We are very pleased to announce that, once again, Alameda Backyard Growers will march in Alameda’s July 4th Parade, and you are invited to walk, bicycle, scooter, rollerskate, or skateboard with us! Feel free to dress up in a costume, or not! We will provide signs to carry, if you wish. We will drive ABG’s Project Pick van in the parade – to offer water and a walking break, should you need it. We will march near the Alameda Food Bank in this historic, and famously long, parade.
The Parade begins at 10:00 a.m., but marchers should join us no later than 9:00 am. We will provide some tailgate refreshments. Bring some water, wear comfortable clothes, shoes, a hat and sunscreen.
Sign up here NOW, so we know who is coming! On July 3 we will email all registrants info about ABG’s numbered place in line.
Here in the SF Bay Area, annual pruning of Apricot and Cherry trees is carried out in July or August rather than in the winter. This protects these varieties from a specific fungal infection that may occur if pruning cuts are made in cold, wet weather. August is also an excellent time to prune back excess, leggy growth on Plum and Pluot trees. Refresh your pruning skills or learn the fundamentals of Summer Stone Fruit Tree pruning. Marla Koss, our pruning teacher extraordinaire, will lead another great, FREE, hands-on, how-to pruning session in Alameda.
Thank you to everyone who attended!
Our final seed packing party of 2024 will be held on Sunday, August 11th from noon – 2pm. More info to follow.
In partnership with the Alameda Free Library
Held in the Library Community Room, 1550 Oak Street, Alameda
Civilization began when humans began to save and plant seeds. Come and learn about the seeds of common food plants we eat today. We’ll talk about the history of seeds, explore the different sizes and shapes of seeds, and explain how to grow plants for seed, including harvesting for viable seeds and collecting those seeds. We’ll focus on five seeds that are easily saved by the home gardener – beans, peas, lettuce, tomatoes and peppers.
The talk will be followed by a hands-on exercise where participants will extract the seeds from a variety of different plant materials and package them up for both themselves and the seed library at the Alameda Free Library. SPACE IS LIMITED TO 50 PARTICIPANTS
Birgitt Evans has grown her own food on a large scale for the past 40 years and created a successful garden and nursery business. She is passionate about growing and raising food and seeks to encourage and educate others so they can also share the benefits of fresh, healthy, homegrown food. She grows vegetables in three different Alameda County gardens and starts 90% of her plants from seed. She has been an Alameda County Master Gardener since 1999 and served on the board of Alameda Backyard Growers for 10 years.
Kristen Smeal (she/her) is a Master Gardener (2018) and volunteer for the Alameda Backyard Growers. In her role as the Garden Science teacher at St. Philip Neri School in Alameda, she is passionate about teaching children how to grow food and to care for the Earth and each other.
When it comes to wreaths, do you prefer homemade to store-bought? Do you like to add your own touch and flare? If you like the DIY method, then please join us to create a beautiful, decorative Holiday Wreath — for your home or for a gift.
ABG’s 4th Annual, FUN, outdoor, in-Alameda Wreath-Making Workshop will be held Sunday, December 8, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, rain or shine! We will use gathered and purchased items to craft unique wreaths for the table, wall or door.
ABG will provide instruction, wreath forms, floral wire, glue, boughs, some natural gatherings, trimmings and light refreshments.
We ask attendees to bring some supplies of your choice such as: boughs, pine cones, grape or other vines, Eucalyptus branches, olive branches, magnolia leaves, ginkgo leaves, seed pods, shells, feathers, grasses, fresh herbs, dried fruit, ribbons, bows, and trinkets. Feel free to bring your own clippers as well.
The workshop fee is $35. Registration on EventBrite is required and we can only accommodate 25 adults. Children 10 years old and up may attend with an adult for an additional fee of $10 to be collected at the event.
Please let us know at least 2 days in advance if you need to cancel, so we can let someone else take your place.
NOTES:
- The workshop’s location will be sent to registrants
- There is a restroom and ample parking.
- It may be chilly so please wear layers.
Save the Date for a family friendly seed planting workshop at the Alameda Free Library! This is a free, family-friendly, hands-on workshop.
Join Marcus Carini, founder of Newfound Foodscapes and board member of Alameda Backyard Growers, for a hands-on Family Seed starting Workshop designed to empower families to grow their own food and cultivate a lifelong connection with nature. This interactive session will demystify the seed-starting process, providing practical tips and techniques for creating thriving gardens, even in small spaces. Participants will learn the basics of seed selection, proper soil preparation, planting depth, watering techniques, and how to nurture seedlings until they are ready for the garden or patio. Participants will leave with tips and tricks for seed starting and prepare their own seed trays to take home and watch grow.
This workshop is perfect for families of all experience levels who want to enjoy the benefits of fresh, homegrown food and a deeper connection to the natural world. All materials will be provided; bring your excitement!
What You’ll Learn & Do:
- Get hands-on experience in seed starting.
- Start your own seeds during the workshop to take home and grow in your own garden or patio.
- Learn tips and tricks to grow healthy, thriving plants throughout every season.
WHERE: Stafford Meeting Room, Alameda Main Library, 1550 Oak St.
We’ll be sending out and posting more information soon!
Alameda Backyard Growers will have a table again at this fun community event! We’ll be having our Spring Plant Sale – including popular tomato and other veggie starts! Get there early before supplies run out!
Plus we’ll have activities for kids, and information on all the programs and projects ABG does around growing and sharing food in our community.
See you there!