Contributor
Joan S. Bolton
Joan S. Bolton is a freelance writer, garden coach and garden designer who confesses to a lifelong love affair with plants. She and her husband, Tom, have filled their four-acre property in western Goleta with natives and other colorful, water-conserving plants. They also maintain avocado, citrus and fruit trees and grow vegetables and herbs year-round.
Stories
40 contributions
Root Crops: Frilly Shoots and Sturdy Roots
Don't let winter keep you from a delicious harvest—root crops like beets, carrots, and radishes thrive in cool weather. With proper soil prep and…
More Peas, Please
Peas have a rich history spanning thousands of years, from ancient China to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Whether you prefer English peas, delicate snow peas,…
Exotic Fruit Trees
Think growing exotic fruit is only for the tropics? Santa Barbara’s climate supports a variety of unique fruit trees, from bananas to jujubes. Learn…
Pepinos, Cukes & Melons
From the trendy pepino dulce to classic cucumbers and sprawling melons, this guide explores how to grow these flavorful fruits in Santa Barbara. Learn…
Okey-Dokey Artichokey
Artichokes thrive on the Central Coast, offering both stunning flowers and delicious buds. Learn how to plant, care for, and harvest these perennial thistles…
Summer Sweet Corn
Nothing beats the juicy burst of flavor from freshly picked summer sweet corn! With the right soil, sunlight, and watering techniques, you can grow…
Ash Aftermath
Wildfire ash settled into every corner of our gardens, but is it harmful? Fortunately, most of it is plant-based and rich in potassium, which…
Spindly Specimens: Bare-Root Fruit Trees
Bare-root fruit trees may look lifeless, but they quickly transform into thriving, fruit-bearing trees. Learn the best varieties for your climate, essential planting techniques,…
This Spud’s for You
Potatoes are anything but ordinary—grow your own and discover a world of colors, textures, and flavors. With the right soil, sun, and care, you…