Welcome to the Sunshine Club!
Welcome back, Sunshine Club members! If you're just joining us, you're in for a treat. Each quarter, we're sharing seeds for flowers that love San Diego and bring something special to your garden. This spring, we're celebrating the marigold, the most popular annual grown in all of North America (and for good reason).
This Quarter's Seeds: Marigolds
Marigolds are the ultimate garden workhorses. They suppress root-knot nematodes in the soil, attract beneficial insects, and their flowers are completely edible. Plus, they're practically foolproof to grow. Plant them among your vegetables to draw aphids away from your tomatoes and peppers. They're like bodyguards for your harvest, cheerful and dependable.
After your last frost, find a sunny spot with well-draining soil and plant 3-4 seeds every 6-12 inches apart, just ¼ inch deep. Keep the soil moist and you're golden. Marigold seeds don't have a pointed side, so don't worry about planting them upside down. They'll figure it out. These beauties typically grow 6-18 inches tall and wide, bringing bold contrast to your garden beds without taking over. They're not invasive, just enthusiastic.
The best part? Marigolds ask for very little and give so much in return. They bloom reliably all season long and keep your garden healthy while they're at it.
Coming Soon
Summer Quarter: Gaillardia or Blanket Flower (a tough-as-nails perennial that thrives in our heat with minimal water and attracts butterflies by the dozen)
Fall Quarter: Hollyhocks (the old-fashioned favorite with towering stalks of blooms that have graced gardens for centuries)
Don't Forget!
You've got two more quarters to complete your Sunshine Club collection. Stop by this summer for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) and this fall for Hollyhocks. Each packet is free and comes with our best growing tips.
Stop by City Farmers Nursery Wednesday through Sunday, 9am-5pm. Let's keep your garden growing!
Family owned since 1972, City Farmers Nursery carries on Farmer Bill's legacy of free advice, quality plants, and community support. Visit us at 3110 Euclid Ave in City Heights.