Starting Seeds to Perfection

Posted on March 25, 2009 by Christy

There seems to be a theme this week about seed-starting:

“This is the first time I’ve been to your website and I heard about it
on the news. I came to see what all the fuss is about, and ended up
with lots of answers. So here’s my question:  I have tried to grow
vegetable plants from seed indoors, then plant them outdoors and usually
end up with a small sprout then they die and I never even get to
introduce them to the great outdoors. I’ve tried different soils,
watering habits and containers but to no avail. Do you have any tips,
or better …
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Organic vs. Non-organic seeds

Posted on March 25, 2009 by Christy

Another great question came in to Ask Gardenerd:

“I don’t understand what the difference is between organic seeds and
regular seed packets.  Are there any benefits of purchasing organic
seeds?  Can I buy regular seeds and just grow them organically with the
same results?”

The short answer to your question is yes, you can essentially get the same results with regular seeds as with organically grown seeds.  Here, for the record, is the difference:

Organic seeds are just that – organically grown.  In other words, grown using sustainable methods from start to finish.  No pesticides, no chemical fertilizers, all on land …
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Seed-starting Dilemma

Posted on March 25, 2009 by Christy

Some great questions have  been coming in over the last couple of weeks.  Here’s one now:

“Hi, I am trying to start my first garden.  We have good compost and
fertilizer. We started our seeds inside in a jiffy greenhouse. Once our
seeds started to sprout we moved some of them to pots and some out to
our garden. Now some of our sprouted seeds are dying and all of the
ones we put in pots didn’t make it. What do you suggest?”

My first suggestion is to make sure that your sprouts have at least their first set of “true leaves” …
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Gardenerd appears on Nature in Us Blog

Posted on March 24, 2009 by Christy

An article that I wrote for Low Impact Living.com has surfaced on a great health and wellness blog recently.  Nature in Us focuses on all aspects of self-care and green living.  Check out the article and the blog:

http://www.thenatureinus.com/2009/03/vegetable-gardening-this-is-year.html

…
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White House to Install a Vegetable Garden

Posted on March 20, 2009 by Christy

Got some exciting news today.  It’s official, the White House is going to install a vegetable garden on March 20th, the first day of spring!

For those who have been following the push to get the Obamas to plant a victory garden, www.eattheview.org has been a major influence in making this happen, along with Alice Waters and many others.  Petitions were signed, letters were sent, and the new administration listened.  Here is the article from the New York Times today:

Obamas Prepare to Plant White House Vegetable Garden

…
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White Fly Control

Posted on March 18, 2009 by Christy

The questions have really been coming in lately.  Here’s one selected for this week’s post:

“How do I control white flies? I tried using bugs that would eat them,
but they arrived in the mail dead. Is there anything else I can do? All of my plants died last summer and we had clouds of white flies all over
the place.”

Such a bummer about those white fly predators showing up dead.  Take solace in knowing that you are not alone.  Others have suffered the curse of the white fly.  In fact, you might even check out a previous blog entry about …
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Alice Waters on Organic Gardening – 60 Minutes

Posted on March 18, 2009 by Christy

Alice Waters, founder of Chez Panisse and the Edible Schoolyard Program, was interviewed on 60 minutes Sunday night.  Not only is she the poster child for the Slow Food Movement, but she is also joining in on the bandwagon to get a garden planted at the White House.  If you missed the interview, check it out here:

…
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Mar Vista Green Garden Showcase

Posted on March 17, 2009 by Christy

The Associated Press published an article today about the dramatic increase in home gardens this year.  It seems that as a whole we are facing the challenges of our declining economy with a shovel.  Here in Mar Vista we’re doing our part to cut back on water usage, pesticides and chemical fertilizers, as well as growing our own food. As a result, there seems to be a lot to show for it –  including the upcoming Mar Vista Green Garden Showcase.  On April 26 from 2-6 p.m., homeowners throughout the city will be showing off their Xeriscape, low …
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New Gardener has Hope for Small Space

Posted on March 11, 2009 by Christy

One of those all-encompassing questions came in to Ask Gardenerd last week:

“I have an apartment and no land of my own but was interested in how I can make a garden for myself. Thanks”

I have oh-so-many suggestions.  Here’s a good place to start – a search of container gardening entries on the Gardenerd Blog:

Container Gardening info

This spring is a good time to start planting in containers.  Here are a few good veggies/herbs to try out in pots:

Herbs – basil, parsley, cilantro, oregano, thyme, chives

Veggies – lettuces (partial shade is perfect for these guys during the …
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Growing Figs in a Pot

Posted on March 11, 2009 by Christy

A question came from Santa Cruz, CA this week:

“I want to get a fig tree that will produce fruit we can eat and need
some advise. We live in Santa Cruz County, CA in an apartment with no
private yard (or dirt) so it will have to be in a container. We have a
patio area that is tucked into a corner of the building and gets full
sun most of the day. What type of tree, container, soil, etc. should I
get?  Thank you,Michelle”

Hi Michele,

Santa Cruz falls under Hardiness Zone 9a-10a, so you’re in good company for growing figs. 

Container …
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