Looking to purify the air in your home? Houseplants to the rescue. These air cleaning plants will help you remove toxins and improve air quality.

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

One of the easiest houseplants to care for. It likes light, but can live in lower light. They like to dry out between waterings. It’s trailing, heart shaped leaves come in different colors.

2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace Lilies are another easy plant. Their glossy leaves & white flowers make them a great addition to any room. They can tolerate lower light, are very happy in bright indirect light and love water.

3. Philodendron

Another heart-shaped leaf, philodendron is a welcome addition to indoor spaces. They are relatively easy to care for. They just need moderate water and bright, indirect sunlight.

4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are a favorite of new plant parents or those with a bad track record. They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and tolerate a wide temperature range.

5. Rubber plants (Ficus elastica)

These popular ornamental plants are hardy indoor addition. They love bright, filtered light and weekly* watering in summer (you can go to twice a month in winter). Rubber plants can vary in size. They will grow in a small pot or can be encouraged into a larger indoor tree.

*watering frequency varies with pot size, light and room temperature.

6. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata v. Bostoniensis)

This lovely fern with sword-shaped fronds makes it perfect for a hanging basket or plant stand. The Boston Fern likes a more humid environment and requires consistent moisture – think about your bathroom. They do like bright indirect sunlight near windows, balconies and patios.

7. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)

If you are looking for a unique, easy care plant, consider a ZZ Plant. They do well in low light to medium and like to dry out completely between watering.

8. Dracaena

Dracaena are another statement plant as they can grow up to ceiling height. They have one of the widest range of “looks” – colors and width of leaves vary quite dramatically. These guys love indirect sunlight and can survive in lower light than many. They definitely won’t do direct sunlight.

9. Ficus/Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)

Like many of it’s air purifying friends, the ficus prefers bright, indirect sunlight. They enjoy regular water and like to dry out between drinks.

10. Snake Plant/Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata)

One of our customer favorites is the Sansevieria or Snake Plant. It is a succulent plant that grows fairly straight upright. Sansevieria is a low-maintenance plant that is hardy and thrives on neglect. It is one of the few houseplants that continues to produce oxygen round the clock. This plant needs to go dry between waterings!

Chrysanthemums just say “Fall”! We will have many wonderful colors to choose from. Use in the garden, for pots and for seasonal indoor decorating. Come in and check out what’s new.

Sow flower seeds. Many wildflowers and spring annuals grow from seeds scattered now. Try California Poppy, Bachelor Button and Alyssum.

Feed your fruit trees one last time until March for increased vigor in the spring. Use Master’s Fruit and Vine Food.

September is a wonderful time to set out winter vegetables and flowers. We will have a full range of cool-season seedlings by the middle of the month. Plant root crops like carrots, radishes, and beets from seed now.

Revitalize your lawn now with these easy steps: Thatch, aerate, add Iron Sulfate, Gypsum, seed, Master Start Fertilizer and top with Gold Rush. 

Attend to acid-loving plants such as camellias, gardenias, and azaleas now. Feed them this month with Master’s Camellia, Azalea, Gardenia, Rhododendron Food. In October start feeding with Master Bloom 0-10-10 Fertilizer monthly through March. For Gardenias, continue the acid fertilizer through November then transition to the Master Bloom.

Aphids are usually found in clusters on the underside of new leaves or stems where they feed. Aphids are attracted to plants with new growth because they prefer to feed on young, tender plant tissue. Aphids feed by piercing plant tissues and sucking out the sap. This can cause leaves to curl, yellow, or drop prematurely.

There are several approaches to fighting aphids on crape myrtle trees:

1. The first line of defense is to blast them off with a stream of water daily
2. Horticultural Oil or Neem Oil (only if less than 90 degrees)
3. Spray with Take Down Garden Spray = oil + pyrethrin (fast kill of insects)
4. Introduce natural enemies such as ladybugs
5. Control the ant population

Any of these approaches may need to be repeated as aphids quickly reproduce.

To help protect your tree against future infestations, consider giving it a systemic treatment in the late spring or early summer. We recommend Bonide Annual Tree & Shrub Insect Control. This can be applied in late summer to help curb the infestation.

The humble shrubs can play a number of roles in the garden. Take time to walk our aisles to see our fantastic selection of these “garden workhorses” to meet any landscape situation.

Shrubs can be used to unify or fill in a space, bridging the gap between large elements like a house or tall tree and lower growing flowers and lawns. Plant shrubs along entryways, pathways and property lines to direct traffic through your garden for both people and pets.

To screen out unwanted views, chose shrubs that maintain a dense foliage from top to bottom year round. Plant them close enough so that at maturity they provide the cover you are seeking. Select shrubs that are faster growers to get to your goal more quickly.

Many shrubs look attractive all year. Select an evergreen shrub and you will not have the slumbering dormant look that some plants furnish. While shrubs that provide eye-catching spring and summer flowers are always favorites, consider a shrub whose foliage can delight without the seasonality of floral blooms. The wide variety of options in shrubs is even more attractive when you vary the texture (size & shape of leaves) of the plants you select.

In a smaller area, use a single eye-catching shrub as a focal point in place of a large tree or garden structure.

Many low-growing or trailing shrubs, such as star jasmine or certain roses, can be used as colorful groundcovers.

How often should I water my mature native or drought-tolerant trees?
Trees that have matured in non-turf landscapes adapt the easiest, especially drought tolerant species. Native trees, such as our California oaks, need MUCH less water than most non-native trees. California oaks may only need one or two deep waterings over the summer, but no water within 1 to 2 feet from the trunk. They absolutely need the soil to dry out for a month or two before more water, if any, needs to be reapplied.

Non-natives and higher water need trees such as birch and redwoods will appreciate a deep soak weekly or every other week depending on the heat of summer.

How is watering trees different than watering my lawn?
Your lawn sits on the surface of the ground and has shallow roots. It needs watering a few times a week, usually with a sprinkler. Trees need to be watered less frequently, but with deeper soaking – because their roots grow deep in the earth – the majority of tree roots are 1½ -3 feet deep. Lawn irrigation does not water trees effectively. It generally reaches only the first few inches of soil, encouraging weak surface roots to grow.

How to Keep your Trees Healthy

1. Deeply and slowly water mature trees 1 – 2 times per month with a simple soaker hose or drip system toward the edge of the tree canopy – NOT at the base of the tree. Use a Hose Faucet Timer (found at hardware stores) to prevent overwatering.
2. Young trees need 5 gallons of water 2 – 4 times per week. Create a small watering basin with a berm of dirt.
3. Shower with a bucket and use that water for your trees as long as it is free of non-biodegradable soaps or shampoos.
4. Do not over-prune trees during drought. Too much pruning and drought both stress your trees.
5. Mulch, Mulch, MULCH! 4 – 6 inches of mulch helps retain moisture, reducing water needs and protecting your trees.

Avocados are subtropical, cold-sensitive plants that grow well in mild-winter areas of California. They need a little extra TLC in our Valley. Trees can grow 30 feet in as many years, but may be kept smaller with pruning. Trees are hardy to temperatures ranging from 32°F to 18°F, depending on the variety. It’s important to choose a cultivar that’s hardy in your area; varieties hailing from Mexico (e.g. ‘Mexicola,’ ‘Stewart,’ and ‘Fuerte’) are generally the best choice for USDA Zone 9. Guatemalan varieties (e.g. ‘Hass,’ ‘Pinkerton’) are less cold hardy and will require additional protection from freezing temperatures. Some avocados are Mexican-Guatemalan hybrids, including the dwarf variety ‘Little Cado’ that grows to a more manageable 10-12 feet and is suitable for growing in large containers.

The ideal planting location for avocados is in full sun, in a sheltered spot that offers protection from wind. Plants bloom in late winter to late spring, meaning the flowers are at risk being damaged by freezing temperatures. Cover young trees with frost cloth draped over the canopy, allowing the fabric to touch the ground (avoid bunching it around the trunk). A healthy, vigorous tree that’s been well-cared for will fare far better on frosty nights than one that hasn’t received appropriate care.

Planting time is a great opportunity to make sure your tree gets off to a healthy start! It all begins with soil: avocado trees are susceptible to root rot and require loose, rich, well-draining soil. If you have clay soil, we suggest planting your tree in a raised mound of amended soil at least 12 inches deep and 5 feet wide, incorporating E.B. Stone Sure Start, Bumper Crop Organic Soil Builder, and Gypsum Soil Conditioner. Take care not to disturb the root ball when planting, as the roots can be sensitive. That said, the roots can be aggressive as well, so don’t site your tree close to hardscapes or foundations. Also consider that an area with high foot traffic may not be suitable.

Avocado trees have shallow “feeder” roots and perform well when soil is consistently moist, but not consistently wet or soggy. A thick layer of mulch is crucial for maintaining even soil moisture and protecting those precious roots from temperature extremes. We recommend spreading a half-inch of compost over the root zone, followed by at least 3 inches of bark mulch, leaving the soil bare in a 6” radius around the trunk. To test to see if irrigation is necessary for an established tree, dig a hole 9 inches deep and test the soil by squeezing. If it is moist (holds together), do not irrigate; if it crumbles in the hand, it may be watered. Irrigate deeply once every so often to leach salts from the soil that can cause leaf burn. Starting the second year after planting, apply E.B. Stone Citrus & Avocado Food in April and July. 

Although they are evergreen, avocado trees occasionally drop some of their leaves throughout the year (especially when flowering occurs). With fewer leaves to shade them, exposed branches on young trees will become sunburned and the damage can even kill a young tree. To protect the soft, thin bark, coat the trunk and exposed branches with a 1:1 mixture of Go Natural Trunk Paint and water. Allow fallen leaves to remain on the ground around the tree so that they may form a natural mulch layer.

Avocados spend an enormous amount of energy producing fruit. It’s tempting to try to harvest fruit the first year after planting, but we encourage you to resist the urge. For the first three years after planting, flowers should be pruned off the plant to allow the plant to put that energy towards growing into a strong, healthy, well-established tree.

Ingredients
12 Plum Tomatoes, halved lengthwise, cores and seeds removed
4 Tbsp. Olive Oil (we recommend Olivina from here in Livermore)
1 1/2 Tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
2-3 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 1/2 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Arrange the tomatoes on a sheet pan, cut sides up, in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle the garlic, salt, and pepper over the tomatoes. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes are concentrated and beginning to caramelize. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients
4 lbs. Tomatoes, peeled and crushed (see directions bleow)
1/4 Cup Olive Oil (we recommend Olivina from here in Livermore)
1 Yellow Onion, diced
4 Garlic Cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
3 Tbsp. Fresh Thyme Leaves
1/2 Medium Carrot, shredded
Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions
To prepare the tomatoes, bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Take out the core and score the bottoms of the tomatoes. In batches, blanch the tomatoes just enough to loosen the skins. Remove the tomatoes from the boiling water and immediately put into ice water to stop the cooking process. Remove skins and discard. Crush the tomatoes by hand reserving all the juices.

In a 3-quart saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cook until soft and a light golden brown (about 8-10 minutes).  Add the thyme and carrots, and cook 5 minutes more, until the carrots are very soft. Add the tomatoes and juices and bring to a boil, stirring often. Lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until desired thickness.  Season with salt and serve. This sauce holds 1 week in the refrigerator or up to 6 months in the freezer.

Ingredients
4 pints Cherry Tomatoes, halved
4 Scallions, thinly sliced
1/4 Cup Italian Flat Leaf Parsley, chopped
A handful of Basil Leaves, torn
1 Tbsp. Vinegar (Use your favorite – red wine, balsamic, sherry)
1/2 lb. Fresh Baby Arugula
Salt & Pepper to taste
Parmesan Cheese to shave over the top

Directions
In a bowl, combine tomatoes, scallions, parsley, basil, olive oil, vinegar and a healthy pinch of salt and pepper. Mix and let stand 10 minutes. The tomatoes will start to release juices to create the vinaigrette for the salad. Toss in the arugula and top with shaved parmesan cheese.

Ingredients
4 lbs. Plum or Roma Tomatoes, cored and cut into 1 inch pieces
1/2 Cup Sugar
2 Tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Tbsp. Fresh Ginger, grated
1 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin
1/4 tsp. Smoked Paprika
1/4 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a 3-4 quart Dutch oven or other heavy pot.  Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.  Reduce to medium heat and gently simmer, stirring occasionally.  Until thick and jammy, about 2 hours.  You will know it is done when you scrape a spoon across the bottom of the pot and no liquid fills in the path. Chill and serve. Can be used on toast or biscuits, as a accompaniment for cheeses or a sauce for steak. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

           

Ingredients
3 lbs. Fresh Tomatoes
1 Pie Crust
2 Cups Bread Crumbs
2 Cups Mix of Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese, grated
Garlic to taste
Salt & pepper to taste
Handful of Basil Leaves, chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Wash & slice tomatoes. Depending on how juicy your tomatoes are, you may need to pat gently with a paper towel to remove some moisture. Place pie crust into pie pan. Fill the bottom of the pie crust with a layer of tomatoes. Sprinkle 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup cheese and a little garlic over tomatoes. Add salt, pepper and basil as desired. Repeat layering of tomatoes, cheeses, breadcrumbs and spices 4-5 times. You might choose to drizzle a little olive oil over the top. Put pie in oven for 35-45 minutes. Pie is ready when your crust looks done.

Chances are if you planted zucchini in your summer vegetable garden you are overrun with this tasty squash. If you are not now, you will be soon. It is the gift that keeps on giving.

10 Ways to Enjoy Zucchini

1) Roasted, Stir Fried or Grilled—Add a touch of olive oil and maybe some parmesan.

2)  Sweet Bread or Muffins—Delicious with chocolate chips & cinnamon.

3) Savory Bread—Think zucchini cheddar beer bread.

4) Pie or Quiche or Frittata—Great main courses

5) Cheesy Bites or Tots—A crowd pleaser for the young and old alike!

6) Baked Sticks or Chips—A healthy alternative to your favorite fried appetizers.

7)  Chowder or Soup—Fun options with corn or tomatoes.

8) “Noodles”—You can spiralize and use in place of pasta or slice flat and use as lasagna noodles.

9)  Casserole—Keep it vegetarian or throw in some chicken for a delicious main entrée.

10)  Salad—Grilled or roasted zucchini is an excellent

Watch “The Valley Gardener” on TV30 – Alden Lane Nursery