Articles
This learning section contains articles and educational support including topics related to growing, seed saving, native plants, agriculture, pollinators, soil, carbon, climate and food systems.
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The cultivation of halophytes is getting more attention, including research into breeding plants that can cope with salt water.
It’s All About Water
My watering goal is five gallons per 100 square feet when I’m watering.
Watering Tips Revisited
Below are the original seven tips, including some new perspectives. I’m sure you could add some perspectives from your own gardening experience.
Starting Summer Crops in April
Though the soil is not warm enough in April to start planting warm season crop seeds outside, the ambitious gardener start these delicious summer veggies in pots indoors.
Becoming Biointensive
We follow the biointensive system which produces substantially more produce per square foot of growing space than conventional organic farming.
Start Planning for Peas and Favas
It’s time to start looking forward to peas and fava beans. Plant them in February as they tolerate cold soil for germination. Time your plantings depending on the microclimates and soil in your garden.
Gut Microbes and Human Health
Regarded as the body’s “first brain,” the human gut plays a crucial role, not only in digestion, but also in influencing our mood, cognition, immune function and overall health and wellbeing.
Genetically Engineered Soil Microbes—Cause for Concern
A Tilth member brought to my attention a report published by Friends of the Earth about genetically engineered (GE) soil microbes.
When Is the Best Time to Plant a Tree?
So, when is the best time to plant a tree? Twenty years ago, many will tell you, but the real answer is NOW.
What Is Hügelkultur?
Why build a mound bed? The short answer is that you thereby build healthy soil.
Raingardens—Recreating the Small Water Cycle
Raingardens are places to direct runoff and allow water to collect, planted so that rainwater soaks slowly into the soil, is purified, and refills the water table, thereby mimicking the small water cycle of a forest or native meadow.
Summer in the Garden
Summer has arrived and it is expected to be a warm one. The cool spring crops are finishing quickly, and the heat-loving crops are maturing now in the garden.
Whispers In the Forest
Our expanding knowledge of this new science may drive increased preservation of natural forested lands, in turn helping biodiversity within species and ecosystems and ultimately increase the health of our planet.
Leave the Leaves!
Fall is when we prepare our gardens for winter. It’s also time to think about how and where the insects in our yards will spend the cooler months.
Winter Garden Care
As you finish your fall harvesting and your garden beds become emptier, consider the ways to feed your soil and prep for the coming years.
Birds in the Garden
It turns out this is an ideal place for birds to nest and feed. Sitting on our deck anytime from an hour before sunrise till after sunset, we can hear scores of birds singing.
Buying Regenerative
If you don’t grow your own food, the best way to support regenerative farming is to buy from a farmer whose growing practices you are familiar with.
Seed Saving Tips for Local Adaptability and Less Cost
There are a few types of seeds I always choose to save for next year’s plantings.