, roller-coaster temperatures, with record-tying heat alternating with unseasonably cool days and rain. Who knows what surprises are yet to come? Master Gardeners welcomed in the new season this past Saturday, September 28 with Open Garden Day at our […]