Your Sourdough Starter is Welcome Here! October 22, 2013

Fermenter's Club of San Diego, Thursday, October 24, 7:00-8:30 pmDon't fear bacteria, embrace it and be a part of our first "general meeting!" We'll have a topic of discussion about food fermentation, share stories, and, of course, sample fermented foods! Bring your fermentation-related questions, something you've made and want to share or swap, or even a culture you want to swap (kefir grains, kombucha SCOBY, sourdough starter, yogurt).

NOTE: You do not have to bring anything in order to attend, except your curiosity and/or love of fermented foods. All are welcome! And it is FREE!

And in the nursery... We continue to remind everyone that this is the time to plant. New plants like a few months of our mild winters in order to establish roots before summer.

What fruit tree have you been dreaming of growing? What shrub have you imagined in that corner of your yard? Plant it now!

We have many fruit trees, natives, and ornamental plants.

What we don't have we can order. Call for availability or stop by!

A great place to be this weekend...October 18, 2013

Come visit the nursery this weekend! Our Fall Harvest Festival and Craft Fair is Saturday, October 19, from 9:00 - 4:00. Shop for locally-made art work and crafts on our farm within the city. The winners of our pumpkin and zucchini growing contests will be announced! On Sunday, October 20, at 2:00, come learn the process for curing olives.

Both events are FREE!

Now is the time to plant a fall/winter garden, and here is what we have for yours:

Dig 'em Up veggies: $2.19 each

• green cabbage
• cauliflower
• collards
• broccoli

Dig 'em Up herbs: $3.19 each

• Italian parsley
• flat-leaf parsley
• Italian basil

4" potted veggies: prices from $2.19 to $3.19

• salad greens
• radicchio
• kale
• amaranth
• chard
• arugula
• spinach
• endive
• cutting celery

Vegetable 6 packs for $3.19 each:

• snow peas
• swiss chard
• romaine lettuce

We have some 6 packs of edible flowers in stock for $2.99:

• calendulas
• snapdragons
• marigolds
• pansies

For spots in the yard that you really don't want to water much: Succulent plugs are at a great price of $1.00 each. There is a large assortment of various sizes of potted cactus and succulents to choose from.

Looking for a little fall color?

• decorative chrysanthemums in 4" pots, $2.99 each
• 6 packs of ornamental kale and cabbage, $2.99 each

We also have Cyclamen and Ivy Geraniums in 4" pots.

Call to be sure of availability.

Our rose sale continues until tomorrow, Saturday, October 19th. Buy one, get one free for equal or lesser value.

October in the Garden...October 14, 2013

A few words from Bill:October in San Diego has the best weather! Plant your fall/winter garden, but remember that your garden soil will need help on a regular basis. If you do not know what your soil needs to properly amend it, then bring in a small sample and your garden's square footage. We'll offer a helpful hint on what to add so as not to add too much or not enough. Soil preparation is the important factor in plant health and water conservation.

Your pumpkins should be ready soon. Don't pick them until just before you use them or take them to any kind of a pumpkin-weighing contest. Once picked they start losing water weight.

You should also consider harvesting any food from your garden as you need it. The moment you harvest, your crops start losing their value. Fresh is best!!

Remember these great products we are offering:

Behlen Stock Tanks can be used for raised garden beds, ponds, aquaponics...

We have several sizes. All are built to last a long, long time!

Ollas are an ancient and effective way to irrigate with less water. The pot is partially fired so that water can slowly seep out. When buried in the garden, plants placed around the olla receive a constant, slow water supply.

Remember this Saturday, October 19 is our Harvest Festival and Craft Fair! 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Come enjoy the nursery and shop for locally-made and reasonably-priced crafts.

To those who signed up for our Pumpkin and Zucchini Growing Contests, this Saturday will also be our day to weigh and measure the fruits of your garden! Remember your pictures!

Roses are still offered on sale this week. Buy one, get one free of equal or lesser value. Our sale ends, October 19.