Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Companion Planting Class this Saturday 6/30

plant marigolds near your tomatoes to dispel pests
Most home gardeners are trying to grow a lot in a small space. Knowing what plants to keep close and what to separate can increase the health and vigor of a biodiverse garden. Based both in folk wisdom and science, the art of companion planting is a valuable skill for the experienced and novice gardener alike. Join us this Saturday, 6/30 in the Market at 10:30 to learn more!

Friday, June 22, 2012

Beneficial Insect Class this Saturday

Lady Bug Nymphs keeping aphids in check on dill in the Monument Garden
Knowing how to identify, encourage, and care for beneficial insects is one of the keys to successful organic pest control. Saturday, June 23rd at 10:30am we'll be talking about the good guys in your garden. Monument Market Garden Classes are free and open to the public. Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

All About Weeds

Weeding can be one of the most time consuming projects in an organic garden or landscape. This Saturday, June 16th at 10:30am we'll be discussing how to manage common weeds, what they say about your soil, and talk about potential uses for them. Remember a weed is just a flower out of place! Many of them are edible, medicinal, or useful in some way. Hopefully this class will help shine a bit more of a positive light on some of our uninvited garden guests.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Tomato Time!

Salad Tomato Medley from the Monument Garden
Tomatoes are in season and we are bursting at the seams with homegrown deliciousness from all around Georgetown. I don't think we've gotten in a tomato from further than 10 miles away. Come enjoy the fruits of your neighbors' labors!

Here is one of my favorite ways to enjoy tomato season...

Skillet Tomatoes & Summer Squash
Ingredients:
1 lb homegrown tomatoes, chopped
1 lb summer squash, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
2 cloves garlic, chopped or put through a garlic press
1 small onion, coarsely chopped
1 tbs olive oil
Instructions:
I make this in my cast iron skillet, but you could use a frying pan if needed. Saute the onion in olive oil until soft, turn the heat up and cook the squash, stirring frequently until it browns a bit. Reduce heat to medium & add the garlic for a minute or so. Add the tomatoes and cook on medium heat until the tomatoes reduce and the squash is soft. I love to serve this with polenta or over cheese grits. You can also substitute okra or eggplant for the squash. Yum!

Worm Composting!

One of the best ways to make high quality compost is to use worms. The worms in a vermicomposting bin can eat their weight in organic matter every day. What goes in, must come out, and their castings (a.k.a. poo) contain high levels of nitrogen and potassium and about twice as much phosphorous as any other composted manure. Full of microbial life, worm compost is especially good for potted plants or plant starts, topdressing your garden, or for making compost tea.

This Saturday, June 9th at 10:30am Debbie Keller will be taking her worms for a little field trip to the Monument Market to show us how easy it is to make amazing vermicompost ourselves! I hope you can join us for this free class.