Front Yard Update: Welcome to Crazy Town

...’t like the conditions. In terms of the birds, I did mix about half of the seeds with clay before seeding to protect them from the birds. Maybe the clay coated seeds were the only ones that sprouted? Or maybe that didn’t work at all? Who can tell? Surprises I knew this planting would be full of surprises, because I’m unfamiliar with many of the plants I used. So I’m figuring out how they grow and what they like and how they get along. It’s all an...

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More on our gardening disasters

...n important plant– the source of linen and linseed oil and of course, flax seeds. I considered it a privilege–I don’t know any better word– to watch it grow tall and bloom. At the end of the season, Erik threshed the heads and collected about a pint of flax seeds. In conclusion, as we race toward the spring equinox, which marks our next round of planting, I think Erik and I need to plan a Fun Garden, complete with strange elements. Maybe I’ll advo...

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What Does Tromboncino Squash Taste Like?

...over 25 feet long) you’ll find it more productive than zucchini. I planted seeds in April, transplanted the seedlings in May and in early November I still have squash on the vine. Like all squash it benefits from copious amounts of nitrogen and compost. We grew ours in straw bales. I’ve heard that it’s resistant to squash borers (not a problem I’ve had, so I can’t speak from experience). The seeds came from Franchi via the Heirloom Seed Store. Hav...

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Saturday Linkages: Gardening, Rocket Heaters and DIY Tips

...ofmeaning.blogspot.com/2013/11/a-garden-cannot-be-designed.html … Seeds on seeds on seeds: Why more biodiversity means more food security http://garynabhan.com/i/archives/2347 Lawn Pesticides Outlawed! by Susan Harris http://gardenrant.com/2013/11/lawn-pesticides-out-lawed.html?utm_source=feedly … Chelle Lindahl’s rocket mass heater http://www.naturalbuildingblog.com/chelle-lindahls-rocket-mass-heater/ … Know Your Stuff: The 110 Best DIY Tips Ever...

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Organic Seed Growers Webinar

...: John Navazio, Organic Seed Alliance; Jodi Lew-Smith, High Mowing Organic Seeds; Jim Myers, Oregon State University; Zea Sonnabend, CCOF and National Organic Standards Board Saturday, February 1, 2014 1:30-3:00PM: Pollinator Conservation Strategies for Organic Seed Producers This session will support organic seed producers with the latest science-based information on maximizing crop yields through the conservation of native pollinators, while at...

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