A recent day off found me wandering the Oak woodlands of the East-side of Mount Diablo in the rain. As I forged into Mitchell Canyon, I stopped to admire the rolling clouds upon the ridge. I then looked down to find myself standing in an ankle-deep patch of Claytonia perfoliata, otherwise known in these parts […]
Turf Talk: Food on the backyard fences
In the backyard, more use can be made of our home space by planting the fence lines. Whether giving more privacy or adding to your family’s culinary plate, the fences are a great place to achieve more growth at home. Each exposure creates a different microclimate within your home area. It is not uncommon to […]
Turf Talk: Cheap and easy organic foliar sprays for your orchard and berries
Many of us deal with less than ideal soil here in Benicia. Whether too much clay, too much sand or a history of contamination, dealing with poor soil can hinder potential harvests. As an organic gardening practitioner, I am in the business of ongoing soil-building. By amending the soil of our orchards with organic matter […]
Turf Talk: Organic Gardening 2.0
The organic food movement is sweeping the nation. Farmers markets are springing up in nearly every county nationwide. Here in Solano County, there are now farmers markets five days per week. The slow food movement is bringing people together at their dinner tables to share homegrown produce. Chefs are now demanding to source their food […]
“Think Outside the Box”: 5 ways to apply permaculture at your community garden
Think Outside the Box The Community Garden movement is sweeping the nation. For Americans nationwide who do not have the space to farm at home, community plots offer an accessible way to produce local healthy foods. Upon becoming a board member of the Benicia Community Garden Project, a first goal has been to increase participation […]