Category: Master Gardener

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Gardening in the age of coronavirus

There are so many things to talk about but I haven’t been able to slow down. Today, I am sick, in bed. It really sucks. While I’m down for the count and trying not to be scared and just slow down.

I want to post a how to get started guide, since I’m seeing a lot of activity online from people who want to get garden started.

  1. find the space you want to use. Meaning, where is the area that you envision your garden. You can grow something whether you’re on a balcony or you have a lot of space.
  2. how much sun do you get during the day? The reason why I ask you to pay attention to this is because you need to find a natural system that works. You don’t want lettuce getting blasted by 12+ hours of sun a day.
  3. A water source is important, you want accessibility for either a drip system or a close enough water source if you plan on handwatering.
  4. What zone are you in? Determine your zone so you know when your frost dates hit, what you can grow in your area, and so on. You will learn more and more through experience but this is a good space to start.
  5. Find a reputable nursery in your area, one where you can ask questions. Find a seed company while you’re at it. I like rareseeds.com and seedsavers.org.
  6. Find a support group, some friends who you can bounce ideas with and learn and share.
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Master Gardener Program – Los Angeles County

To say I’ve been busy is an understatement. I’ve been using this year to really forge a path ahead. Although having a kid has been wonderful in so many ways, it was hard to have an identity outside of parenting. I felt as if my identity was being a mom and that wasn’t working for me. I applied to the UC Master Gardener program in Los Angeles County and was accepted. I was and continue to be thrilled to be learning so much.

Lately, I’ve been feeling disappointed in our care for ourselves and our environment. From the sensationalism of our news, to the laws that govern our care for the environment or lack thereof – It’s been hard to stay happy and keep moving forward. Progress in capitalism can often be tied solely to money and not care of our planet. Through this program, I was truly able to connect with the helpers, the people who care and want to advance a very positive agenda of helping others.

There are so many positive things about this program, the connections are truly great. I’ve met so many women who are truly changing the landscape. I’ve learned a little bit about irrigation, seed saving, pesticides, container gardening and so many more things.

Things I don’t love – this is hard because I really like the program but I found that some folks have been doing this for so long that they tend to get territorial about their events and generally are not welcoming, so I want to be the change here. I will try my best to make folks feel welcome. And I think this applies to all segments of life, do we want to teach and get more support, or do we want to do it for our needs. It’s a good lesson to determine if I’m doing something to service others or to serve myself – which is pretty much ego.

For more information check this out: http://mg.ucanr.edu/