Winter Vegetable Garden Class - Saturday

Good Morning! There is a class this Saturday morning (July 30) from 9:30 - noon to help us to plan our winter vegetable gardens. It is Central Valley specific, and is held by the Master Gardeners of Fresno County. The class is free - all we have to do is show up.

I am planning on attending this class, and would love to have others carpool with me. Please give me a call if you would like to attend. I'm sure the class will be full of great information.

Let's get ready for our winter gardens!

Organic Corn Order

I picked up the corn that was ordered from Pacific Grain and Food. This was my first time ordering from them. The warehouse is located on Shaw Avenue just West of Brawley. Interestingly, there is a store where you can purchase small amounts of beans, nuts, etc. I asked if they had a product list, and was advised that the information is on their website at www.pacificgrainandfoods.com. The store employees did say that the website is somewhat outdated, and that if you want to order or check product/price to call the store at 559-276-2936. The website is very informative, giving information on their products and recipes using a lot of different legumes and grains.

If you want to order from this store, take a look at what they offer, and give me a call. I will try to put together an order large enough to get a price break. If you missed the corn order this time and want to order, just give me a call and let me know.

Bishop's garden

These are pictures of our Bishop's and Suzanne's garden. Notice how they contained the garden. Looks great!

Food Storage Deals and Gardening Classes

Emergency Essentials is offering a new One Month Supply of Just-Add-Water Foods for 299.99, regularly 380.86. Also on sale this month is dehydrated diced broccoli for 10.99, regularly 19.00. Order by calling 1-800-999-1863 or on-line at BePrepared.com.

The Master Gardeners of Fresno County are offering the following classes:

1. Recover, Reuse and Re-Imagine: recycling treasures into chic things for the home and garden. Wednesday, July 13, 9:30-12. Cost is $15.00

2. Landscape Lighting: Add drama and value to your yard and home. Wednesday, July 20, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Cost is $15.00

3. Plan your Winter Vegetable Garden: Great class to get started on winter gardening. Saturday, July 30, 9:30-12. Class is FREE.

For classes with fees, you must call and sign-up (456-7285). For free classes, you just show up. Place: Garden of the Sun. 1750 North Winery, Fresno. (South of Clinton, North of McKinley).

I am planning to attend the winter gardening class. If you would like to carpool, please let me know!

Gardening Remedies

Home remedies from Cindy McNatt of the Orange County Register:

1. One tablespoon of dish soap per gallon of water will wipe out a variety of pests including mites, aphids, scales, and thrips. It dissolves their outer shell, eventually killing them. Just fill your hand sprayer with the solution and spray.

2. Weeds in cracks of the sidewalk: Pour boiling hot water on them.

3. Add 1 cup of milk (any kind) to 9 cups of water to kill powdery mildew on plants such as peas, grapes, gourds, melons, roses, and zucchini.

4. Add just enough olive oil to standing water features to form a thin surface layer. This prevents mosquitos from breeding there - actually prevents the larvae from breathing.

5. A 50-50 mix of ammonia and water sprayed on snails, kills them dead.

Any other home remedies you can think of?