Author Archives: Christy

Field Trip: Community Gardens in York, England

Posted on August 9, 2016 by Christy

If there’s one thing the English do well, it’s gardening. Many of our traditions and ideals about what a proper garden should look like come from the English. As a resident of a drought-stricken area, I’ve had to peel these … Continue reading →

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In Memoriam: Josh Hover

Posted on August 3, 2016 by Christy

Gardening is about life cycles, we deal with life and death every day. When someone prized is taken too soon, however, it is a tragedy. I write today to honor a friend and colleague, the carpenter who took my visions … Continue reading →

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No Compost Bin? No Problem!

Posted on August 2, 2016 by Christy

Today’s infograph comes from Fix.com, where they’ve assembled a quick and easy guide for using your kitchen scraps in your garden without a compost bin. It’s an simple way to turn garden waste into garden gold without much effort through … Continue reading →

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Corn Fail – Rats Again!

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Christy

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 … Continue reading →

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Fireworks – A Toxic Tradition?

Posted on July 5, 2016 by Christy

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 … Continue reading →

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Review & Giveaway: 101 Chilies to Try Before You Die

Posted on June 29, 2016 by Christy

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 … Continue reading →

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Ask Gardenerd: Citrus Fruit Tree Care

Posted on June 28, 2016 by Christy

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 … Continue reading →

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Ask Gardenerd: Pruning Tomatoes

Posted on June 22, 2016 by Christy

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 … Continue reading →

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Preserving Shallots

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Christy

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 … Continue reading →

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Wordless Wednesday: Summer Gardening Never Stops

Posted on June 15, 2016 by Christy

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 … Continue reading →

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