I am growing all my blueberries in large pots so I can control the soil pH and nutrients, and all are doing exceedingly well. Just too much effort to try to grow them in our soils. I am growing O'Neal, Jubilee, Emerald, Misty, Sunshine Blue, Sweetcrisp & Windsor. My best tasting are my Sweetcrisp, O'Neal and Emerald. We'll see how Windsor stands up next season to the above 3. I grow them using Dave Wilson Nursery's recommendations on their web site. Just make sure they do NOT dry out, or you'll kill them faster than you can say totally dead brown plant. Patty S. Here is a link that might be useful: DWN: How to Grow Blueberries in Containers

Here on the coast, the question is: WHAT WON'T GROW AND FRUIT here? look around and you'll probably see commercial crops, orchards and vinyards of all types. There are vinyards in Paso Robles where it gets 120 and freezes, Strawberries in Santa Maria, lemons, oranges, apples, almonds, berries of all nature etc. In my yard--and subject to little maintainance are grapes, apples, plums, peaches, aprocots, tangellos, and guava. Across the street are acres of avocados. All I can think of that might be a restriction would you living in the desert but I think most grow there also, think of the crops that come out of Mexico! cheers; Michael

If you can provide the correct growing requirements, I think it quite possible :-) You may have a lot better luck focusing on the heaths (Erica species) rather than on heathers (Calluna vulgaris) - there are many more species for one and the vast majority originate from South Africa or around the Mediterranean.....a little more in line with your climate conditions. Most will appreciate acidic soils that are well-draining and have been somewhat organically enriched. Full sun is good. While most will become quite drought tolerant once established, they need frequent watering when first planted.......young plants cannot be allowed to dry out. If none are offered by local retail nurseries (not always a good sign.....generally means plants are not well-suited for your area or are very uncommonly planted), you could investigate mail order. Here's a couple to get you started. I've purchased from both and have no issues with either plant quality or customer service. http://www.canby.com/hheather/ http://www.heathsandheathers.com/hhweb_001.htm

For those in the San Diego area, I just thought Id mention that the Armstrong Nursery on Morena Blvd (by SeaWorld Drive/Tecolate Road) has some great tomato varieties. They started offering more obscure varieties last year (than you would usually find in a nursery around here) and the plants look great. I was just out there last weekend and they have Black Krim, Cherokee Purple, etc I picked up a Sungold plant there last year which did great in my garden. And I did same thing this year. I usually plant about ten varieties from seed and this year I decided not to do Sungold from seed because I could just pick up a plant from them thats about 18" high, healthy, and only pay $4 for it. Last year they also had Kelloggs Breakfast which did really well in my garden. I didnt see it last weekend but may do a drive-by tomorrow to see if its back.