Local Harvest Gardening

I would add just add 1/2" or so of compost in the spring or even late winter if you're here on the West Coast and if the grass is somewhat established. Otherwise wait until the ground thaws and things begin to grow. My suggestion was to add the compost in the spring as opposed to the time aroun...

all those items you mentioned make good mulching materials. But I recommend you first compost them in the manner discussed in the videos on creating thermophilic compost. A heap with variety that is allowed to compost first will be partially digested by microbes, easier to apply, and have more plant...

Yes, for brassicas as well.

I wouldn't be concerned because of the clay. I would lightly power harrow or till the surface and seed your grass before October. When you can comfortable get on the land in the spring, add some compost to give it a boost before introducing the animals. I would say that you should graze the land unt...

Hi. I don't know of any. Your best bet might be to contact a local dairy farm.

It's August 1. It's a good time to top the beef tomatoes. Any new flowers probably won't ripen into fruit this late in the year. Top above fruit you believe still has a chance to ripen before September 15. Cherry tomatoes could wait until mid August before topping. For indoor tomatoes that are prote...

I transferred them from their starter crate where they were too crowded. I crowd all my ginger in a few crates in late winter. Later they get moved to new containers so they have more room.

Carrots and parsnips are among the more challenging crops to germinate. Soil must be kept moist the entire time through the germination period (around 10-15 days for parsnips). Water frequently in short bursts through the heat of the day. Alternatively, you could cover the ground after seeding with ...

Make sure that it's not being overwatered. Soil should be moist but not saturated. Mulch around the plant with compost weekly. Trim off the bottom leaves below newly forming fruit. And finally, make sure that you have good airflow in your greenhouse.

Cucurbits thrive in rich soil. If you have stunted growth, likely reasons are poor nutrition, compaction or too wet. Traditionally, gardeners would mound their pumpkins and squash. The hills would consist of well rotted compost. Animal manures that are well rotted are preferred. Seed is pushed into ...