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!
FREE Talk on Propagating Native Plants
Saturday , October 26, 2024 – 11AM – 12:30PM
Presented by Alameda County Master Gardeners
Thank you to Laura Cornett for her hands-on workshop on California Native Plant Propagation: Seeds, Cuttings and Division. Participants had the opportunity to process cuttings, plant seeds and plant some rhizomes.
This talk focused on different propagation methods for California native plants. In addition to the lecture, there will be a hands- on portion where attendees will be able to sow their own seeds, prepare and stick cuttings and pot up some native plant rhizomes.
Presenter Laura Cornett is an Alameda County Master Gardener and part-time faculty in Horticulture at Las Positas College in Livermore.
At the 35th Annual exchange of the Golden Gate Chapter of the California Rare Fruit Growers, you can get free scions to graft onto your trees and cuttings to root, get your tools sharpened for a fee, get your fruit tree questions answered by experts, and more! $5 fee. Tickets available in advance and at the door (cash only exact change). Diablo Valley College, Horticultural Nursery, Free parking in Lot 9. 321 Golf Club Rd., Pleasant Hill.
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 the progression of worm activity. We will also fabricate a similar worm farm as the one being demonstrated. Guy will bring everything needed for this project.
- Rain or shine (pop up tents available).
- Families are welcome.
- Porta Potty available.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring water, sunscreen and a hat.
Offered by the Alameda Native History Project. Get information on traditional and contemporary methods of acorn processing and assist in the production of nutritious, culturally relevant food for local Indigenous communities. Workshops are offered on a sliding scale.
Mastick Senior Center, 1155 Santa Clara Ave.
This project is also seeking donations – click here to donate.
Offered by the Alameda Native History Project. Get information on traditional and contemporary methods of acorn processing and assist in the production of nutritious, culturally relevant food for local Indigenous communities. Workshops are offered on a sliding scale.
Mastick Senior Center, 1155 Santa Clara Ave.
This project is also seeking donations – click here to donate.
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!