Healthy Eating

 Drinking Water Week 2026From Source to System: A Regional Check on Reliability, Risk, and Responsibility.Drinking Water Week, observed May 3 to 9 for this year (2026), is often treated as a public awareness moment. For agencies, engineers, regulators, and policymakers, it should function as a…

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…

Potato Seed PreparationPotato 'seeds' are actually bits of potatoes with at least a couple eyes, from which the plants develop. Larger seed potatoes can be cut if they include at least 2 eyes each, just be sure to allow 24 hours to dry or become callused before planting. Potatoes will tolerate light…

Growing Kale and Collard Greens in the GroundChange planting location, no replanting for 2-4 years Full sun spring/fall, shade in summer Make sure seedling and planting location are moist and fertile before transplantingGently massage roots of kale before planting but gentle root care for the…

Native and adapted Tahoe Friendly plants require less water, fertilizer and pesticides and can include a diversity of options for your home landscape. They will however require irrigation while getting established. It is a good idea to group plants by their sunlight and moisture requirements. All plants on…

Lightweight garden infrastructure projects can give you a headstart Too early to plant? Consider taking on these lightweight garden infrastructure projects! Use cold frames, raised beds, and other season extenders to get a head-start on planting outdoors.As we look at sunny skies and longer days in May,…

The Basics of Growing Edible Crops in Tahoe  by Kristianne H., UC Master Gardener of the Lake Tahoe BasinOvercome ChallengesA Short Window: The average frost-free growing season is only about 93 days.The frost-free window typically runs from June 18 to September 19. This is unpredictable! Freezing…

VegetableCyclePollinationPollinatorIsolation DistanceSeedLongevitySaving EaseDirectTransNotesBeanASelf 100’2-3 yrseasyDLose vigor rapidly.SoybeanASelf 100’2-3 yrseasyD Beet/ChardBCrossWind½ mi3-5 yrs*DBeets cross with chards.Broccoli/Kale/CauliflowerBCrossInsects½ mi3-5 yrs  …

Childcare centers and homes aim to create a healthy environment, but holistically assessing practices and identifying what to improve is often challenging. A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior highlights the reliability and validity of the Site-Level…

Growing vegetables can be fun! It also can be very frustrating. But in any case, growing vegetables provides a wonderful learning experience for us as we learn from our successes and mistakes.  Here, we will discuss how to select varieties appropriate to our short growing season and how to start your…