A well-managed compost bin does not attract rats. The problems come from exposed food scraps and unsecured bins. Here is how to compost without rodent issues.

Epsom salt provides magnesium, but most California soils already have plenty. Adding it without a soil test can disrupt nutrient balance and hurt plants.

Marigolds are beautiful, but their pest-repelling powers are wildly overstated. Here is what the research says about marigolds and garden pests in California.

Vinegar wilts weeds on contact but does not kill roots, and strong vinegar is dangerously corrosive. Here is what actually works for weed control.

Eggshells are 95% calcium carbonate, but they take years to decompose in garden soil. Blossom end rot is usually a watering issue, not a calcium one.

Rusty nails release iron oxide, which plants cannot absorb. Iron chlorosis is usually caused by high soil pH, not a lack of iron. Here is what works.

Neem oil is a helpful garden tool, but it is not safe for everything. It can burn plants in heat and harm beneficial insects. Here is how to use it wisely.

Multiple studies find no reliable link between moon phases and crop yields. Use soil temperature and local frost dates to time your planting instead.

Expensive soil is not required to start a garden. Compost, mulch, and working with your existing soil will get you growing for a fraction of the cost.

Putting rocks in the bottom of pots creates a perched water table that keeps roots wetter, not drier. Skip the gravel and use good potting mix instead.

Some companion planting has research behind it, but many popular combinations are folklore. Insectary flowers work. Basil improving tomato flavor does not.

Used coffee grounds are nearly neutral (pH 6.5 to 6.8), not acidic. They will not lower soil pH for blueberries or azaleas. Here is what actually works.

Many edibles thrive in 3 to 4 hours of sun, including lettuce, herbs, and root vegetables. In hot areas, shade actually prevents bolting and improves quality.

Southern highbush blueberry varieties thrive in California's mild climate. The trick is acidic soil, not a cold climate. Here is how to grow them.

Citrus peels compost just fine despite what you may have heard. Here is how to add them to your pile or worm bin without problems.

Butterflies are beautiful, but many moth and butterfly larvae are serious garden pests. Here is how to protect crops while still supporting pollinators.

Those bags of ladybugs at the garden center seem like a great idea, but 80-95% fly away within two days. Here is how to attract your own instead.

Beer traps are a popular slug remedy, but they can attract more slugs than they kill. Here is what research says works better for California gardens.

Fall is prime planting time in California. Trees establish bigger root systems, and cool-season vegetables thrive in our mild winters. Do not stop planting.

Banana peels contain only 0.9% potassium, far less than real fertilizer. Burying them near plants can attract pests and temporarily rob soil nitrogen.