Author: MicroFarmProject602
Improving Soils with Organic Matter
When soil is sandy and dry or wet and sticky, the problems are opposite, but the solution may be the same. Adding organic matter to soils is helpful to relieve many kinds of soil and water problems. Below are several articles that are helpful in learning how to improve soils […]
Landscape & Garden Watering Guide
How to Water Your Garden Two questions that novice gardeners often ask are how long and how often to water landscapes, lawns and garden plants. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to these questions. Soil texture, air temperatures, plant size and type, and many other factors play a part in determining proper […]
Soil Texture and Drainage
Good soil drainage is vital to growing a healthy garden. You may be surprised to learn that once water infiltrates soil, not only does it travel through the soil vertically, drawn downwards by gravity, but percolates horizontally, much like the way the water moves through a sponge. How quickly the […]
Drip Irrigation
According to the Master Gardeners of Sonoma County, “Efficient watering means putting the right amount of water, in the right place, just at the plants needing it, without excess, runoff, overspray, or waste.”* The first principle of efficient watering is to water the soil, not the plant. Although overhead sprinklers […]
Make a Water-Saving Wicking Bed Garden
Water Your Plants From Below Wicking beds are a unique way to grow vegetables that waters them from the bottom up. Unlike traditional gardens that require good drainage, wicking beds are self-contained, highy productive garden beds with water reservoirs that supply moisture to plant roots from the bottom up – […]
Tips to Save Water in Your Garden the Permaculture Way
Water Wise Gardening Tips Gardening in Phoenix, Arizona is challenging, particularly in May and June when the temperatures soar and rainfall is rare. In order to properly water our plants, we employ Permaculture strategies for water wise gardening. These strategies conserve our precious water resources while providing the moisture that […]
Water Harvesting: Can I Use Air Conditioning Condensate to Water My Garden?
Free water, but is it safe for water harvesting? Q: I want to do more water harvesting. During the summer, my air conditioner condensate water runs off the roof through a pipe and drips onto the ground. Can I use this run-off to water my garden? A: Yes, water harvesting […]
Homemade Basil Grape Jelly
Grape Jelly with a Twist If you love grape jelly, or if you could ‘take it or leave it,’ give this recipe a try. Not your average ho-hum partner to peanut butter, this jelly has a depth of flavor provided by a few key secret ingredients, revealed here. Tart and […]
Roasted Eggplant Tomato Sauce Recipe
Spicy Sauce with a Secret This chunky, rustic sauce is a delicious summer treat when tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant are abundant in the garden and in the markets. The recipe is versatile, easily adapted to your taste or the ingredients that you have on hand. Add hot peppers for spice, […]
Simple Peach Cobbler Ice Cream (With or Without an Ice Cream Maker)
This ice cream recipe gives “peaches and cream” a whole new meaning! Peaches…fresh, sweet and delicious. They are my favorite fruit of the summer. There is nothing like the pleasure of biting into a ripe, juicy peach. I love to pick them at the orchard and bring home boxes of […]
