Trellising Basics

One of the challenges of urban gardening is limited space. Trellising is an especially useful technique because it allows urban gardeners to utilize vertical space. Trellising vegetable plants helps to keep crops off the ground resulting in cleaner

Why Conserve Water?

Paying attention to the amount of water we use in our homes and landscapes is important for the health of our communities and our gardens. Utah is the second driest state in the nation. It is surprising to know that our per capita water consumption levels are at 290 gallons/day/person - the second highest in the nation, and far above the national average of 180 gallons/day/person!

While it is important for us to use moderate amounts of water in our gardens,

Permaculture

Definition of Permaculture: (From the words Permanent+Agriculture). A food system that mimics resilient and productive patterns found in nature.

What's an Heirloom?

Heirloom vegetables are open-pollinated varieties that were either commercially introduced before 1940 or handed down through friends and family for at least 50 years.

Why use Drip Irrigation?

• It's the most efficient method of irrigating. While sprinkler systems are around 75-85% efficient, drip systems typically are 90% or higher!
• Much less wasted water! Drip is the preferred method of irrigation in the desert regions of the United States.
• Concentrates the water at the base of the plant, where they need it most.
• Reduces topsoil erosion.

Benefits

• Water the plants you want to grow, not the weeds!
• Easy to install and design

Why Compost?

"Composting is a giant step toward recycling wastes, conserving precious energy reserves, and regaining control of our food supplies.” ~ Rodale Book of Composting

Hardening Off

Before you plant your seedlings outside, they need time to adjust to the bright sunlight, the changes in temperature, and the wind. Harden off your seedlings in the week or two prior to the time that they will be planted outside (generally, most vegetable seedlings are planted out just after the chance of frost has passed).

Choosing What to Grow

Before you order seeds in the early spring, draw up a quick map of your garden space on graph paper. Use the spacing guidelines for each type of plant, which can be found in reference books or on the seed packet itself. Then sketch the arrangement of the vegetables and herbs that you’d like to grow. This will help you visualize how many different types of plants you can fit in your space and decide which seeds you would like to order.