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
Turning a Garden into a Micro Farm
Transform your backyard into a productive micro farm with fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and small farm animals. Whether you're keeping chickens for eggs, raising…
Growing a Grape Canopy
Transform your arbor or pergola into a shaded retreat with a thriving grape canopy. Learn how to select, train, and care for grapevines to…
Compost Tea: Home Brew for the Garden
Compost tea is a powerful, microbe-rich liquid that supercharges soil health and plant vitality. Learn how to brew your own and maximize garden growth.
Growing Onions
Onions are an easy, rewarding crop for Santa Barbara gardeners. Learn how to choose the right varieties, plant at the right time, and care…
Extending Tomato Season
Want fresh tomatoes on your holiday table? Learn how to extend your tomato season with cool-weather varieties, smart watering techniques, and strategic planting methods.
Straw Bale Gardening
Straw bale gardening is a versatile, budget-friendly alternative to traditional raised beds, perfect for small spaces or renters. With proper conditioning, straw bales provide…
Amending Your Garden Soil
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Learn how to amend your soil with organic and inorganic materials to improve drainage, fertility,…
The Secretive Lives of Wild Bees
Native wild bees are vital pollinators, contributing billions to California agriculture. Unlike honey bees, they live solitary lives, nesting in soil, wood, and plant…
Oh, Grow Up: Vining Vegetables Reach for the Sky
Short on garden space? Train vining vegetables like beans, cucumbers, and squash to grow upward with trellises and supports. This old-school method improves airflow,…