- Author: Chris M. Webb
The NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Project provides “high value information and technical assistance to farmers, rancher, Extension agents, educators, and others” throughout the United States.
Founded in 1976, this nonprofit organization works to “promote self-reliance and sustainable lifestyles through wise use of appropriate technology. Its programs deal with sustainable and renewable energy, energy conservation, resource-efficient housing, sustainable community development, and sustainable agriculture.” These resources are available in Spanish.
Their information is organized under 14 topic areas:
- What is sustainable agriculture?
- Education
- Energy alternatives
- Beginning farmer
- Field crops
- Horticultural crops
- Livestock & pasture
- Local food systems
- Marketing, business & risk management
- Organic farming
- Pest management
- Soils & compost
- Water management
- Other resources
A variety of funding opportunities are available.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners will hold an Exploring Soil Types Workshop designed for home gardeners at the Thousand Oaks Goebel Center on Saturday, September 24 from 9:45 – 11:30 am.
Topics covered will include:
- identifying soil textures and types
- keeping garden soils fertile
- how to compost and add plant nutrients
The workshop is free, but advanced registration is required. You may register online or by calling (805) 645-1455.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Composting is a great green practice. Through the composting process waste can be recycled into a rich soil amendment.
This natural amendment is highly beneficial to plant growth, as it slowly releases needed nutrients over time.
In addition to the direct benefit to plants, compost helps reduce urban runoff and even conserves water. How is this possible? Adding compost to soil reduces runoff volume by improving water holding capacity and water retention while increasing water infiltration.
To learn more, including how to get started composting your waste, please see UCCE’s Composting Green Sheet or UC ANR’s Composting Is Good for Your Garden and the Environment, which is available in English and Spanish.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Well structured soil and proper irrigation are vital components to growing healthy vegetable plants. UCCE’s Soil and Water Management of Vegetable Gardens brochure provides detailed information in a compact format.
Learn how to improve soil quality, when to fertilize vegetable plants, and how to efficiently irrigate your garden.
This free, downloadable resource can be found by clicking here for English and here for Spanish.
Due to a family emergency the March 26th Saturday at the Farm event has been cancelled. “Beefriending Your Local Bees” presented by Anna Howell, MS has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 2, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Join expert composter Lorraine Walters on Saturday, September 4 and learn about composting, vermicompost and mulch to improve the health of your soil. Healthy soil can increase production, reduce the likelihood of insects and disease, reduce water needs and more.
This class will be held at Community Roots Garden. Scheduled topics include:
- How to make compost from common materials such as food scraps, grass clippings, and leaves.
- Faster composting methods that take more attention as well as the slower, easier methods.
- How to make extra high-grade compost using redworms (called vermicomposting).
- How to use compost to build your soil.
- How to use mulch to build your soil, and the difference between compost and mulch.
For further information please contact Community Roots Garden at 805/616-2326, info@communityrootsgarden.org or www.communityrootsgarden.org.
Composting expert, Lorraine Walters