Calendar

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!

Photo: Eve Holguin

Join Master Gardener Guy Duran to learn how to turn your kitchen scraps into Black Gold! Vermiculture is the process of maintaining composting worms to create your own worm castings. Worm castings are pricey to purchase, but actually cheap to make. A small initial investment can return a payoff for years. Free at Farm2Market at Alameda Point (2600 Barber’s Point Road, Alameda, CA 94501).

After discussing the basics of vermiculture, there will be a ‘gather round’ presentation where Guy will bring his ‘4 stage’ active worm bin to demonstrate the stage by stage progression of worm activity. We will also fabricate a similar worm farm as the one being demonstrated.

• Rain or shine  (pop up tents available).
• Families are welcome.
• Porta Potty available.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring water, sunscreen and a hat.

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 will 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!