Christy, Author at Gardenerd

A Shift in Perspective: Pachamama Alliance

Every day, I get upset about Climate Change. Some days I'm angry that "no one is paying attention". Sometimes it's despair that we're too late to save the planet. You see, I do this gardening thing to change the world one garden at a time, but it's not enough. So I feel helpless. This weekend, I did something about it. I attended the Pachamama Alliance symposium called Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream. Pachamama has many meanings, but for brevity's…

Post author:Christy
Post published: June 27, 2018
Post category:Blog What's Growin' On
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Compost is the most important ingredient in spring bed prep.

YouTube Live: Best Compost Bin Setup

We received a request to share our composting operation here at Gardenerd HQ, and to discuss what is the best compost bin set up. In this 11-minutes YouTube Live video we do just that. We talk tips about ideal location, the best bins (our favorite is no longer available), and the best tools for the job. We also cover the basics of composting (what ingredients you need), proper aeration and more. Come look behind the scenes and learn a thing…

Post author:Christy
Post published: June 26, 2018
Post category:Blog What's Growin' On
Post comments:4 Comments

Erik Knutzen and Kelly Coyne. Photo pilfered from RootSimple.com

Homesteading with Erik Knutzen and Kelly Coyne

Homesteading and cleaning products this season with our podcast guest, Erik Knutzen and Kelly Coyne

Post author:Christy
Post published: June 21, 2018
Post category:Blog
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First time growing Blue Kuri squash. Our first fruit showed up and we hand pollinated it.

Wordless Wednesday: June Delights

Summer Solstice is almost here, but since school is out and days are longer, it feels like summer already. It's time to watch plants grow, and to enjoy harvests from the garden. It's also time to tackle problems like pests, insufficient nutrients in soils, and diseases that set in right about now. Take action early to avoid compounding the problem and enjoy June Delights. Here's what's growin' on in the Gardenerd Test Garden. Enjoy the ups and downs of the…

Post author:Christy
Post published: June 13, 2018
Post category:Blog What's Growin' On
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Navel orange

Ask Gardenerd: Yellow Leaves on Citrus Trees

Here's a question we see frequently when it comes to citrus trees: "Our orange tree has yellow leaves. What can we do? It is a dwarf tree. There are some oranges starting to grow. -- Janette" Thanks for asking, Janette. There are several reason why your orange tree might be turning yellow. Let's start with the most common reason. Too Much Water Most people water their citrus trees too often. Citrus trees, like most fruit trees, like deep but infrequent…

Post author:Christy
Post published: June 12, 2018
Post category:Blog Sage Advice
Post comments:52 Comments

Dana Morgan, adorned in Red Fife wheat.

Podcast: Sourdough Bread with Dana Morgan

Sourdough bread is addictive. Once you learn how to make it you want to perfect it. You gain weight testing loaf after loaf, but it's worth every pound. Because bread is the staff of life, and sourdough is a living food. This week's guest on the Gardenerd Tip of the Week Podcast is Dana Morgan of Los Angeles Bread Bakers (L.A.B.B.). Dana teaches sourdough bread making classes, and organizes events for L.A.B.B., including monthly bakes at the Westchester Community Oven…

Post author:Christy
Post published: June 7, 2018
Post category:Blog Podcast What's Growin' On
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Dana Morgan, adorned in Red Fife wheat.

Sourdough Bread with Dana Morgan

Learn about our Favorite grains to grow and bake with this season with our podcast guest, Dana Morgan

Post author:Christy
Post published: June 7, 2018
Post category:Blog
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Three types of basil, ready for transplanting

June To-Do List

Summer is almost here, the weather is warming up, and the garden is really taking off. I don't know about you, but in June I'm hankering to get away, to put my garden on autopilot and take a vacation. But that's right when things start getting good! Here's our June To-Do List for your vegetable garden: June To-Do List Hand Pollinate In the early morning, get out your paint brush and hand pollinate squash to ensure plenty of fruits for…

Post author:Christy
Post published: June 5, 2018
Post category:Blog What's Growin' On
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Cilantro bolts to seed all over the yard. The bees love it and we'll let it re-seed for another round.

Wordless Wednesday: June is Nearly Here

Despite bouts with the flu, our recent bee loss, and discovering one of our new hens is a rooster, we're still hopeful about gardening as June approaches. Here are some photos to inspire you even in hard times. Setbacks are part of gardening. Even the smallest victories help keep us going. We're celebrating the harvest every day, and we're plugging away at the problems. Enjoy your garden no matter what is happening in life.

Post author:Christy
Post published: May 30, 2018
Post category:Blog What's Growin' On
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Betty turned out to be a Billy

Chickens: When Betty is a Billy

When you ask the cashier at the feed store whether the chicks she's ringing up for you have been sexed, and her answer is, "Ninety percent!", you know your odds are really 50/50. From there it's a waiting game to find out whether Betty is a Billy, unless you know the tell-tale traits of chicken sexing. We waited. And now we have a problem. Regulations in Los Angeles dictate that no one may own keep a rooster unless 100 feet…

Post author:Christy
Post published: May 29, 2018
Post category:Blog What's Growin' On
Post comments:1 Comment