Green Onions

Green onions, or scallions, can be grown year-round with ease in the garden or in containers. They are started from onion sets (small onion bulbs), which are sold in one-pound bags at most nurseries. Each bag contains about 200 sets and will produce that many onions. Plant each set one inch deep, and in six to eight weeks the onions will be ready to harvest. Twenty sets planted each week will ensure a continuous supply. There are three types of onion sets: red, yellow and white. The latter variety is superior.

Shepherd’s Garden Seeds now offers imported vegetable-and-herb seed collections for home gardeners who want to grow authentic ingredients for Italian and French cuisines. The Italian Garden Collection costs $11.15; the French Garden Collection sells for $14.05. Write to 7389 W. Zayante Road, Felton, Calif. 95018.

Camellias and azaleas must have their fallen flowers raked away from underneath the plants. Petal blight, which turns the centers of flowers moist and brown, is carried on the fallen blossoms. It has two life cycles--one on the flower, the other on the ground. Breaking either cycle can keep the blight under control. Spraying with PCNB helps.

Leftover fertilizer bags should be sealed in plastic bags or some other airtight container, then stored in a dry location. Otherwise, the fertilizer will absorb moisture from the air and become rock-hard and useless.

The acerola cherry is not a true cherry, but the fruit, eaten raw or used to prepare jellies, has a sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture. The evergreen shrub--with glossy, green leaves, clusters of pink blossoms and dark red cherries that average about an inch in diameter--grows 8 to 12 feet tall. ‘Manoa Sweet’ is the best variety. Pacific Tree Farms in Chula Vista, (619) 422-2400, usually stocks the plants.