Sustainability In The Garden

Sustainability in the garden means conserving water, using seeds for plants that will come back every year, using compost made in your kitchen and more. Don't forget you will want the freshest, heirloom seeds to plant. We have them for you at David's Garden Seeds®. You can order online or, if you are local, you can come by and shop or order online and pick them up here.

Sustainability In The Garden - 4/21-4/27/25

Monday, April 21, 2025

There are morning glories growing by our grapevines.

Good morning. Can you believe it is already Monday? The weekend went by far too fast. I turned the TV on this morning to find out that the Pope has passed away. For the past 45 minutes, this is all the media has talked about.

Matt got here early as I was making some eggs for breakfast. He has already taken care of the animals. The sun is up and the sky is blue today with promises of 90 degrees plus. I am not looking forward to that. I wish we could have some more of that rain from yesterday. At least I won't have to water anything today.

This week we are talking about sustainability in the garden. We hear a lot about sustainability but what does that really mean?

We have so many orders to send out, hundreds and hundreds of them. We will be very busy all week trying to catch up.

I pulled orders all day long until just a little while ago. I then went in the house to get a pork roast going in the instant pot. Matt took the mail to the post office at 3:30pm as the mailman did not show up. He finally came at 4pm. Our post office closes at 4pm.

I am now closing some of the many orders that I pulled. Others have also been working hard.

Not one customer came again today so I guess most people are finished with planting around here. No one was interested in eggs again, even though I offered a discount so I think the egg shortage is over with.

Today was payday so I had to write some checks. The stubs came in early but he still hasn't done our taxes...Go figure.

It is now past 5pm and the gate is shut. Another work day is done.

We got several calls from customers looking for certain seeds but not sure what they are called. We really can't tell you whether or not we have something if you don't know what it is called. We might recommend something or suggest something, but we can't be sure of what it is you want if you don't know...

We got a request from a couple in Las Vegas that is actually for David Seeds, you know, the people who make the edible sunflower seed snacks. This guy wants to buy the 16 ounce bags in bulk because his girlfriend eats them day and night. She would not want to eat our seeds that are ready to plant.

It is currently 90° here at 5:10pm. There is a chance for rain tomorrow night. We sure hope we get some!

Sustainability In The Garden

This community has come together to practice sustainability in the garden.

Hey there, fellow gardener! Ever think about how you can make your backyard garden a little more eco-friendly? It's easier than you think! We're going to explore sustainability in the garden together, and I'll show you how to make your green thumb even greener.

Yes, it's absolutely possible to grow food sustainably in your garden. It's all about working with nature, not against it. And guess what? It can actually make your garden healthier and more productive!

So, what exactly is sustainability? Simply put, it's about meeting our needs today without messing things up for future generations. In the garden, it means growing food in a way that's good for the earth and good for us.

Let's dive into seven simple ways you can bring sustainability in the garden to life in your own backyard.

**Part 1: Composting – Your Garden's Goldmine**

Remember those kitchen scraps and yard waste? They're not trash; they're treasure! Composting your garden waste turns this "waste" into nutrient-rich gold for your plants.

Start a compost pile or bin. Toss in fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, leaves, grass clippings – even shredded newspaper.

Add dirt and turn the pile occasionally to give it air, and in a few months, you'll have amazing compost to enrich your soil. This is a key part of sustainability in the garden.

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Our grapevines are already putting little grapes on.

Good morning. I had some weird dreams about people I have not seen in several years throughout the night. That was strange. Glad it is morning...

We may get some rain today. It is currently 71° which is way too warm for this early in the morning.

We spent most of the day filling orders again. We haven't had an in-person customer in one week which is crazy.

Michelle came today to clean the house. Matt left at noon for a dental appointment. He got back a few hours later and continued working.

Late this afternoon, I slammed my foot into a table in the house, hurting my little toe. Not sure if it is broken but it sure hurts. I am so talented!

It was supposed to rain at 6pm but that has come and gone. No rain.

Matthew just fixed the pond but I did not see how to do it. Maybe next time...

Sustainability In The Garden

This family is using every bit of their yard to practice sustainability in the garden.

**Part 2: Water Wisely – Every Drop Counts**

Water is precious, so let's use it wisely. One easy way is to install a rain barrel. It collects rainwater from your roof, which you can then use to water your plants. Free water! That is, if you get much rain. We really don't get much at all.

Another tip? Water deeply and less often. This encourages roots to grow deeper, making your plants more drought-tolerant.

**Part 3: Soil Savvy – The Foundation of a Healthy Garden**

Healthy soil is the heart of sustainability in the garden. Instead of tilling, which can disrupt soil structure, try no-dig gardening. Just add layers of compost and mulch on top.

This feeds the soil, suppresses weeds, and helps retain moisture. Your plants will thank you!

**Part 4: Choose the Right Plants – Local Heroes**

Native plants are adapted to your local climate, so they need less water and care. Plus, they attract beneficial insects and pollinators.

Growing food that thrives in your area is also a great way to practice sustainability in the garden.

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Our mulberry tree is all leafed out and already producing sweet mulberries. It is loving all of the rain!

Good morning. It poured here early this morning around 4:30am. We got just over one half inch! That is fantastic!

The sun is shining brightly now so I guess we are finished with the rain.

I paid all of the bills this morning and then I played with Trump. He enjoyed his new mattress and had a great time at play.

It is now 5:18pm. We are closed. We filled out paperwork to try to get an agricultural exemption from the county on property taxes--our second attempt. We took it in to Pleasanton and were told that we did not complete it correctly again. Then we had to deposit the payroll deduction check in the bank. Normally, I deposit it through the phone but on Monday, I tried seven times and each time I took the photo of the back of the check, it logged me out.

After that, we stopped by Tractor Supply to get chicken food, goat food, and some wood shavings.

We got back and packed up some more orders. David sent Matt to the post office again, almost every day now, even though the mailman took two full bags with him.

Today was another day with no customers. Not even the person who made an order for pick up last week bothered to come by and pick her order up.

This is the disgusting snake that was just chilling on the hose in the pond just a few minutes ago. I called Matt. He tried to get him but the snake slithered out and away.

I just went over to feed the fish and there is a freaking snake in the pond. That is the second snake I saw today. The first was a few hours ago as I came up the steps to go inside of Fulfillment. The nasty thing slithered on by under the steps as my feet went up. He went under Fulfillment. This was a bigger black snake with long yellow stripes. I saw him or one of his brothers last week go under Production. He was moving way too fast to get a photo. May they all burn for all eternity.

Sustainability In The Garden

**Part 5: Natural Pest Control – Let Nature Do the Work**

Forget harsh chemicals! Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feast on garden pests.

You can also use natural pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap. We like to use Safer Soap. No, we do not sell it. You can find it on Amazon or in some garden centers.

**Part 6: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – In the Garden Too!**

Repurpose old containers as planters. Use cardboard boxes as weed barriers. Get creative! This reduces waste and adds a touch of personality to your garden. Some of our neighbors give us their empty horse and cattle buckets to use as planters. We happily accept them.

Thursday, April 24, 2025

It did not rain at all overnight. Maybe we will get some rain today. It is 73° and cloudy.

I went out to the orchard to count each type of tree for the property tax exemption form. We have 113 live trees. There are four or five dead trees there, too. We have lost a lot of trees since 2019. We replaced many of them. There are still quite a few empty spaces, mostly from the trees not getting water as the lines were broken and from some of the freezes we have had over the years.

I think we will have to get rid of Norton. He is trying to bust out his fence. He is taking it apart and will succeed. He only acts like that when I go out there.

We actually had a man just down the road stop by for some pumpkin seeds. He bought four of the brand new pumpkin seeds we just got in this spring. That was it for customers but it was our first in over a week. We didn't get anymore rain.

I got groceries delivered at 5pm by a new guy who went next door and then came back. Also, instead of stopping at the house, he told me he was going to drive all the way to the top of the property at the white shed...Why? I guess he has trouble reading, numbers for sure because 5029 is clearly on the building by the gate for him to see.

Sustainability In The Garden

Some of these AI pictures crack me up. It looks like an episode of sister wives on this one but the whole family is in on the gardening, even the cat.

**Part 7: Growing Food – From Garden to Table**

One of the best things about sustainability in the garden is growing your own food! It's fresh, flavorful, and you know exactly where it came from.

Start small with easy-to-grow veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, or herbs. You'll be amazed at the difference in taste! If you have eaten only tomatoes from the grocery store, you will be amazed to find out how good a tomato from your garden actually tastes.

Now, let's recap those seven steps to a sustainable garden: composting your garden waste, watering wisely, building healthy soil, choosing the right plants, natural pest control, reducing, reusing, and recycling, and growing food.

Remember, sustainability in the garden isn't about perfection; it's about progress. Every little step you take makes a difference.

What are some things you can do in the garden to bring sustainability? Let's explore some more ideas.

Consider using mulch. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering. It also suppresses weeds, which means less work for you.

Another great way to practice Sustainability In The Garden is by using companion planting. Certain plants grow well together and can even help each other repel pests.

For example, planting basil near tomatoes can deter tomato hornworms.

A nasty hornworm on a tomato plant. Get it off quickly or it will eat everything and then move on to the next plant.

Friday, April 25, 2025

Good morning. It is slightly hazy looking out there this morning. Trump threw up on the carpet in the night. Fun times.

Apparently farm tours are back on. David wants them on Fridays and Saturdays only. They will be $8 per person but you have to order the tour ahead of time and prepay.

I went out to feed the fish and by the time I got back in the store, there was our first customer of the day. Several hours later, another man came by and, so far, that has been it.

We took off at 1:30pm for the county tax office for the third time with our exemption paperwork. Again, it was wrong, but the lady had us correct it. Then she took it all and gave us a copy. I am pretty sure they will deny the exemption. Unless you have a bunch of cows walking around on your property, I think it is pretty hard to get one.

David also had to stop by our insurance office. Not sure why. I stayed in the truck listening to the Dave Ramsey show.

The trashman still has not come and the dumpster is overflowing. He is supposed to come every other Friday. It is already 3:30pm so I don't think he will make it. The wind is picking up and I hope it pours here soon.

I just pulled several new orders and now I will be mailing them out. The mailman was just here about 30 minutes ago.

Sustainability In The Garden

Get your kids involved with gardening early on so they will develop a lifetime love of growing food.

Think about crop rotation too. Rotating your crops helps prevent soil depletion and reduces the risk of pests and diseases.

Don't forget about composting your garden! It's a fantastic way to recycle kitchen and yard waste, creating nutrient-rich compost for your plants.

And of course, growing food is a cornerstone of sustainability in the garden. Start with easy-to-grow vegetables and herbs, and gradually expand your garden as you gain experience.

Sustainability in the garden is a journey, not a destination. Start small, experiment, and have fun!

You'll be amazed at how rewarding it is to create a garden that's good for the earth and good for you.

So, are you ready to make your garden more sustainable? Let's get started!

Remember, every little bit helps. Even small changes can make a big difference in the long run.

Saturday, April 26, 2025

Here it is Saturday and we did not get any rain at all. Now the chances are pretty much gone. It is time to go out and face the day. It's 72° here this morning, much too warm in my humble opinion.

The work day was slow. We had two customers come in. The end.

The rest of the day was about the same as all of the other Saturdays we've had out here...

Sustainability In The Garden

Get the whole community involved so everyone can share food from the garden or just do it yourself and can or freeze dry the extra.

So, embrace sustainability in the garden and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables!) of your labor.

You'll be creating a healthier, more vibrant garden, while also doing your part for the planet.

What could be better than that?

Start composting your garden waste today! It's one of the easiest and most effective ways to practice sustainability in the garden.

And don't forget to water wisely. Every drop counts!

Building healthy soil is essential for sustainability in the garden. So, skip the tilling and try no-dig gardening.

Choose the right plants for your climate and soil conditions. Native plants are a great choice!

Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and embrace natural pest control methods.

Reduce, reuse, and recycle in the garden. Get creative and repurpose old containers and materials.

And of course, grow your own food! It's one of the most rewarding aspects of sustainability in the garden.

Sunday, April 27, 2025

Our grapevines are forming tiny grapes.

It's already Sunday again. It is overcast with zero chance of rain. We went to church and came home.

Sustainability In The Garden

Everyone can practice sustainability in the garden. Are you ready?

So, there you have it – seven simple ways to practice sustainability in the garden.

Now it's your turn! What steps will you take to make your garden more sustainable?

Remember, sustainability in the garden is all about working with nature, not against it.

Embrace these practices, and you'll be well on your way to creating a thriving, eco-friendly garden.

So, get out there and start growing! Your garden (and the planet) will thank you.

Remember, composting your garden is key to sustainability in the garden. And don't forget about growing food!

Happy gardening!

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