Stalk Vegetables

Florence fennel (Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum) is one of the most aromatic vegetables you can grow—and that’s exactly why companion planting around it can be tricky. After three decades of growing fennel in raised beds and teaching cool-season gardening through UC Extension programs, I’ve learned that fennel behaves differently from most vegetables. It releases natural…

Florence fennel is a flavorful, cool-season vegetable that can be vulnerable to both pests and diseases. From decades of growing fennel in Sonoma Valley and advising gardeners through UC Extension programs, I’ve learned that most problems are preventable with proper site selection, monitoring, and care. This guide covers the most common pests and diseases affecting…

Florence fennel produces sweet, aromatic bulbs prized for both raw and cooked dishes. From decades of growing fennel in Sonoma Valley and helping gardeners optimize harvests, I’ve learned that timing and technique make all the difference between tender, flavorful bulbs and tough, fibrous plants. This guide provides practical, experience-based advice for knowing when to harvest…

Florence fennel (Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum) is a crisp, aromatic vegetable that can be enjoyed fresh, cooked, or preserved for later use. From decades of growing fennel in Sonoma Valley and advising gardeners, I’ve observed that proper storage and preservation techniques are essential to maintain both flavor and texture. This guide provides practical, experience-based strategies…