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Modern Sustainability...old-fashioned methods: Fruit Trees and Berry Bushes. Fruit Trees that don’t need to be sprayed You may have a friend who has a fruit tree or berry bush that they inherited with their house and they do not know what variety it is.

Modern Sustainability...old-fashioned methods: Fruit Trees and Berry Bushes

Is anyone growing Goji Berry ? - California Gardening Forum. North Bay Bohemian. Click to enlarge Trevor Alixopulos Note: This is the third in a series on the wine industry's impacts on the environment.

North Bay Bohemian

When a property purchase in 1999 subdivided an apple orchard in Sebastopol, the farm's owners, Dan Lehrer and his wife, Joanne Krueger, lost access to what had been their surest water source—a deep and dependable well that had irrigated the land's 20 acres of trees since they were planted in 1973. Though the pair still had two wells onsite, one was reserved for the other half of their business, the Flatland Flower Farm nursery, and the third collapsed in 2003. "We went from water to no water for our apples in five years," says Lehrer, who sells 25 varieties at local farmers markets. The trees began to wither, leaves browning and branches breaking, as one by one they died of thirst.

But for eight waterless summers they have produced fruit—fewer apples and smaller than those they once bore, but noticeably crisper, tastier and denser, Lehrer says. California Agricultural Water Stewardship Initiative: Dry Farming. Overview | Water Savings | Applications | Additional Benefits | Resources | Case Studies | Page Credit Overview Dry farming is not to be confused with rainfed agriculture.

California Agricultural Water Stewardship Initiative: Dry Farming

Rainfed agriculture refers to crop production that occurs during a rainy season. Dry farming, on the other hand, refers to crop production during a dry season, utilizing the residual moisture in the soil from the rainy season, usually in a region that receives 20” or more of annual rainfall. Dry farming works to conserve soil moisture during long dry periods primarily through a system of tillage, surface protection, and the use of drought-resistant varieties. Dry farming has a very long history of use. The production of some of the finest wines and olive oils in the world is accomplished with dry-farmed fruit.

Dry farming is not a yield maximization strategy; rather it allows nature to dictate the true sustainability of agricultural production in a region. How to Propagate Basil. Over Wintering Succulents Indoors. By Josh Spece December 10, 2010 Unless you are lucky enough to live in a location that does not fall below freezing during the winter, many of the most popular and beautiful succulents will need to be brought indoors for the winter.

Over Wintering Succulents Indoors

A greenhouse is ideal, but few gardeners have this luxury. Fortunately, most succulents can easily be over wintered indoors. Succulents encompass a huge assortment of different plants, some of which have very specific needs. However, the tips outlined below will keep most of the commonly grown succulents alive through the winter. How to Grow Aloe Vera in Northern California. How to Care for Succulents Indoors During the Winter. Aloe Vera Plant Growing & Usage Tips. 10 Fuss Free House Plants That Clean the Air. The more I read about ‘going green’ at home the more overwhelmed I get.

10 Fuss Free House Plants That Clean the Air

The list of things to freak out about is a mile long. Do I need to throw out my mattress and sofa and start over? Who can afford that? Then at the grocery store, I found a simple first step – plants! My three new pothos plants made me so happy that I started researching and stumbled upon how awesome plants are for your home. Ventilate – We spend most of our time indoors, where pollutant levels can be 2 to 5 times – and occasionally more than 100 times – higher than outdoors, according to the EPA. Load up on house plants and turn your house into a mini green oasis. English ivy The prolific grower removes formaldehyde from the air and can be potted in lots of innovative ways. Source. Garden and Farms: 10 Houseplants That Clean Indoor Air. Indoors - Can I save my damaged Aloe vera plant? - Gardening & Landscaping Stack Exchange.

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indoors - Can I save my damaged Aloe vera plant? - Gardening & Landscaping Stack Exchange

Growing Aloe Vera in California. The aloe plant requires an average temperature of no less than 50 degrees fahrenheit.

Growing Aloe Vera in California

It can survive up to 104 degrees fahrenheit. It requires full sunlight, although an excess of sunlight can cause the leaves to turn brown. It needs minimal water, since it is a succulent plant. The California climate is varied to such a degree that it's important to understand the basics in the above paragraph before one undertakes growing the plant. If you live in southern California, or in the desert regions, you can usually grow the plant outdoors with success. Any area where there is a danger of frost will not support the aloe plant. Northern California is generally too cold for outdoor plants, particularly during the winter months. If you live near the coast, you will have greater success growing the plant indoors.

When watering, fully soak the plant, then allow to dry completely before re-watering. Aloe Barn » Watering Your Aloe Vera Plants. When it comes to watering Aloe Vera Plants there are many things to consider and factor in.

Aloe Barn » Watering Your Aloe Vera Plants

The questions that often get asked are…When should i water my Aloe Vera Plant? Am i over watering my Aloe Vera plant? My leaves are turning brown, red or yellow, is this a watering problem? Boston Fern Care Guide. 25 Amazing Benefits and Uses Of Aloe Vera For Skin, Hair And Health. Aloe Vera, also known as the ‘plant of immortality’ by the ancient Egyptians, was used for its healing properties since time immemorial.

25 Amazing Benefits and Uses Of Aloe Vera For Skin, Hair And Health

Aloe Vera plants are commonly found in the African regions and belong to the family of Xanthorrhoeaceae, known for its succulent or fleshy leaves. This nontoxic plant stores water in its leaves and survives in low rainfall and arid regions. Aloe Vera leaf looks unique; it doesn’t have any stems and the edges of leaves have tiny spikes. Aloe Vera is considered to be a miracle plant. Since, it contains phytochemicals and other nutrients which are beneficial for hair, health and skin. Aloe Vera is sold as gel, powder and juice. 10 Things You Can Do With Aloe Vera. Can I Use Aloe Vera Gel Direct From The Plant? By Cavgedip (UK) This page is one of Your Questions Answered pages. ( Greek Version Aloe Vera inner gel Peel off the rind.

Can I Use Aloe Vera Gel Direct From The Plant?