Living City

Let the urban forest build its soil.

Leave the leaves - why? Ferns, wildflowers and grasses thrive.  The rich duff is 50% air; it absorbs rain in the winter (no puddles) and holds moisture through the summer.  Why?  Because all the fallen leaves and other organic matter stay onsite and cycle back into the soil.  

Fall care for the urban farm....and forest.

Fall planting and other tips Thinking of planting trees or other perennials?  Now is the best time.  Transplant shock is lessened by cooler temperatures and moist soil.  Top growth is slow to nil, so plants will have all winter to grow new roots.  And you won’t have to water until late spring!  

Water wise vegetables? Yes.

Class 6/12: Water conservation; Planning for Year Round Harvest On March 23 it was 80 degrees.  Last week it was 60 and raining.   Today it's 88…what's next?  I’ll keep my raincoat and sun hat by the door.  Rollercoaster weather is the hallmark of climate change: extremes at both ends, with rapid change.