Newsletter Archives: Food Gardening

June bugs are among the most familiar insects of early summer. Although people commonly call them “bugs,” they are actually scarab beetles in the genus Phyllophaga. These beetles are usually brown, oval-shaped, and active at night, often flying clumsily around porch lights. Their larvae, known as white grubs…

Eaten raw as a young leafy green, or sautéed as a mature stem & leaf, Chard is an easy-to-grow vegetable that is among the most versatile. It’s also known as Swiss Chard (though the plant originated in the Mediterranean.)  Growing in the rainbow-colors available adds a visual pop to any vegetable …

Lettuce is a very popular vegetable, and can be grown spring through fall in the Tahoe Basin.  Lettuces come in a wide variety of reds and greens and can add a beautiful element to an edible garden.  Many varieties can be harvested on an as-needed basis, making for a very convenient source of fresh…

About Carrots, Parsnips and RadishesCarrots are native to Eurasia, with the typical orange variety coming from east Asia.  Parsnips are native to the eastern Mediterranean and north to the Caucus Mountains. Beets also are from the Mediterranean region usually along the sandy coast.  Lastly radishes…

About OnionsOnions grown in the Tahoe/Truckee area do not typically achieve the size found in the markets.Onions are defined as short day, long day and intermediate day onions. Intermediate day onions may do best in our area. Tahoe is on the demarcation line for the limits of long-day and short-day onions…

Growing SquashSquash have separate male and female flowers (monoecious).Flowers are edibleCompanion plantings include corn, lettuce, onions and radishesAvoid planting with potatoes, tomatoes and eggplantsMany varieties have tendrils that help the plant climb and hold fruit off groundSquash can be grown in…

Types of BeansSnap beans – Beans and pods eatenFilet or French Green Bean – more slenderShelled beans – Only the bean is eatenDry Beans – Beans typically dried prior to rehydrating and eaten (pinto)Bean Growth ClassificationPole – Requiring support, Longer production periodBush – Not requiring support,…

SoilPepper plants grow best in warm well drained soil. Ideal soil Ph is 6.0 to 6.8 range. A soil enriched with plenty of compost and organic material will require less fertilizer. Fertilizers of a 1-2-2 ratio are often used for growing peppers.ConditionsPeppers love the warm temperatures. They need 6-8 hrs…

Tomato SoilpH 6.2-6.8 (Tahoe/Truckee native soil) is best. Prep area by mixing in 10-10-10 fertilizer and organic matter to improve moisture-holding capacity. Plants are thirsty and hungry.Planting TomatoesTomatoes can be grown on native soils, raised beds or containers. Container growing is most successful…

Nitrogen Fixation in PeasAtmospheric nitrogen (N2) is not in a usable form for most plants. For legumes like beans and peas a symbiotic relationship exists with a type of nitrogen fixing bacteria (Rhizobia spp.). The bacteria “infects” the root system obtaining essential nutrition, while providing the plant…