Blog - Page 89 of 216

Our sad corn after a rat attack.

Corn Fail – Rats Again!

We're growing Glass Gem popping corn this year, but we may not get to see the results because we've got rats again. They're more aggressive than ever this year, probably because we gave them an in. In dealing with the corn worms that burrowed into each ear, we went digging for each one, found them, and destroyed them. But that left behind an opening: loose husks to entice rats. By pulling open each ear, we undid nature's protection and exposed…

Post author:Christy
Post published:July 6, 2016
Post category:Blog What's Growin' On
Post comments:7 Comments

Fireworks over Los Angeles

Fireworks – A Toxic Tradition?

I was in town for the 4th of July this year. Usually I'm celebrating our freedom by backpacking at around 9,000 feet in the pristine silence of the Sierras over the 4th of July holiday. I had no idea Los Angeles turned into a war zone in my absence. We celebrate with fireworks. The literal sound of bombs bursting in air is the sign of our celebration. It's a beautiful sight, but a few things occurred to me as I…

Post author:Christy
Post published:July 5, 2016
Post category:Blog What's Growin' On
Post comments:0 Comments

When to Harvest Green Beans

When and how to harvest your green beans

Post author:Christy
Post published:June 30, 2016
Post category:Blog
Post comments:0 Comments

Review & Giveaway: 101 Chilies to Try Before You Die

Are you a chili grower? Do you like your peppers hot? If that's true, then 101 Chilies to Try Before You Die by David Floyd is for you. Floyd is a chili expert (www.chilefoundry.co.uk) who has written about chili peppers and experimented with chilies for the last 20 years. He's dabbled in selling his own chili products (including chili ice cream) and reports in his introduction to the book that his career took him on many trips to California, "where…

Post author:Christy
Post published:June 29, 2016
Post category:Blog What's Growin' On
Post comments:10 Comments

Fresh oranges from our tree

Ask Gardenerd: Citrus Fruit Tree Care

The questions keep flowing in this time of year. Here's the latest from Jim: "How much water and fertilizer do I need for 2 y o blood orange tree. And do those minimums change in hot or cold weather? My leaves have 2-color leaves, green near midrib and yellowish towards outside Why?" Jim, you might not like my answer, but it is the answer to many a gardening question: it depends. Fertilizer and water needs depend entirely on your soil.…

Post author:Christy
Post published:June 28, 2016
Post category:Blog Sage Advice
Post comments:1 Comment

Prep for Storing Seeds

Blythe asks, how to deal with bugs in seeds.

Post author:Christy
Post published:June 23, 2016
Post category:Blog
Post comments:0 Comments

Kellogg's Breakfast Tomato

Ask Gardenerd: Pruning Tomatoes

Summer is the perfect time for this question from Jeff Bremer: "Hi Christy, What's your opinion on pinching-off the "branches" that sprout out of tomato plants? Some of my friends don't pinch at all, but my neighbor pinches his plants back so he has only one "stem." Thx, Jeff " Ah yes, to pinch or not to pinch, that is the question. What are we pinching? Side shoots and suckers. Side shoots are additional vines that grow from the base…

Post author:Christy
Post published:June 22, 2016
Post category:Blog Sage Advice
Post comments:2 Comments

Slice shallots thin. Pieces should be evenly sized if possible.

Preserving Shallots

Shallots are a luxury. They're expensive and they don't store for long. So we grow them ourselves. But when it's time to harvest, that last part (about not storing for long) becomes an issue. Enter our solar food dryer. Preserving shallots is easy when you dehydrate them. Dried shallots are perfect because they store all year long, they reconstitute easily in most dishes and they pass for fresh in flavor. Whether you use dried shallots in scrambled eggs, soups, or…

Post author:Christy
Post published:June 21, 2016
Post category:Blog What's Growin' On
Post comments:3 Comments

Which Mulch, Hay or Straw or Chip Bark?

What is the best type of mulch to use?

Post author:Christy
Post published:June 17, 2016
Post category:Blog
Post comments:0 Comments

Blue Beauty tomato shows true blue. We just fed the tomatoes with compost tea.

Wordless Wednesday: Summer Gardening Never Stops

Summer Solstice is almost here. The garden still needs attention, and evidence of the rewards close at hand are everywhere. Time to feed, weed and guide your plants along into summer. Summer Gardening The garden doesn't go on vacation even if we do. Give your garden a little love this summer and it will keep going while you're gone.

Post author:Christy
Post published:June 15, 2016
Post category:Blog What's Growin' On
Post comments:0 Comments