About Us

Really, it’s just About Me. I’m Leslie Crawford: Master Gardener, Coronado Flower Show chair 2008-2009, Coronado Floral Association President 2009-2011, Horticulture Chair of both my garden clubs, aspiring flower show judge, writer and gardener. I’m a lot of other things, too, but I digress, and anyway, this is a gardening blog.

Leslie

I’m all about fun and learning. What better place to do both but in the garden. My garden is ever-changing and I don’t think the word “finished” will ever be used to describe it. I live in a beautiful town, heaven on earth really, but I could use more gardening space, so one of my goals is to maximize the use of my property for growing purposes. Fortunately, my husband is a willing participant!

I say Potatoes.....

I grow a lot of food, raise two chickens, and LOVE succulents. Four cats, one dog, two grown sons and a husband round out the picture. I walk on the beach at least once a week, I cruise alleys looking for treasures, and I’m an Optimist. Life is GOOOOOD!

Leslie Crawford
coronadogardener@aol.com
619-435-0334

{ 9 comments }

Britton Minor July 17, 2011 at 4:14 pm: Hi,

Six months ago we moved from Mission Viejo (where my tomatoes thrived in containers) to Dana Point. My tomatoes are getting lots of foliage here, but not a lot of fruit. I’m considering some heavy pruning (of the non-fruit-producing leaves) so that the other leaves get more sun. Do you prune your tomatoes in Coronado?

I’m wondering if you can point me to any specific information about growing my vegetables here at the coast. Thanks so much.

Britton
Leslie Crawford July 17, 2011 at 5:13 pm: Hello Britton,

I’m failing at tomatoes this year. Not sure what I’ve done wrong or differently so you’re not alone! I’m not sure I would prune too heavily, but pruning is not a bad idea to open up the plant for more light and air which might help your fruit pollinate better. I prune mine if the growth is too thick but usually I try to pinch my plants as they grow to keep the suckers (growth that comes out of a node between main stem and branch) down to a minimum. My theory is that this promotes stronger growth in the remaining plant.

Living on the coast, I buy plants that have a shorter timeframe to harvest because we just don’t get as hot on the coast and with the coastal cloud cover our growing time is shorter.

Hope this info is helpful! Happy Gardening!!! Leslie
Kris Grant August 16, 2011 at 11:28 am: Love the website, Leslie. Makes me want to go out and WEED! Maybe tomorrow… Kris
Leslie Crawford August 16, 2011 at 4:45 pm: Thanks Kris!
Vicki September 15, 2011 at 2:06 pm: I know this is old, but I grow nice tomatoes every year, and I’m closer to the beach than you are Leslie. I grow them against a sunny wall. That’s the secret. Tomatoes like heat, which we don’t have, but what we do have about doubles when the plants are against a wall. That’s the secret. I may not have 3000 tomatoes, but I get enough for us, and they have been DELICIOUS this year.
Leslie Crawford September 15, 2011 at 3:28 pm: Vicki,

I agree a hot wall is the best for tomatoes. I finally cleared out Cecile Brunner roses against the sunny wall of my front porch specifically for the reason of growing tomatoes, hopefully year round. I haven’t done well with tomatoes this year, but I’ve had a lot of eggplant, cucumbers and basil. Every year seems to yield a very different crop than the year before. I’m assuming it’s due to the weather. I am missing having tomatoes producing prolifically in my yard. I’ve never had a problem before! Next year will be better!!!
Susan Martin October 2, 2011 at 9:18 pm: Leslie,
A pleasure to meet you yesterday at the Autumn in the Garden Market. I’ve just taken a brief run through some of your blog. It’s wonderful! Look forward to further explorations. I’ve added you to my blog roll. Let’s stay in touch. I’m sure I could learn from you. (I’ve only been at this about ten months). The Autumn in the Garden Tour was wonderful. Thanks for a great day. Susan Martin
Leslie Crawford October 2, 2011 at 9:58 pm: Hi Susan,

Nice to meet you, too! I enjoyed looking through your blog and will continue to read it because it’s always nice to another gardener’s perspectives and interests! Let me know if I can help you with Wordpress if you decide to go in that direction. Glad you enjoyed the Autumn in the Garden Tour. I thought the day went very smoothly and that seems to be the consensus from everybody. I was able to tour all the gardens and had a great time!

Thanks for reaching out and stay in touch, Leslie Crawford
Cee Cee October 4, 2011 at 5:54 pm: Leslie,

Just heard about your website. Am enjoying reading current and past articles/ postings. Loved the Snowflake letter – so clever and persuasive. The Civic Beautification Committee was actually discussing a chicken for slug/snail control! When do you find the time to sleep?! I will continue to read. I have so much to learn.

New Gardner,
Cee Cee