EAT YOUR GREENS!

Shown below are several types of edible leafy green vegetables you can grow easily (and over winter!) in your gardens...

bok choy, borage, broccoli, cabbage,  hollyhocks, cilantro, dandelions, kohlrabi, red mustard, spinach

bok choy -a bit more tender than other winter greens.  we like it as a lettuce substitute in sandwiches.

CHARD

Beta vulgaris (many varieties)

Native to Europe’s Mediterranean climate chard is a delight for any Northern California winter garden.

Chard is a tall leafy green vegetable in the same family as beets and spinach.  Without a significant edible root like beets, chard instead has a thick, crunchy stalk which can measure almost two feet in length.  The stalk and mid ribs can be white, red or yellow with either smooth or curly green or red leaves -depending upon variety.

red chard

FROST and FREEZE Protection Tips

When temperatures drop to freezing (32˚F) the water inside plants freezes too.  When temperatures reach below freezing (< 28˚F ) it begins to cause extensive cellular damage and loss of plant life. 

Protection methods prevent desiccation and heat loss.

s       WATER -Water loses heat more slowly than air, as  moisture is released from the soil during the night, the temperature of the air around the plant slightly increases. 

s       COVER -Stake and cover potted plants and small trees with frost cloth, burlap, linen or old bed sheets.

s       POTTED PLANTS -Bring succulent plants, like Aloe vera, and other sensitive potted plants INSIDE.

s       COLLECT HEAT -Place milk jugs painted black and filled with water around your plants where they will collect heat from the sun during the day.

s       MULCH -Heavily mulch perennial plants that are sensitive to frost or those that have not yet begun dormancy in the event of an early hard freeze.

frosty forest garden

WINTER IS COMING!

#1 Build a rain garden!!! We can help you design a simple and affordable rain garden to help reduce your irrigation needs and create a beautiful new addition to your landscape.

#2 As Nature's rhythm continues to slow down into Winter the soil should be blanketed in a thick mulch of organic materials; this feeds and protects the plants and microorganisms until Spring.

#3 Broadcast California native wildflower seeds into bare & unsightly areas then cover with topsoil, leaves or light mulch... viola! Fewer weeds and more flowers come spring! Try sheet mulching with heavy weeds then broadcast your seeds.

#4 Turn off your irrigation system with consistent rain! Call us to install in a rain sensor so the work is done for you!

HARVEST RAINWATER & KUMQUAT

The Melianthus major pictured above is an example of Nature's own gutter system for plants efficiently bringing rainwater to where the plant needs it most; its root zone.

We humans can do it too!  By designing rainwater harvesting systems for the roofs of our homes, barns, outbuildings and more we can effectively conserve water while recharging local water tables.

Contact us for more information!

KUMQUAT  Fortunella spp.

The Kumquat is a delicious garden addition.  They are superb eaten raw; the outer layer slightly spicy while the inner layer sweet as in the variety.

Kumquats, or comquats, are called 'gold orange' in China from where they originated.  They thrive in our valley climate and are said to produce sweeter fruits in our warmer winters.

Slowly growing to 10 feet or more they require seasonal food and water once established.  All the while producing food for snacking or preserving.