Nan Stermans earliest memory is wandering through a forest of tomato plants her grandfather grew each spring in the family garden, near the Los Angeles Airport. Since those early days, Sterman has become one of Californias top gardening experts and a prolific gardening communicator who writes, lectures, and is featured on television, radio, and the Internet. Sterman specializes in plants and techniques that are appropriate and sustainable in Californias diverse climates. Her articles appear regularly in the San Diego Union Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Sunset, Organic Gardening, and other publications. In addition to her writing, Sterman is co-producer and host of the award winning program, A Growing Passion. Sterman has appeared on several shows for the Do-It-Yourself Network and is a regular guest on These Days, on KPBS radio fm 89.5 in San Diego. Stermans education includes a Bachelor degree in botany from Duke University and a Masters degree in biology from UC Santa Barbara. She was trained in organic methods and sustainable horticulture at the Integral Urban House of the Farallones Institute in Berkeley, California. Sterman has served as a Master Composter and Master Gardener and is a former board member of the San Diego Horticultural Society. Nan Sterman lives in Olivenhain, a community in northern San Diego County. "