The word sustainability is a popular catch-all word used in everything we seem to do. Nevertheless, what does it really mean? According to the Oxford Dictionary, it has two parts: The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level Avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.… Read More »The word sustainability is a popular catch

There are a lot of gardeners in Sacramento that are starting gardens. They are a source of rich, natural foods to supplement your diet and provide a small amount towards becoming more independent or sustainable.  There are many reasons I chose raised beds for my garden even though I have plenty of room for a… Read More »Why I love Gardening in Raised Beds:

If you are like me, you are wondering how did September get here so quick.  There has been so much work in the garden this year. I am looking forward to the physical work winding down.  But not this month. The weather should be cooling down a little, and the leaves will start turning colors… Read More »Garden Tasks for September

This morning was a time for starting the end of summer cleanup and preparation for the fall garden. There have been so many days that were over 95 degrees this year; the garden was looking a little tired.  I trimmed back the Bee Balm last weekend, and I see new shoots and leaves already starting. … Read More »The World of Bee Balm and Orange Mint

The Ever-Bearing Zucchini  See the source image The recipes on this blog are plant-based. Hopefully, they will provide different ways to add plant-based foods for your family dinners. Zucchini’s: What can you do with them?  Many years ago, my grandmother always planted zucchini, but as she said: They are like relatives, a few are good,… Read More »Zucchini Recipes – Second Edition

This year, based on my experience, I planted one zucchini plant, (also, one yellow squash and one eggplant). As predicted, I have more than enough for my needs (and part of Sacramento). They are prolific and make excellent additions to your meals. Nutritious values include being a supplier of vitamin C, Iron, Vitamin B-6, and… Read More »Zucchini – The Versatile Squash

The gardener has many problems: bugs, keeping the plants alive, weather, harvesting. In this blog, I want to discuss tips on how to cope with the hot summers in Northern California while gardening.  According to the CDC, approximately 600 deaths a year are related across the nation to heat or heat-related conditions.  Coping with the… Read More »Working in the Heat

In Northern California, our growing season continues throughout the end of October, often lingering into November. In the California Central Valley some days, it is too hot to set out new plants this month, but on the coast, with the early morning fog, the weather is more temperate, you can plant most of the year.… Read More »August Tasks

Three years ago, I attended a conference in San Diego on Plant-based nutrition for physicians and nurses which assisted me in making major changes in my life. I had tried being vegetarian several times in the past but would become frustrated and give it up. The previous time, I lived in Hawaii in a local… Read More »Plant-based/Vegetarian Meal planning

As in my earlier blog site, I posted a monthly list of garden tasks for the Northern California area. Since so many of the followers asked for it (especially when I posted late), I decided to continue the monthly garden task list.  In July it is hot, hot, and then a little more hot.  Nevertheless,… Read More »July Gardening Tasks