2016 Class & Event Schedule Announced!

Our 2016 class calendar brings you some fantastic gardening, homesteading, and cooking opportunities! For a print-friendly copy of our events, click here.

2016 Events & Classes

Note: Class times may change and can occasionally be cancelled.
We recommend you call for most current info: 619-284-6358 (Tues-Sun 9a-5p)

January

23: Using Greywater & Rainwater Collection @9a {Free}
24: Pruning Basics @9a {Free}

February

06: Gardening 101: Getting Ready for Spring @9a {Free}

21: Simple Composting Methods @9a {Free}

March

05: Learn to Raise Chickens & Ducks @9a {Free}

12: Learn to Raise Goats @9a {Free}

20: Solar Cooking Basics @9a {Free}

26: Intro to Beekeeping @9a {Free}

April

09: Learn to Make Soft Cheeses @9a {$20 - RSVP Online}

30: Spring Art in the Garden @9a-4p {Free Event}

May

29: Happy 60th Birthday To Our Founder, Farmer Bill Tall

July + August

July 5th-August 21st Contest Seeds Available!
Come in + sign up for our Zucchini Growing Contest for Adults & Pumpkin Growing Contest for Kids

October

15: Fall Harvest Festival @9a-4p {Free Event}

   Zucchini Growing Contest for Adults @10a

     Pumpkin Growing Contest for Kids @11a

November

20: Founder's Day, Celebrating Our 44th Year In San Diego

2016 Closure Dates:

This year we will be closed on Mondays along with
3/27, 8/23 thru 8/26, 10/12, 11/24, 12/24 (@2pm) thru 1/2/17 - reopening January 3rd, 2017

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New Classes Will Be Added Throughout the Year here on our website or call/visit daily (closed Mondays) 9a-5p: (619) 284-6358

To download a printable calendar of all of our events, click here.

3 Ways to Protect Your Plants this Winter

Sam's covered up his malabar spinach to help protect it from the evening frost. Do you have questions about which plants you should be protecting?  Come on in!  We're happy to help. 

Even though we are fortunate enough to live in Sunny San Diego, it can still get chilly.  While we can just throw on a jacket, our plants are left out in the cold!  Here are 3 simple ways to help your plants last until spring:

1.) Mulch

Before it gets too cold, spread 1-2 inches of mulch around around the perennials in your garden.  This keeps heat in the ground which helps stop roots from freezing.  Mulch should be kept away from the base of most plants, but there are some exceptions. How much you need depends on the size of your garden. Bring in your measurements and we can help you figure out how much to buy.

2.) Cover

Wrap plants with tender foliage with row covering (pictured above), burlap, old sheets, or light blankets.  If your plants are low to the ground, put in a few stakes in the ground and lay the covering over it.  Remove the covering if the temperature warms or if the sun comes out.  Avoid using plastic; this can cause condensation and plants still need to breath!

3.) Move

For plants in pots, get them out of harm's way! Sometimes easier said than done, but if you can put large potted plants on casters so you can move them to a safe place.  Small plants can be put on window ledges.  Be sure to move your plants back outside when it warms up so they can enjoy the fresh air!  

Have more questions about keeping your plants safe from the cold?  Come on in.  We're happy to help!  Until then... stay warm! 

5 Things You Didn't Know About Strawberry Guavas

1. Botanical name: Psidium cattleyanum
2. Native of Brazil
3. Medium-sized tree that can be trimmed into hedges or grown on a trellis
4. Fruit can be eaten right off the tree or turned into jam, jellies, and juice.  The skin tastes like rose petals.
5. Leaves can be brewed for tea, the small white seeds can be roasted for coffee

Currently available in five and fifteen gallons.  

(Photo Courtesy of blackdiamondimages.)