Grow Better Veggies

One of Love Apple Farm's Successful Students

One of my students, Craig Dally, sent me this lovely photo of his garden.  He tells me that all of the plants in the picture (except for the Petunias) were grown from seeds and plants he got from one of my workshops.  Here are his thoughts on his beautiful garden:

Dear Cynthia,
After attending your Summer gardening class in March, I went home armed with new knowledge and two flats sown with all sorts of summer vegetables seeds: arugula, kale, lettuces, sunflowers, cucumbers, nasturtiums, pole beans and eight tomato seedlings. After several weeks of caring for my new "kids", I decided to plant my summer garden April 19th. My family thought I was way over the top. Now, they've changed their tune. They hawk over the plants (just like me) looking for any pests or disease. They count the days till the next compost tea (worm pee) and remind me to apply the Serenade on alternate weeks. We all marvel at the natural health the plants enjoy and are eagerly anticipating the first ripe love apple.

I didn't reinvent the wheel, I listened to an experienced pro and took the advice you gave to heart. It works. You'll be seeing me at a Master's Tomato class soon. Thanks for a life lesson well worth learning: gardening is good for your heart and soul and pulling a family together in a way I never imagined.

You're the best,

Craig D.

Class: Tomato Masters 2009

July 12, 2009 (Sunday) 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or
August 23, 2009 (Sunday) 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

This is a hands-on seminar on advanced backyard tomato growing.  Learn the latest techniques for fertilizing, pruning, and soil amending for maximum production, health and taste.  Yes, you CAN help your tomatoes taste better.  Yes, you CAN achieve results to make even your most doubting relatives and neighbors envious.

We'll also talk staking, proper garden siting, mulching, watering, disease and pest control, harvesting, the heirloom vs. hybrid debate, and seed saving.

Classes are held here at Love Apple Farm, where you can observe over 100 tomato plants growing.  Cynthia will take you through the garden and discuss her tips and tricks to help you grow better tomatoes.  You need not have experience growing tomatoes to get a lot out of this class.

Cost:  $45 (advance registration is required)

To register and pay, click on the Paypal button below.

Choose a class date

July 12, 2009 $45.00 August 23, 2009 $45.00

Cynthia offers discounts for bringing a friend, as well as if you've taken prior classes.  Email Cynthia at loveapplefarm@gmail.com if you'd like to ask a question about how the discount process for buddies and returning students works.

Shade Garden at Love Apple Farm

Love Apple Farm has a lovely shade garden nestled among the tall Redwoods. In the heat of the summer, this area of the farm is a delightfully cool sanctuary. A water fountain in the center is surrounded by edible violets and cosmos. Ferns and other undergrowth plants flank the Redwoods, and rock-lined bark paths meander through it all. Here, Cynthia is leading the farm helpers through a rundown of the daily chores (with Sara taking notes), which include weeding the shade garden and removing some invasive blackberries.

 

Posted via email from Annette's posterous

Herb Garden Update (from Annette)

Hi, this is Annette, a regular volunteer at Love Apple Farm. I usually volunteer for a couple of hours on Sunday morning. Last Sunday my task was to transplant 40 Anise Hyssop seedlings into the last unused section of the Herb Garden. Here you see the seedlings waiting to go in to the prepared bed. To help with drainage, each bed is surrounded by a small ditch up to the small brick path / divider that separates the sections. I also added a small berm (lip) to the edge of the raised bed to help keep the water in as I gave the bed a deep watering-in. On the other side of the Herb Garden I transplanted some Thai Basil, and weeded the parsley. Nestled among the shady Redwoods, this is one of my favorite gardens to work in at Love Apple Farm!

Posted via email from Annette's posterous

Class: Jam Making

Irma Rombauer, the author of Joy of Cooking, wrote in her chapter on Canning:  "It is a thrill to possess shelves well stocked with home-canned food.  In fact, you will find their inspection - often surreptitious - and the pleasure of serving the fruits of your labor comparable only to a clear conscience or a very becoming hat."

Unfortunately, the Canning and Preserves chapters of current editions of Joy of Cooking have been removed in favor of more modern culinary techniques and interests.  I think that's a shame.  Gone are the neat line drawings of pressure cookers and Mason jars.  One can't ogle a diagram of how to skin a squirrel or find a recipe of how to cook an armadillo (I am not making that up).  These are definitely lost arts.

The art of jam making doesn't have to be lost on you, however.  Here at Love Apple Farm you can learn this fun and satisfying craft.  We will make at least four kinds of jam during the workshop, utilizing several different methods.  Students even get to take home jars of preserves.

Class size is strictly limited, so that it can be hands-on.  Do not delay in signing up, as this is a popular class and gets full fast.  Multiple class discounts and buddy discounts do not apply to this workshop, sorry.

July 18, 2009 (Saturday) 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

July class is now full, sorry! If you are interested in me adding another class date, let me know, at loveapplefarm@gmail.com

Tuition:  $65
Materials Fee: $30 

Class: How to Install a Simple Drip Irrigation System

As people come to the garden to look around, one of their most frequently asked questions is about the drip irrigation system I use.

When I first started out, there were many different configurations and types of equipment I used.  After installing and testing thousands of feet of line and hundreds of emitter heads, I found a system that works for any type of vegetable garden and for all seasons.  My system even works for raised beds and container gardens.

One of the great things about my type of irrigation is that it's simple.  Any one who has opposable thumbs and the ability to kneel can do it!

I show you how to install a system from the spigot out to the garden.  You do not need special, dedicated water pipes for this.  Bit by bit, fitting by fitting, we install the system as you watch and learn.  I even get you involved, hands on, to show that YOU CAN DO IT!

I reveal who my commercial-grade parts suppliers are, give you a detailed parts list, as well as discount coupons from one of my sources (available to my workshop students only).

Advance registration is required. Workshop will be held at Love Apple Farm, 9299 Glen Arbor Road, Ben Lomond, CA 95005.

Class dates:

June 14, 2009 (Sunday) 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

June class is now full!  New date added:

August 15, 2009 (Saturday) 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Tuition:  $45
Register and pay via Paypal:

I offer discounts if you bring a buddy or if you have taken any of my prior classes. Email me (Cynthia) at loveapplefarm@gmail.com to inquire how to receive the discount.