…food for birds, lizards, and other beneficials. Their tunnels aerate the soil and allow water and nutrients to flow directly to the plant roots. They also distribute seeds by storing…
Straw Bale Makes for Low Maintenance Gardening
A straw bale is a great way to create a garden if your space is limited and you don’t want to mess with soil. This low maintenance method will create…
Source of Lettuce Linked to E. Coli Outbreak Identified
…over as of June 28. After the collection of water, soil and manure samples from the Yuma region the CDC determined that an irrigation canal contained the specific strain of…
Why Aeration is Important for the Garden
In soil, aeration refers to the extent of air gaps. Aerated soil will equate to happier plants with plenty of oxygen. That can be as important as water, sun, and…
Cover Crop Efficacy Highlighted in Colusa County
…to know what was going on in his soil,” said NRCS District Conservationist for Colusa County Wendy Krehbiel. “I think he was on his third year of trying a new…
Ganaz, GroGuru Win Radicle Automation Challenge
…Ganaz, who lets farms recruit farmworkers with a few taps from their smartphone, and GroGuru, who offers a precision soil and irrigation monitoring system, participated in the Radicle Automation Challenge…
Foods to Grow on a Balcony
…containers or hanging baskets. Try all sorts of Lettuce varieties – which do not require a lot of space or soil. A grapevine just needs a bit of space on…
Help Your Summer Garden Survive the Heat Wave
…or a shady tree. Water often – but try not to over-water. Blanket the soil in your garden with about 2 to 3 inches of mulch so you’ll have to…
Important Industry Updates Presented at Spring Citrus Meeting
…remain relevant to the industry regarding orchard spacing and pruning methods. Kallsen referenced the study showing overall yield per acre is less over time with higher density orchards. Another project…
Maximizing Cover Crop Benefits for Growers
The Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Lockeford Plant Materials Center conducts trials year-round to find plants and mixes that producers can successfully use to improve their soils. Lockeford PMC Manager Margaret…
Celebrating California Invasive Species Action Week
…removal and restoration projects. Using certified “weed-free” hay, seed, mulch, soil, and gravel can be helpful in combatting invasive species, along with choosing to plant only native and other non-invasive…
USDA and FDA Announce Key Step to Advance Collaborative Efforts to Streamline Produce Safety Requirements for Farmers
…covered in the USDA H-GAP Audit Program. The aligned components include areas such as biological soil amendments; sprouts; domesticated and wild animals; worker training; health and hygiene; and equipment, tools…
USDA Resumes Continuous Conservation Reserve Program Enrollment
…soil erosion, improve water quality, provide habitat for wildlife and boost soil health.” FSA stopped accepting applications last fall for the CRP continuous signup (excluding applications for the Conservation Reserve…
Almond Matters: Addressing Alternaria Issues
…thing is to be monitoring your orchards, especially if you have a high-density planted almond orchard,” said Burkdoll. Along with growing conditions, some trees may be more vulnerable to infection…