Calendar

ABG’s June Program is a FREE Tour of Ploughshares and a presentation by its manager, Jordan Taylor, on How to Care For Your Tomato Plants.  This informative session will be held Saturday, June 29 from 1:00–3:00 pm. Learn lots more about how to grow tomatoes and pick up your current plant supply needs while there. 

Born and raised in New York City, Jordan Taylor never imagined a world covered in dirt, happy insects, and happier plants. Since 2019, Jordan has spent countless hours of hands-on research and trial error to become an avid gardener and an advocate for food sovereignty. Beginning as a novice on the nursery sales floor, Jordan is a true testament to how falling in love with gardening can propel a person into a more fruitful life.

During our tomato workshop we will cover tomato nutrient needs, favorable conditions, common pests, and helpful tips to get the most out of your tomato harvest.

To join us, register now!

Ploughshares Nursery

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.
• All materials will be provided; bring your excitement!
• Recommended for ages 7 and up

WHERE: Stafford Meeting Room, Alameda Main Library, 1550 Oak St., Alameda CA

REGISTER HERE: bit.ly/afl-abg-mar25