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#homegardens — Public Fediverse posts

Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #homegardens, aggregated by home.social.

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  1. How #gardening may extend your life and make it better

    By Jeanette Marantos, Sept. 1, 2022

    Excerpt: "You don’t have to be an expert gardener to reap the benefits. In fact, several studies indicate benefits from just being around #soil laced with bacteria that doesn’t cause disease: #MycobacteriumVaccae or M. vaccae for short. This species of benign bacteria exists in soil all over the world, but it was first discovered on the shore of Lake Kyoga in Uganda in the 1970s by immunologist John Stanford after researchers noticed that leprosy patients who lived around the lake responded better to treatments than those receiving the same treatment in other areas.

    "Christopher Lowry, a professor at University of Colorado Boulder, has spent more than 20 years studying and marveling at microorganisms in the natural world that help humans fight disease, known as 'old friends.' Their absence in rich urban countries like the U.S. has made children more prone to allergies and inflammatory diseases."

    Read more:
    latimes.com/lifestyle/story/20

    Archived version:
    archive.ph/G8PIm

    #SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #SoilBacteria #GoodBacteria #Gardening #HomeGardens #TherapeuticGardening

  2. #UMaineExtension offers #Greenhouse technology workshops for #HomeGardeners and aspiring growers

    September 22, 2026

    BOOTHBAY, Maine – "University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer two Greenhouse Education Program workshops Saturday, October 17, at the Bosarge Education Center at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay. Basics/Refresher of #GreenhouseTechnology begins at 12:30 p.m. and #GreenhouseLighting begins at 3 p.m.

    The workshops are designed for home gardeners, aspiring growers, educators and others interested in greenhouse technology. Topics in the first session will include greenhouse structures and covering materials, heating, cooling, ventilation, automation, environmental controls and practical, cost-effective approaches to common greenhouse challenges. The second session will focus on the role of light in greenhouse crop production and practical approaches to managing and supplementing light. Both sessions will be led by Ankit Singh, assistant Extension professor and ornamental horticulture educator at UMaine.

    The cost is $20 for each workshop. Registration information is available on the Greenhouse Education Program webpage."

    FMI or to request a reasonable accomodation:
    extension.umaine.edu/2026/09/2

    To register:
    extension.umaine.edu/agricultu

    #SolarPunkSunday #MaineWorkshops #DIY #Greenhouses #BuildingGreenhouses #HomeGardens #MaineEvents #BoothbyME #CoastalMaineBotannicalGardens #MidcoastMaine #UMaineCooperativeExtension

  3. So, the growing season hasn't ended where we are in southern #Maine, but it's going down pretty low tonight. Covering some sensitive plants that are still outside just in case. Brought the pepper plants into the house (they all have nice-sized peppers, but they are still pretty green). Emptying the rainbarrels into gallon containers, but they'll get filled up again this weekend. I definitely have replaced the rainwater I had stored in the cellar for emergencies -- and this summer's drought definitely qualified as a minor 'emergency'!

    #SolarPunkSunday #HomeGardens #EndOfSeason #CoolWeatherPrep #Rainbarrels #WaterStorage #ClimateChange #ClimateChangeGardening

  4. #Aotearoa / #NewZealand - Free #LFHW Workshop: Grow, Harvest, Cook Workshop – #Ōtāhuhu

    Wednesday, 23 September 2026
    10:00 am - 11:15 am

    Otahuhu Library
    28/30 Mason Avenue, Otahuhu, 1062, Auckland

    "Join Dipen at Ōtāhuhu Library to explore growing, harvesting, and cooking from your garden.

    Learn #regenerative gardening techniques, discover simple #composting methods, and #harvest fresh produce together.

    Please bring gardening gloves, a water bottle, and a sun hat.

    This Love Food Hate Waste workshop is proudly supported by Auckland Council and delivered by #CompostCollective.

    Space are limited ~ booking is essential."

    FMI and to register:
    compostcollective.org.nz/event

    #SolarPunkSunday #LoveFoodHateWaste #GardeningWorkshop #RegenerativeAgriculture #HomeGardens

  5. How to Save Vegetable Seeds

    Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener
    July 23, 2025

    Excerpt: "When Is a Seed Ripe?

    From a plant’s point of view, ripeness is when the seeds are viable, which does not always coincide with when the plant is most edible and ready for harvest.

    - Peas and beans are ready when the pods turn brown on the vine and shrink against the seeds.
    - Pepper seeds are ripe when peppers are at their full color—depending on variety, this could be black, orange, purple, red, or yellow—and start to shrivel.
    - Tomato seeds are ripe when fruit are firm but tender. If you press them, they have some give, unlike the hard feel of green ones. Like peppers, they will also have reached their full color.
    - Cucumber seeds are ripe when the cuke turns fully yellow—overripe for eating. Harvest it and put it in a safe place for another 20 days.
    - Winter squash seeds are ripe when the skin turns hard.
    -Summer squash seeds are ripe when the squash is past the edible point, with a hard rind. Then treat the same as winter squashes.
    - Watermelon seeds are ripe when the tendril directly opposite the stem turns from green to brown and becomes dry.
    - Cantaloupe and muskmelon seeds are ripe when the stem turns brown and dries, and the melon readily separates from it.

    When Is a Seed Dry?

    Proper drying is a key to saving seeds. Here’s how to test if seeds are fully dried:

    - Squeeze one seed with pliers or hit it with a hammer.
    - If it’s dry, it will shatter.
    - If it crushes or feels soft or spongy, then your seed needs more air-drying before being stored away."

    Learn more:
    almanac.com/how-save-vegetable

    #SolarPunkSunday #SeedSaving #HomeGardens #HierloomSeeds #GrowYourOwn

  6. #SeedSavingExchange - Seed Saving

    Whether you’re new to seed saving or want to brush up on the time-honored practice, these seed-saving basics are a smart place to start

    Excerpt: "Seed maturity notes for several common crop types

    Beans & Peas: Pods should be brown, dry and brittle before harvest, and the seeds inside should be hard as rocks. If it is a particularly wet fall or you’re expecting an early frost, you may pull up entire plants and move them to a garage or basement to finish maturing and drying.

    Corn: Husks should be brown, dry and brittle, the silks should be dark and dry, and the kernels should be extremely hard.

    Cucumbers: Fruits must be left on the vine until they begin to turn yellow and their skin becomes tough. Seeds inside should be plump and firm.

    Eggplant: Fruits should be left on the plant until they begin to turn yellow and their skin becomes tough. Seeds inside should be plump and hard (or crunchy if you’re chewing on them).

    Lettuce: Two to three weeks after the lettuce flowers have opened, the seeds should be mature. Look for feathery parachute-like structures (think dandelions) before harvesting.

    Melons and Watermelons: Harvest fruits as you would for eating and simply reserve some of the seeds or leave the fruits on the vine until they soften slightly (this may improve seed quality, but you won’t want to eat the melons at this point). Seeds inside should be plump and firm.

    Okra: Pods should be brown and dry, and they will begin to split open when seeds are ready for harvest. The seeds should be very hard.

    Peppers: Seeds are ready when the pepper fruit has matured to its final color.

    Radishes: Pods should be brown, dry and brittle before harvest, and the seeds inside should be extremely hard.

    Squash: Fruits should be left to mature on the vine until the skin has become extremely hard. Harvest fruits before first frost and store up to two months in cool conditions (50-60 degrees) to allow the seeds to mature further. Seeds should be plump and firm.

    Tomatoes: Seeds are ready when the tomato is ready to be eaten.

    Remember to allow seeds to dry completely before storage. Any moisture in or around the seeds can cause mold and problems with germination."

    Learn more:
    seedsavers.org/learn/seed-savi

    #SolarPunkSunday #SeedSaving #HomeGardens #HierloomSeeds #GrowYourOwn

  7. #UMaineExtension - Bulletin #2750, An Introduction to Seed Saving for the #HomeGardener

    By Mark Hutton, Extension Vegetable Specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension

    "Seed saving is an ancient art that enabled humans to cease being hunter-gatherers. Up until the end of World War II, home gardeners typically saved their own seeds, because high-quality seeds at affordable prices were generally not available. However, seed saving declined with the development of the commercial seed industry, which made low-cost, high-quality vegetable and flower seeds readily available. Presently, renewed interest in heirloom, unique, and locally adapted vegetable and flower varieties is sparking a resurgence in seed saving.

    Seed-saving is a natural next step for passionate gardeners. Saving seeds not only allows home gardeners to save money; it provides them with an opportunity to express their creativity! This is because saving seed is a form of selection—the very basis of plant breeding. When choosing which plants to save seed from, a gardener must decide which plants have the most desirable characteristics in terms of meeting their goals for plant size, yield, fruit quality, maturity date, attractiveness, etc., thus helping to improve the offspring. When you save seed from your garden, you can create a cultivar uniquely suited to your location, your aesthetic sensibilities, and culinary tastes. Saving seeds takes time, planning, and attention to detail. Here are some basics to get you started on your seed saving adventure."

    Learn more:
    extension.umaine.edu/publicati

    #SolarPunkSunday #SeedSaving #HomeGardens #HierloomSeeds #GrowYourOwn

  8. Interesting idea, but what I'm wondering is if the local mice would turn it into a home? Has anyone out there tried this method?

    #StrawBale #ColdFrame : An easy #DIY for autumn and winter harvesting

    Written by Niki Jabbour • Updated on October 29, 2025

    " A straw bale cold frame is a temporary structure used to protect hardy vegetables in autumn and winter. They require no building skills and are quick and easy to put together. Once the bales are in place, they’re topped with a clear material like an old window or a piece of polycarbonate. With the arrival of spring, the frames are taken apart and the straw can be used for straw bale gardens, mulching, or added to the compost bin. Keep reading to learn more about straw bale cold frames.

    What is a straw bale cold frame

    A straw bale cold frame is a low cost temporary structure used to protect crops when the temperature drops in autumn and winter. It’s essentially a miniature greenhouse. Building cold frames is a great way to increase self-sufficiency in a home vegetable garden and extend the typical harvest season by a couple of months. The box of the frame is made from insulating straw bales and topped with a clear top to capture solar energy. It requires no carpenter skills to build and once spring arrives the straw can be used in the garden."

    Learn more:
    savvygardening.com/straw-bale-

    #SolarPunkSunday #CoolWeatherGardening #HomeGardens #FrostProtection #FirstFrost #Gardening
    #ColdWeatherGarden #GardenCovers #ColdFrames #StrawBaleColdFrames

  9. The only caveat I would add is that old windows can have lead in not only the paint/varnish, but also the glazing. Make sure those are either safely removed or properly sealed so they can't leech out.

    Build a #DIY #ColdFrame using an old window

    Written by Tara Nolan • Updated on October 28, 2024

    Excerpt: "One of the projects that I knew I wanted to include in my book, #RaisedBedRevolution, was a cold frame. I had seen some neat DIY cold frame examples through garden visits over the years, great cold frame kits through various retailers and innovative cold frames that used old windows as the lid. I was also inspired by Niki, who gardens 365 days a year (you can find some of her cold frame tips here).

    "When the photographer for my book, Donna Griffith, grabbed an old window a mutual friend was giving away, I enlisted my brother-in-law, Deon, to help me figure out how to build a cold frame to fit."

    Learn more:
    savvygardening.com/build-a-diy

    #SolarPunkSunday #CoolWeatherGardening #HomeGardens #FrostProtection #FirstFrost #Gardening
    #Upcycling #ColdWeatherGarden #GardenCovers #ColdFrames #ReuseOldWindows

  10. Ideas include #AmishColdFrame #HoopTunnel #ColdFrameTent #ColdFrames #PortableColdFrame #SalvagedWindowColdFrame and more! However, some of the links referenced in the article are 404...

    20 #DIY #ColdFrame Plans For Your #WinterGarden

    Do you want to keep gardening, even in the middle of winter? In this article, Kevin Espiritu shares 20 DIY cold-frame plans for your garden.

    Written by Kevin Espiritu Last updated: January 22, 2024

    "As the cold weather starts to come on, many of us sigh and look forward to the start of spring again, when we can once more grow fresh vegetables and fruit for our tables. But it doesn’t have to be like that! There are many cold-weather vegetables that can easily grow with just a little protection. And building a DIY cold frame is the perfect solution.

    While a DIY cold frame can be as simple and small as a plastic 2-liter bottle with the bottom cut off, carefully placed overtop of a plant to offer a little more warmth, what I’ve got for you today is a list of 26 different concepts and plans for winter cold frames that encompass a bit more space in your garden and allow for a better collection of vegetables. So whether you’d like to grow spinach or beets, protect your flowers, or even start a few seedlings early on, there’s a cold frame plan here for everyone.

    Since there’s a variety of materials that can be used to construct cold frames, I’m going to split these up by the clear material used on the top of the frame. From there, the only limit is your imagination!"

    Learn more:
    epicgardening.com/cold-frame-p

    #SolarPunkSunday #CoolWeatherGardening #HomeGardens #FrostProtection #FirstFrost #Gardening
    #Upcycling #ColdWeatherGarden #GardenCovers

  11. Methods include using old blankets, upside down buckets, makeshift greenhouses, and more...!

    7 DIY Cold-Weather Garden Covers That Actually Work

    October 27, 2025 by Brandon Marcus

    "The first frosty morning always sneaks up on gardeners like a villain in a horror movie. One day your lettuce looks lush and happy; the next, it’s limp, icy, and begging for mercy. But fear not—there’s a way to fight back against the cold without running to the garden store or spending a fortune. DIY garden covers are your secret weapon for keeping plants alive, warm, and thriving even when winter tries to shut down your green thumb.

    "From upcycled materials to clever homemade solutions, here are seven cold-weather garden covers that actually work—and might even make you feel like a garden MacGyver."

    Read more:
    frugalgardening.com/7-diy-cold

    #SolarPunkSunday #CoolWeatherGardening #HomeGardens #FrostProtection #FirstFrost #Gardening
    #ReuseOldSheets #ReuseOldBlankets #Upcycling #ColdWeatherGarden #GardenCovers

  12. Do Sheets Really Protect Plants From Frost?

    By Brandee Gruener
    Published on January 23, 2026

    Excerpt: "Do Sheets Protect Plants From Freezing?

    "Yes, sheets can help prevent frost damage. Generally, you should use breathable fabric that won't trap moisture or overheat, which is why old sheets or comforters can work in a pinch (and why plastic coverings aren't recommended). Thicker, heavier sheets provide more protection than thin ones, but you can always double them.

    "Fabric covers do have their limits. The fabric is less likely to prevent damage once the temperature drops below 28 degrees Fahrenheit ( -2.2°C). To protect plants from extreme temperatures throughout the winter, use a more effective method like a #ColdFrame, #HoopTunnel, or #greenhouse."

    Read more:
    southernliving.com/do-sheets-k

    #SolarPunkSunday #BedSheets #Frost #CoolWeatherGardening #HomeGardens #FrostProtection #ReuseOldSheets #FirstFrost #Gardening

  13. I use this method... Make sure the sheets are on top of a structure (I use wooden stakes) and not touching the plants directly...

    Using #BedSheets to protect plants from #frost – the unusual method experts love

    The secret to a frost-free garden could be hiding in the bedroom – here's what you need to know before the coldest months of the year

    By Megan Slack, December 1, 2022

    "Bed sheets are known for bringing warmth and comfort as we sleep, but just as we crave coziness in the winter months, our plants are equally keen to shelter away from the cold.

    "If you've already read up on how to protect plants from frost, you may know that adding a layer of mulch to your garden beds and watering in the morning will encourage them to stay healthy. However, the most effective solution may be in how you use your best bed sheets – or maybe, perhaps in this case – your older bed sheets that have served their time in your home.

    "While this method may seem unconventional, it is approved by garden experts who reassure that (despite inevitable reservations) it actually looks good in a garden. So, if you're looking to protect your plants and add interest to your exterior, this could be the solution."

    Read more:
    homesandgardens.com/gardens/us

    #SolarPunkSunday #CoolWeatherGardening #HomeGardens #FrostProtection #ReuseOldSheets #FirstFrost #FrostProtection #Gardening

  14. First chilly night of the season (5-6ºC, low 40's ºF). Deciding what stays and what goes, moving some plants indoors, while others are destined for the compost...

    #SolarPunkSunday #HomeGardens #ContainerGardening

  15. Well rats... The #CommunityGarden is looking pretty sad (except for my plot neighbor's peppers). I salvaged the Mammoth Sunflower seed head, and the cosmos and zinnias are still blooming and the cornflowers are winding down. I'm still planning on planting some oats, barley and clover in my plot, but since the electric fence is either not functioning or the deer just jump it, I don't have high hopes for the garden continuing (I've seen this story before -- but last time we kept it going for five years). Anyhow, I talked to hubby about expanding the home garden so I can start doing proper crop rotation. I mean, who needs a front yard lawn -- especially since part of it (the other side of the driveway) is becoming a mini-wildflower meadow anyway.

    #HomeGardens #MoreFlowersLessLawns #ContainerGardening #SolarPunkSunday

  16. Some reasons NOT to plant #Hostas ...

    Native Alternatives to Hostas: 6 Shade Plants to Grow Instead

    By Rooted Haven
    April 28, 2026

    Excerpt: "While they’re easy to grow and widely loved, they don’t support the same level of #wildlife as #NativePlants .

    While hostas may occasionally be visited by bumble bees, they don’t support much life beyond that.

    And that’s where native plants are different.

    Native plants don’t just provide nectar—they support entire life cycles.

    Caterpillars, for example, rely on specific native plants as host plants:

    - to lay their eggs
    - to feed their young
    - to complete their transformation into butterflies and moths

    And there are no native North American species that rely on hostas in this way. And we’ve planted hostas everywhere.

    So while hostas may fill space in your garden, they’re not contributing much to the ecosystem around them."

    Learn more:
    rooted-haven.com/replace-your-

    #SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForPollinators #Gardening #HomeGardens

  17. So, whether #Coyote pee will work as a #DeerDeterrent depends on whether the local coyotes hunt the local deer. Where I live, that is the case, so I'm going to try some fabric dunked in #CoyoteUrine and tied in strategic spots to see if that works against the #Deer in the #CommunityGarden . I think long-term, we need to put in a 3-D fence, which I'll post about in a bit. Judging by the tracks I saw in the pumpkin patch, it definitely looked like someone jumped over the fence (and the fence was a bit lower in one spot).

    Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Apply Coyote Urine

    "Most people buy predator urine, apply it once in a few obvious spots, and then declare that it did not work. The product is not the problem. The application is.

    "Coyote urine is a genuine, potent biological deterrent, but it only performs when it is placed correctly, at the right height, in the right zones, and refreshed on the right schedule. Once you understand how to apply coyote urine the way wildlife actually experiences it, the difference in results is significant.

    Read Your Property for Animal Signs Before You Apply

    Spraying randomly without knowing where animals are moving is the single biggest waste of product. Before you open a bottle, spend 10 to 15 minutes walking your property and reading the evidence wildlife has already left behind.

    Signs that tell you where to focus:
    ● Tracks in soft soil, mud, or frost near fence lines, garden edges, and outbuildings.
    ● Worn paths or flattened grass indicate repeated travel routes.
    ● Scat near feeding areas, denning sites, or along walls.
    ● Digging, especially near turf edges, garden beds, or the base of structures.
    ● Chewed plant material, stripped bark, or disturbed mulch."

    Learn more:
    thepeemart.com/blogs/news/how-

    How Long Does Coyote Urine Last?

    December 19, 2022

    "Coyote Urine Usually Lasts For a Week Or Two

    Urine degrades fairly quickly when outside, which is why coyotes frequently mark their territory with pee. It’s often inconvenient for us to spread urine outside every day, but it is important to do it frequently to keep the scent strong.

    [...]

    How Long is the Shelf-Life of Coyote Urine

    If it’s stored in a sealed container away from heat and moisture, it can last for multiple years.

    [...]

    What Animals are Affected by Coyote Urine?

    If you’re trying to ward off animals from visiting your yard, coyote urine can usually deter common coyote prey like rodents, raccoons, rabbits, and cats.

    It can also deter white-tailed deer, which are occasionally preyed upon by coyotes. But it’s not a surefire way of getting rid of deer, who will munch on plants regardless of urine scent if they’re really hungry.

    Results with deer also depend on if they are used to having coyotes around as predators. In some areas, coyotes have easier prey to catch and rarely go after deer. Deer in these areas will likely not be scared of coyote urine."

    outdoorsmecca.com/how-long-doe

    #SolarPunkSunday #HomeGardens #PestControl #DeerControl #Rabbits #Gardening #GardenPests #CommunityGardens #PredatorUrine #PredatorPee #CoyotePee #NatureBasedSolutions #NaturalPestControl

  18. @johntimaeus So, I found some resources about the 3D fence. But for now, coyote pee will have to do. TY for the suggestion!

    #HomeGardens #GardenPests #SolarPunkSunday

  19. So, whoever suggested I try #Revitalize #Biofungicide for the #Anthracnose affecting my grandmother's rose bush, THANK YOU! The infection seems to be under control after a couple of treatments. Hopefully, next year, it can focus on growing and thriving rather than fighting off fungal infections!

    #SolarPunkSunday #HomeGardens #Gardening #FungalInfections

  20. Something else I do is rinse off the lettuce after picking, then sticking it in a plastic bag or container in the refrigerator. The moisture and the coolness keeps the lettuce crispy, and can help revitalize slightly limp leaves.

    How to Harvest Lettuce and Keep Growing More

    By Barbara Gillette
    Updated on March 19, 2025

    Most lettuces fall into the category of spring or fall greens, as the plants develop the best texture and flavor in cool growing seasons. But, if your lettuce plant is producing leaves into the summer and hasn't yet bolted due to the extended day length, there are a few top tips to heed and extend your harvest.

    "Harvesting individual leaves is one way to extend the plant's production. Other ways to keep the harvest going are to succession sow every two weeks in early spring or fall. A third way is to interplant with a taller crop to give lettuces shade and protection from the hot summer sun and high temperatures [which is why I grow lettuce in containers -- so I can move them around]. And finally, gardeners should look for cultivars noted for slow bolting, such as looseleaf variety 'Slobolt' or 'Sierra'.

    "Here's how to harvest your lettuce to enjoy some leaves now but keep the plant producing more."

    Read more:
    thespruce.com/how-to-harvest-l

    #SolarPunkSunday #GrowYourOwnFood #GrowingLettuce #HomeGardens #Lettuce

  21. I'm deliberately letting a couple of my red lettuce plants go to seed -- so I'll have seed! All the other ones that have bolted I composted.

    How to Harvest #LettuceSeeds: 6 Easy Steps for Harvesting

    By Kate Van Druff
    December 7, 2021
    Updated on October 20, 2022

    "Knowing when to harvest lettuce seeds is easy when you take the time to observe your garden. When the lettuce plant bolts, it sends up a flower stalk that soon contains viable lettuce seeds for next year’s crop. Plan to gather lettuce seeds when the flower stalk and seed heads are totally dry. You might even see a little fluff sticking out!"

    Learn more:
    bunnysgarden.com/how-to-harves

    #SolarPunkSunday #GrowYourOwnFood #GrowingLettuce #HomeGardens #SeedSaving

  22. While I love our little #goldfinches, I did *NOT* appreciate them eating my sunflower seeds before they were fully developed (and I could harvest some for next year). One more plant left. Grrrrr...

    #Squirrels And #Birds Eating #Sunflower Blooms: Protecting Sunflowers From Birds And Squirrels

    By Bonnie L. Grant
    Last updated October 18, 2021

    "If you have ever fed wild birds, you know they love sunflower seeds. Squirrels, too, compete with birds at feeders and generally make a nuisance of themselves. Wild animals don't draw a line when it comes to food, and your ripening sunflower heads are also a target. Preventing bird and squirrel sunflower damage may seem like a round the clock defense strategy, but take heart. We have some simple tricks on how to deter birds and squirrels and save your sunflower seeds."

    Learn more:
    gardeningknowhow.com/ornamenta

    #SolarPunkSunday #GrowingSunflowers #NaturalPestControl #HomeGardens

  23. UPDATE! It wasn't Flea Beetles, but hungry birds! Left some sacrificial chard out for them, but brought a variety of them into our porch/greenhouse. Now they are thriving!

    So, I *think* #FleaBeetles are the ones who have been decimating my #RainbowChard. Trying a few things... This was not a problem last year, for whatever reason...

    15 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Flea Beetles
    Andre Campbell
    5–7 minutes

    Flea beetles are small jumping beetles that feed on many crops in the garden. They mainly feed on brassicas and related plants.

    So, a flea beetle infestation can cause significant damage to your vegetable garden. Therefore, please make every effort to get rid of these beetles as soon as you see the first sign of them."

    Remedies include #NeemOil, #DiatomaceousEarth and #InsecticidalSoaps.

    Learn more:
    drecampbell.com/natural-ways-g

    #SolarPunkSunday #GrowYourOwnFood #HomeGardens #NaturalPestControl

  24. Recipes bring #Australia’s native harvest into the kitchen

    The Native Harvest Kitchen #cookbook demystifies native ingredients and helps you incorporate #IndigenousFood into everyday meals.

    By Dr Dorin Gupta, University of
    18 October 2024

    Excerpt: "Through the book we hope to show how #Indigenous ingredients such as #murnong can be easily incorporated into our home herb and veggie patches and everyday cooking practices, widening the range of plants we eat (good for our health), and encouraging us to explore variety in agriculture (good for the planet).

    " #WarrigalGreens curry is one of the dishes my family enjoys and also makes a lovely light gnocchi. #LillyPilly and #Pigface are perfect for pickles, while #RubySaltbush berries decorating pavlova are festive and joyful."

    Learn more:
    pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/article

    #SolarPunkSunday #NativeHarvestKitchen #Australia #NativePlantsAustralia #ClimateChange #FoodSecurity #Foraging #HomeGardens #NativeFoods #NativeCrops #AustralianPlants #WildEdibles #BushFoods #BushTucker #Recipes

  25. …
    Fossil-based agriculture is doomed because its plants cannot resist big heatwaves. Adaptation could involve sustainable agriculture (such a permaculture).

    In parts losing rain (notably because of AMOC shutdown), people could resort to sustainable agriculture too ‒ inspired from tradition at neighbours'.

    For example: isasat.org/Vol-ii%2cissue-i/AA
    …

    #resilience #agroforestry #permaculture #homegardens #adaptation #India

  26. #UMaineCooperativeExtension - Bulletin #2750, An Introduction to #SeedSaving for the #HomeGardener

    By Mark Hutton

    "Rediscovering Seed Saving

    "Seed saving is an ancient art that enabled humans to cease being hunter-gatherers. Up until the end of World War II, home gardeners typically saved their own seeds, because high-quality seeds at affordable prices were generally not available. However, seed saving declined with the development of the commercial seed industry, which made low-cost, high-quality vegetable and flower seeds readily available. Presently, renewed interest in #heirloom, unique, and locally adapted vegetable and flower varieties is sparking a resurgence in seed saving.

    "Seed-saving is a natural next step for passionate gardeners. Saving seeds not only allows home gardeners to save money; it provides them with an opportunity to express their creativity! This is because saving seed is a form of selection—the very basis of plant breeding. When choosing which plants to save seed from, a gardener must decide which plants have the most desirable characteristics in terms of meeting their goals for plant size, yield, fruit quality, maturity date, attractiveness, etc., thus helping to improve the offspring. When you save seed from your garden, you can create a cultivar uniquely suited to your location, your aesthetic sensibilities, and culinary tastes. Saving seeds takes time, planning, and attention to detail. Here are some basics to get you started on your seed saving adventure."

    Learn more:
    extension.umaine.edu/publicati

    #SolarPunkSunday #UMaine #Maine #GrowYourOwn #Seeds #HarvestingSeeds #HeirloomSeeds #Gardening #HomeGardens

  27. Garden update... One corn stalk got a bit dinged from the recent storm (as did my black hollyhocks), but everything else is doing well... Squash is climbing the fence, beans are climbing the corn, and a itty bitty ear of corn is forming in one of the stalks! Two of the sunflowers are in bloom, and the bees are digging them!

    #SolarPunkSunday #ThreeSistersGarden #HomeGardens #GardeningForPollinators

  28. Well, somebody (some bunny?) has been nibbling on my rainbow chard in containers. Moved them into the fenced-in backyard (where the dog hangs out). I might have to do more of that as the season winds down.

    #GrowYourOwn #SolarPunkSunday #HomeGardens

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