Olive trees are self-fruitful, except where noted, but sometimes crops do not occur due to climate or biennial bearing habits. Even if a pollenizer is not required, it will help increase yields. These fruit trees unlike deciduous trees are evergreen, long-lived (500+ years), beautiful as an ornamental tree, and have a soft gray-green foliage. They are slow growing to about 25–30.’ Drought resistant, grow in shallow, alkaline soils with little fertilization. Avoid over-watering and provide good drainage. Thrive in hot, full sun, dry summers but adequate in coastal regions. Minimum winter temper ..read more

Ruby Red chard, a vibrant and nutritious leafy green, is a popular choice among gardeners in Northern California. With its stunning appearance and delightful taste, it has become a staple in many home gardens. In this feature, we will explore the origin of Ruby Red chard, its unique characteristics, how it differentiates from other chard varieties, and why January is the ideal time to start growing these seeds in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Origin of Ruby Red Chard Ruby Red chard, scientifically known as Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla, is a variety of Swiss chard. Swiss chard itself is believed t ..read more

Lacinato kale, often referred to as "dinosaur kale" due to its unique appearance, is a versatile and hardy leafy green that thrives in various climates. If you're a Northern California gardener looking to add a nutritious and flavorful green to your garden, you're in the right place. In this feature, we will explore how to grow Lacinato kale in Northern California, focusing on its ability to withstand cold temperatures, starting from seed in January, its origins, and how it differentiates from other kale varieties. All focused on how kale grows in the Sierra Nevada foothills and surroundi ..read more

As the ice gradually melts away, many gardeners find themselves faced with the daunting task of assessing the damage inflicted upon their beloved gardens by the recent winter storm. While the initial urge might be to rush outside and inspect the damage, safety should always come first. Safety First Before stepping outside to evaluate the aftermath of the winter storm, take a moment to ensure your safety. Ice and debris might still be falling, making the outdoor environment hazardous. If you have large trees and limbs that appear to be posing a physical risk and you are uncertain about how to ..read more

Humates, humic acids, humus… these soil amendments sound so similar! They are all good for the garden even though they are not really a fertilizer (since they do not add any nutrients to the plants), and they are not all the same. Let’s look at what they are, and how to choose the best one for your needs. Understanding Humus: The Carbon-Rich Matrix in Fertile Soils Fertile soil is the lifeblood of agriculture and gardening, harboring a complex ecosystem of components that collaborate to sustain plant life and foster optimal growth. At the heart of this ecosystem lies a mysterious substance kno ..read more

This information is one part of a series focused on how to amend soil. Please see our resource center where we offer additional instructional videos and articles, as well as our bookstore. What are Rice Hulls? Rice hulls are one of the most sustainable soil amendments available for improving drainage, water holding capacity and aeration. Unlike perlite and other rock products, it does not require mining; unlike peat moss it does not require land disruption to produce it.  Similar to coco coir, it is a byproduct of agriculture that people would otherwise consider waste. Farmers remove ..read more

What is mycorrhizae? Myco-what? mycorrhizae fungi, pronounced my-coh-RYE-zay, scientists and gardeners both have been learning more in recent years about these mycorrhizal fungi and how they benefit the garden and ecosystem. But just what is it, and why do your plants need it? Tiny plant helpers Mycorrhizae, a term derived from the Greek words 'mykos', meaning fungus, and 'rhiza', meaning root, refer to a type of fungi that form symbiotic associations with plant root systems. This symbiotic relationship is widespread, encompassing approximately 95% of plant species worldwide, ex ..read more

The Benefits of Using Rock Dust in Your Garden As your garden grows year after year, the minerals that are native to your soil are used up and need to be replenished. Rock dusts are a natural, easy-to-use soil amendment that can work wonders for your garden. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various aspects of rock dust and how it can benefit your soil and plants. Understanding Rock Dust Rock dust is a versatile term that encompasses various names like rock flour, rock minerals, rock powder, stone dust, soil remineralizer, and mineral fines. It can be made from any type of mined ..read more

How to Grow Lupine from Seed: Tips for Starting Lupine Seeds Growing Lupine Seeds Do you want to grow your own lupine plants? Enjoying these plants at home is easy to do! This article will discuss the best tips for starting lupine seeds indoors and outdoors. We will also discuss when the best time to plant lupin seeds is and how to winter sow lupine seeds for a successful harvest. History of Lupine Flowers Lupine are wildflowers found in North America. The Lupinus genus is part of the Leguminosae family, which includes clover, alfalfa, and peas. This family of plants is unique in that it is ab ..read more

Which Tomato Will You Choose For Your Garden? There are so many varieties of tomatoes to choose from, Peaceful Valley has over 50 types of tomato seeds for sale! But how does one decide? Well there are many things to consider such as where you live. If you live in a region with very short growing periods, consider growing varieties with shorter days to maturity. The Siberia or Stupice are varieties with shorter days to maturity (as short as 40 days). If you have limited areas to grow your tomato plant or if you want one to put in a pot, a determinate variety is a tomato that you may want to se ..read more