La VischI got a chili plant! 😃
#pepperhead #growyourownfood #pepperplant #pepperlovers #chiliplant
DoomsdaysCW#MOFGA Webinar - #ClimateSmart #GardenDesign (Part 3)
May 14 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Free
* The April 30th webinar has been postponed. Part 2 will now take place on May 14th. A new date for part 3 is forthcoming.
**You can still register even if you missed part 1! Registering at the link below will give you limited-time access to all three recorded classes in the series.
"#ClimateChange has noticeable impacts on gardeners, from more #ExtremeWeather events, to the increased presence of ticks and other pests. Climate change also has many gardeners looking for ways to support their local ecosystem through garden design.
In this three-part webinar series, Dr. Annie White will provide some concrete strategies for climate-smart garden design, on a whole landscape level.
Schedule:
- Webinar 1 | Landscape Design Strategies for a Changing Climate | April 16th, 12:00 pm
- Webinar 2 | Designing Vegetable & Edible Gardens for #ClimateResilience | May 14, 12:00 pm
- Webinar 3 | Planting Design for People, Nature, and a Changing Climate | New Date Forthcoming
Registering at the above link gives you access to all three parts in the webinar series."
FMI and to register:
https://www.mofga.org/event-calendar/climate-smart-garden-design-3/
#SolarPunkSunday #ClimateChange #ClmateChangeGardening #MaineGardening #GardenDesign #OnlineWorkshops #FoodSecurity #GrowYourOwnFood
How to Grow Onions in Containers for Delicious Harvests Whenever You Want
Enjoy flavorful onions year-round.
By Emily Hayes, February 6, 2026
"You don't need a big garden to grow delicious onions at home—a bright location, the right container, and well-draining soil are all it takes to yield flavorful results. Whether you have a small balcony, patio, or windowsill, growing onions in pots and containers is an easy solution for gardeners with limited space. While this method is best suited for small-bulb varieties, such as bunching or pearl onions, it still yields an abundant harvest when done properly. Ahead, experts share their tips for growing onions in containers, from planting to harvesting."
Learn more:
https://www.marthastewart.com/how-to-grow-onions-in-containers-11900949
#SolarPunkSunday #ContainerGardening #GrowYourOwnFood #GrowingOnions
#GilroyCA - #SeedKits for Adults & Teens
Friday, May 1, 2026 - Sunday, May 31, 2026
Second-floor Information Desk
Gilroy Library
350 W. Sixth Street
Gilroy CA 95020
"Stop by Gilroy Library's upstairs Information Desk and pick up a Seed Kit! This month's seeds? Cucumber (Marketmore 76 variety)!
Each kit contains:
- A packet of seeds
- A brochure with information about the plant, instructions on how to grow it, recommended book pairings, and a recipe.
One kit per person. Kits are for adults and teens ages 12+. Pick up your kit at the second-floor Information Desk. Only available at Gilroy Library, and only while supplies last! (This page will be updated when all kits are gone.)"
FMI [includes Library hours]:
https://sccl.bibliocommons.com/events/69ea658f4dacf581ff8aae40
#SolarPunkSunday #GrowYourOwnFood #LibrariesRule! #Gardening #SeedKits
Celebrating the small victories today, on this gorgeous #Beltaine. I heard ONE gunshot this week (and it might have been an echo from across the river), and that was it, which means the "No Hunting" sign is proving to be a deterrent. Also, the new fencing seems to be working around my home garden... Squash plants are still there!
So, neighbor buddy is growing sweet corn in the #CommunityGarden with his son (and is renting two plots). He loves that I'll be growing #HopiBlueCorn in my home garden and wants to exchange corn kernels once we harvest! Yay! And he has the plots next to mine. Community gardens aren't just about growing food -- they're about #BuildingCommunity !
#ClimateResilient #Gardening: How to Adapt Your Garden to #ExtremeWeather
ECO gardener, Nov 14, 2024
Excerpt: "Gardening in Extreme Weather
Gardening in extreme weather can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can protect plants and maintain a healthy garden:
Choose Weather-Resistant Plants
Opt for #DroughtTolerant, heat-resistant plants in hot climates (like succulents or lavender) and hardy, cold-resistant species in colder climates (like kale or coneflowers).
Use #Mulch to Retain Moisture and Insulate
Applying a thick layer of organic mulch helps regulate soil temperature and retain moisture, making it essential in both hot and cold conditions.
Install #ShadeCloth or Row Covers
In intense heat, a shade cloth can protect plants from direct sun, while row covers offer frost protection during cold spells.
Water Smartly
For hot weather, water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and avoid wetting foliage. In winter, water during the day when temperatures are above freezing to help roots absorb moisture before the ground freezes.
Consider #RaisedBeds
Raised beds help with drainage in #WetClimates and can warm up faster in colder weather, giving plants a more stable growing environment.
Wind Protection Strategies
Use windbreaks like shrubs, fencing, or netting to shield plants from damaging winds that can dry out or freeze foliage.
Invest in Hardy #ContainerGardens
For extreme weather, container gardens are versatile—easily moved to sunny spots, shady areas, or even indoors as needed. [I do this with tomatoes and other plants]
Optimize Soil Health
Healthy, well-drained soil holds moisture better in heat and protects roots from frost damage in winter. Regularly add compost to enrich soil.
Use #ColdFrames or #Greenhouses
These structures create a controlled environment, extending the growing season and protecting plants from temperature extremes.
Keep an Eye on Weather Patterns
Staying informed about sudden temperature changes can help you take timely action, like covering plants or adjusting watering schedules.
With these tips, you can create a resilient garden that adapts to extreme weather challenges while keeping your plants thriving."
Learn more:
https://ecogardener.com/blogs/news/climate-resilient-gardening
#SolarPunkSunday #ClimateChangeGardening #FoodSecurity #ClimateChangeAdaptation #GrowYourOwn #GrowYourOwnFood #GYO #GardeningChallenges #ResilientGarden #Resiliency
Climate-Resilient Gardening: How to Adapt Your Garden to Extreme Weather
To create a climate-resilient garden, focus on practices that enhance sustainability and adapt to climate change. Key actions include growing food to reduce waste, composting, increasing biodiversity with native plants, incorporating trees, and minimizing hard landscaping. Utilizing renewable technologies can further improve garden sustainability.
Something else I'm growing this year (in the #CommunityGarden)... #MammothSunflowers! Once established, they are fairly drought-tolerant.
Sunflower Mammoth Planting Guide🌻
"1. Choose a Planting Location:
Sunflowers need full sun to grow tall and strong 🌞. Select a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
2. Prepare the Soil:
Sunflowers grow best in well-draining, fertile soil. Add compost to improve soil structure 🌾. Sunflowers can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.5).
3. Planting Instructions:
Sow sunflower seeds about 1 inch deep, spacing them 6-12 inches apart 🌍. For larger varieties, space the plants 24-36 inches apart to give them room to grow tall.
4. Watering Requirements:
Sunflowers are drought-tolerant once established, but they need regular watering during their early growth stages 💧. Water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil remains moist.
5. Germination Time:
Sunflowers typically germinate in 7-10 days ⏳, depending on temperature.
6. Ongoing Care:
Once established, sunflowers need minimal maintenance. Keep the area weed-free and support taller varieties with stakes or cages 🌻. "
Source:
https://henrygarden.co/pages/sunflower-mammoth-planting-guide
#SolarPunkSunday #GrowYourOwn #GrowYourOwnFood #GardeningForBirds #Sunflowers #GYO #DroughtResistantCrops
Sunflower Mammoth Planting Guide
Sunflower Mammoth🌻 1. Choose a Planting Location:Sunflowers need full sun to grow tall and strong 🌞. Select a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. 2. Prepare the Soil:Sunflowers grow best in well-draining, fertile soil. Add compost to improve soil structure 🌾. Sunflowers can tolerate slightly acidic
Growing #HopiBlueCorn from Bliss Farm
"Welcome to Bliss Farm, where tradition meets sustainable agriculture. Here, we take pride in cultivating Hopi Blue Corn, an ancient variety that’s not only rich in history but also in flavor and nutrients. Whether you're a home gardener or a curious chef, this guide will walk you through how we grow and care for our Hopi Blue Corn and how you can do it too!
We hope you enjoy your corn and remember; 1 SEED HAS THE POTENTIAL OF PRODUCING 100's OF NEW SEEDS!
Why Hopi Blue Corn?
Hopi Blue Corn is more than just a crop; it's a cultural treasure that has been grown by the Hopi people of the American Southwest for centuries. Known for its striking blue color and high nutritional value, this corn is prized for its versatility in the kitchen, from making tortillas to cornmeal, and even for brewing traditional beverages.
Key Benefits:
- Rich in antioxidants: Blue corn has a higher antioxidant content than yellow corn, making it a healthier choice.
- Cultural heritage: You’re growing a piece of history, connecting with ancient traditions.
- Diverse uses: Whether for baking, cooking, or decorative purposes, Hopi Blue Corn is as versatile as it is beautiful.
How We Grow Hopi Blue Corn
At Bliss Farm, we believe in sustainable, organic farming methods to preserve the purity of this heirloom variety. Our growing process is a mix of tradition, respect for nature, and modern agricultural practices.
1. Planting Season
We plant Hopi Blue Corn in late spring, once the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F. Corn is a warm-weather crop, and this variety thrives in sunny, well-drained soil.
2. Soil Preparation
The success of Hopi Blue Corn starts with the soil. We enrich our fields with organic compost and natural fertilizers, ensuring the soil is rich in nutrients. Corn is a heavy feeder, so this step is critical for a successful harvest.
3. Spacing & Planting
Each corn stalk needs space to grow. We plant the seeds in rows 12-18 inches apart with 24 inches between rows. This allows the plants to reach their full potential without competition for sunlight and nutrients.
4. Watering
Hopi Blue Corn is drought-tolerant, a trait that has been passed down through generations. However, in the early stages, we make sure the plants get plenty of water, particularly during germination and pollination. After the corn is established, it can survive on less water than most other varieties.
5. Pollination
Corn is wind-pollinated, so proper spacing is important for effective pollination. At Bliss Farm, we allow nature to take its course, ensuring that our crops benefit from the natural environment around them.
6. Pest Management
We use organic pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects and practicing crop rotation. This reduces the need for synthetic chemicals, ensuring that our corn remains as natural as possible.
Harvesting Hopi Blue Corn
After 100-120 days, the corn is ready for harvest. We wait until the kernels are fully mature and the husks have dried. The corn is then carefully hand-harvested and laid out to dry further before it’s ready for use.
How to Grow Hopi Blue Corn in Your Garden
You can easily grow Hopi Blue Corn at home! Here are some tips from our farm to yours:
- Choose a sunny spot: Corn needs at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily to thrive.
- Plant in groups, not rows: This helps with wind pollination.
- Water regularly but don’t overwater: While Hopi Blue Corn is #DroughtResistant, it still needs sufficient water in the early stages.
- Watch for pests: Keep an eye out for #CornEarworms and other common pests. Organic #InsecticidalSoap can help keep them at bay.
- Harvest when dry: Once the husks are brown and dry, your blue corn is ready to pick."
Source:
https://www.blissfarmca.com/education/native-seeds
#SolarPunkSunday #NativeSeeds #HeirloomSeeds #GrowYourOwn #GrowYourOwnFood #GYO #DroughtResistantCrops
Bliss Farm - NATIVE SEEDS
Growing Hopi Blue Corn from Bliss Farm Welcome to Bliss Farm, where tradition meets sustainable agriculture. Here, we take pride in cultivating Hopi Blue Corn, an ancient variety that’s not only rich in history but also in flavor and nutrients. Whether you're a home gardener or a curious chef, this
10 Fast-Growing #CoolWeather Vegetables to Plant Early This Spring
Catherine Boeckmann, March 2026
"Spring is coming—if only your garden knew! The good news: you can get a head start on fresh, crunchy #greens and vibrant roots. From #spinach to #radishes, these 10 fast-growing cool-weather vegetables thrive in early spring, giving you harvests in just weeks. We’ve also included five crops you can start even before spring truly arrives, so your garden will be ahead of the curve and full of flavor before anyone else’s."
https://www.almanac.com/best-vegetables-cool-weather
#SolarPunkSunday #Gardening #GrowYourOwn #GrowYourOwnFood
#FoodSecurity #CoolWeatherCrops #GYO
