Rodeo Realty

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Whether you’re the next HGTV star or simply wanting to spruce up your outdoor area, there are certain things every gardener should know. Rather than picking up a Farmers Almanac and scouring the web, let us save you some time! Read through these top ten tips for the gardener in you and let nature do the rest.

1. Know your USDA Hardiness Zone. Use it as a guide so you don’t plant trees, shrubs, and perennials that won’t survive conditions in your area. You’ll also get a better idea of when to plant vegetables and fruits in your area.

2. Most in-ground garden plants grow best with 1 to 2 inches of water per week. If not enough rain falls, water deeply once a week instead of watering lightly daily. Frequent, shallow watering only moistens the top layer of soil and encourages the plant’s roots to move there instead of growing deeper.

3. Apply only composted, rotted manure that has cured for at least six months to your soil. Fresh manure is too high in nitrogen and can “burn” plants; it may also contain pathogens or parasites. Manure from pigs, dogs, and cats should never be used in gardens or compost piles because they may contain parasites that can infect humans.

4. Learn how long your growing season is—your last frost in spring and first frost in fall—so you can start some plants inside or avoid growing them.

5. Deadheading is a good practice for perennials and annuals. Because the goal of annual plants is to flower, set seed, and die, removing the old blooms tells annual plants to produce more flowers. Removing spent flowers also encourages plants to place energies into stronger leaves and roots instead of seed production. Avoid deadheading plants grown especially for their fruits or pods, such as money plant (Lunaria).

6. How much light do plants need? Grow vegetables in a location that gets at least 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Most vegetables need full sun to perform well. If you have some shade, try growing cool-season crops such as lettuce, spinach, radishes, and cabbage.

7. The best approaches to controlling weeds in the garden are hand-weeding and hoeing. Avoid deep hoeing or cultivating that can bring weed seeds to the soil’s surface. Weed early and often so weeds don’t go to seed. Use mulch to smother and prevent annual weeds.

8. Avoid digging or planting in wet soil; working it damages the soil structure. Wait until the soil is crumbly and no longer forms a ball in your hand (it doesn’t have to be bone-dry) to till or dig.

9. Fertilizer is not the answer to growing the best plants; soil quality is. Add organic amendments such as compost and well-aged manure to your soil. The best soil structure is crumbly, easy to dig, accepts water easily, and offers oxygen for plant roots. If you choose to use fertilizer, use an organic one to add nitrogen, phosphate, and potash.

10. When transplanting container-grown plants, dig a hole larger than the soil ball of the plant to aid with root establishment.

Content Sourced from: BHG and Martha Stewart Living

One great part about summer and holidays like Memorial Day is it being the best time of the year for BBQ. If you’re like the rest of LA with little to no time to pop open the grill, then check out the tasty eats below!

Bludso’s Bar & Que

Location: 609 N. La Brea Ave., CA 90036

Fourth-generation pit-master, Kevin Bludso, brought his Texas roots to Compton, California to provide us with a barbecue experience that doesn’t happen just anywhere. Standing in the typically long lines are more than worth the wait as many TV personalities continue to host barbecue pop-ups on their backlots. You can expect a finger-licking good meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

Maple Block Meat Co

Location: 3973 Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City, CA 90230

This neighborhood restaurant draws you in with the smoky aroma from the wood-smoked meats guests can pair with handmade beverages. Although their sides can be hit or miss, Maple Block Meat Company prides themselves on their expertise smoking the meat.

Woody’s BBQ

Location: 475 S. Market St., Inglewood, CA 90301

Woody’s BBQ is known for catering large events and providing take-out for customers in the heart of Inglewood. Some of their popular dishes include rib tips, beef and pork ribs and beef links. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu!

Wood Ranch

Location: 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036

16-award winning restaurant, Wood Ranch, caters to barbecue lovers that expect nothing but the best!  Their smoky wood flavor in the chicken, pork and brisket is something that makes their food stand out. Following your meal, you can walk around The Grove and enjoy the outdoor mall.

Lucille’s BBQ

Location: 6000 Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90230

Lucille’s BBQ has some of the best ribs, tri-tips, barbecue chicken, mashed potatoes and greens in Los Angeles. Known for their unique sauces and flavors, this restaurant caters to parties both small and large to provide a satisfactory experience.

Phillip’s Bar-B-Que

Location: 2619 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016

Phillip’s is famous for their peppery-style pork ribs and hot barbecue sauce for more than 20 years. Due to high demand, it’s wise to place an order rather than wait in the typical long line to receive your meal.

Barrel & Ashes

Location: 11801 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604

Barrel & Ashes is heavily influenced by Texas-style recipes and sauces and is carried out in their food. Even though you can’t go wrong on ordering anything on their menu, this restaurant’s most alluring meat is the pork short ribs.

Horse Thief BBQ

Location: 324 S. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90013

This Texas-style vendor provides an experience that feels more ‘Austin than downtown LA.’ Although they started out being known for their sides, Horse Thief has expanded and veered towards more traditional foods which increased their business.

Robert Earl’s BBQ

Location: 703 E. Artesia Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90805

Robert Earl and his wife prepare some of the most delicious barbecue at their restaurant in North Long Beach. The vegetarian sides included in nearly all meals compliment the barbecue that’s ‘so good make u slap mama.’