tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10336927462086378652012-02-16T19:46:38.518-07:00GG: a gathering place for a diverse membership of urban trowelers in Albuquerque and a support group for city gardeners with extreme conditions or seeking sustainable solutions. Join the gardening party & a community with shared interest in greening our streets for cleaner futures.for urbiphytes & independent weeders.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08687405949813448691noreply@blogger.comBlogger351100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033692746208637865.post-16520653364748718312011-10-05T12:45:00.000-06:002011-10-05T12:45:09.110-06:00

Fall is the best time to plant many perennials, with once/month deep waterings through the winter, to foster deep and well-established root growth before spring comes along. Following is a list of excellent edible perennials hardy to at least 15°F without special care, to at least 10°F with special care, and has some tolerance of or success in alkaline soils (Sources include the Native Plant

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...anytime is agood time! Find all kinds of Albuquerque-area info regarding seeds and their needs at GardenersGuild.org

for urbiphytes & independent weeders.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08687405949813448691noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033692746208637865.post-42211249561241837242010-09-27T17:44:00.001-06:002010-09-27T17:50:30.911-06:00

Check out this small triangular bed built with cinder blocks and protected by a barnboard fence... there were a number of beds build on this old parking lot, but this was the most productive lettuce plot of the lot. Guesses are that the protection from wind can provide a dramatic improvement for delicately leaved plants which are easily stripped by dry and gusty weather. The first picture shows

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Or to grow more in your Fall garden, you can begin seeds earlier indoors to get a head start. If the weather is too warm, cool season seeds will not germinate. Ideal temperatures range between 65-75 degrees during the day for germination. And many Fall garden varieties will want cool nights too for vigorous growth. Fortunately, the single-cinderblock deep bed that was built is perfectly suited to

for urbiphytes & independent weeders.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08687405949813448691noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033692746208637865.post-4132651648125355042009-10-03T12:34:00.000-06:002010-09-27T17:00:45.980-06:00

The first warm season garden was a bit of a bust in this short bed due to the reasons given below. Everyone that grows in hot weather wanted a much deeper bed. To be sure your zucchini, watermelon and other fast/big growers have enough space in their urban home, provide at least 12" soil of depth. As many of the asphalt garden projects (Detroit and Cleveland as examples) recommended a cardboard

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Soon after beds were built, they were planted with warm season annuals. For those of you just becoming familiar with veggies and their growth 'habits', tomatoes and peppers are two of the key crops for a warm season or summer garden. These two varieties, in addition to squash, corn and sunflowers, need heat to do their thing. Some varieties like beans, peas and spinach grow well in the

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Time to top off the soil and put in some plants: Though the next stage can be awkward and ungainly. For a less stressful transplanting, mulch the surface of your soil to maintain consistent moisture levels. These beds were planted in mid-summer, with both seed and plants: the season was half-gone! Tomatoes went in, but didn't have long enough to develop:+{   But no worries. It's always worth an

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Cinderblocks are generally non-toxic, and a much better material to use for raised beds than something like railroad ties (which are toxic) or wood (which deteriorates quickly in the Southwest). The best which were two bricks high when finished, were not mortared together which means this bed can be moved many times and provides flexibility. The holes were filled with sand to stabilize the bricks

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These initial steps - phase 1 - took place last fall. In ABQ, edibles can be grown through the cool seasons too. So placing and constructing the raised beds on asphalt is the first priority. Raised beds, used for growing food, are best placed according to the best exposure for your favorite varieties. The low bed seen here runs north/south and is placed on the east side of this space. Beds can

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6 months have passed since a simple project was seeded in an urban lot to make the city plot more inhabitable. Unexpectedly relocated to a new spot 2008, Gardeners'Guild was ready to grow an outdoor space. Proving it was possible to support the urban gardening cause without a proper demonstration area over more than four years, the new off-alley outdoor 'oasis' has already drawn a number of

for urbiphytes & independent weeders.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08687405949813448691noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033692746208637865.post-53457047294779779882008-09-08T14:14:00.004-06:002008-09-08T14:32:28.503-06:00

Before focusing on urban habitat-building, why not take a moment to consider what environment really means to everyday life. Every perspective is different depending on your environment. What you can eat and where you are able to sleep, is ultimately determined by your environment.What happens in a desert with few trees to use for building? To consider the other living beings that inhabit the

for urbiphytes & independent weeders.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08687405949813448691noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033692746208637865.post-85342123935604266972008-08-29T16:57:00.003-06:002008-09-02T07:48:44.531-06:00

Now, what happened to summer? July and August have flown by, but good things are growing. Gardeners'Guild has a new location which provides brand new opportunities to create an urban oasis and demonstrate the simplicity of greening the world around us. While it may seem so difficult to rally large groups together, great progress can be made in many other ways. Each individual can follow along and

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What happened to spring?Summer is almost here, and offers a good time to watch some wonderful videos available online. The selections featured at GG's video broadcasting site (on YouTube) are some of the best available, produced by sources like PBS and permaculture specialists working with the founder, Bill Mollison. Use these to supplement your summer ed, or stay inspired while higher temps

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Please contribute constructive ideas, and lend your perspective to the discussion. Be creative! Be thoughtful! Be a part of the larger community by giving of your time and sharing your vision for greener city strees. Participate by putting forth new approaches in outer spaces.

for urbiphytes & independent weeders.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08687405949813448691noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033692746208637865.post-13995326494408868512008-01-02T15:51:00.004-07:002008-09-02T07:53:52.961-06:00

save time, money, resources, your environment!sou have ways to hunt these down, now matter where you live. research first, then get creative in your own scene. any questions? contact G'G for help to go forth and be green.a watering option for EASIER gardens?Love growing veggies? have a needy plant? ever go on vacation? Consider the traditional global-gardening technique of buried clay irrigation.

for urbiphytes & independent weeders.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08687405949813448691noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033692746208637865.post-12079284482499503072008-01-01T23:08:00.001-07:002008-09-02T07:52:01.467-06:00

The wonderful thing about a New Year is the new-ness itself. The new year is invigorating, but not because of its date. Thanks to the Gregorian calendar, most western countries celebrate the year's turning on January 1st. But countries like Greece, Tibet, Poland, China and Thailand will have their new year on different dates ranging from now until the end of April. So why is the new year so

for urbiphytes & independent weeders.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08687405949813448691noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033692746208637865.post-92003474046532236052007-12-31T13:05:00.001-07:002008-09-02T07:52:49.784-06:00

Find it in Albuquerque or by internet, and have it shipped to you by mail for $7 plus postage.Articles include:"The Next Stage in Green" and "Secrets of the Cobble Mulch Garden"as well as other creative pieces.Table of contents will be available online in January.Contact info@gardenersguild.org or editors@radi.ws with questions.

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In the new age of pencil-less procedures, GG goes against the grain and recommends keeping a lead-based writing form handy to track weather patterns on your nearest calendar. In other parts of the country, weather patterns are less extreme than in the desert southwest. Using a simple means of notation takes only a minute when important changes occur and frees the mind for things other than

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Corn gluten meal (CGM) is a natural substitute for synthetic pre-emergence herbicides. Pre-emergence herbicides attack seeds while they're still in the ground, before the seedlings emerge from the soil. CGM is a by-product of commercial corn milling that contains the protein fraction of the corn. Its use poses no health risk to people or animals. In fact, because it is 60% protein, corn gluten

for urbiphytes & independent weeders.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08687405949813448691noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033692746208637865.post-38003820313653711902007-12-05T08:16:00.000-07:002007-12-05T08:19:01.820-07:00

...to wow your guests and offer them good taste in food AND atmosphere!Whether vegetable gardeners or not, food is a feature topic when trowelers get into the holiday spirit. And no matter your holiday of celebration, food is the foundation for gatherings of friends and family. Either a cozy dinner for 2 or chaotic consumption for 20 can be highlight for your holiday season, but be sure to plan

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Searching for a very basic way to explain ‘xeric’ to recent transplants (people), an older edition dictionary led me to another word: “Xerophyte, a plant structurally adapted for life and growth with a limited water supply esp. by means of mechanisms that limit transpiration or that provide for the storage of water”. Also listed were xerophilious. xerophytic. xerothermic. and xeric. All are

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In touch with your lunar side? Keep an eye on the moon for signs of mushrooms and maniac behavior with the new phase calendar on the blog home page... www.gardenersguild.blogspot.com

for urbiphytes & independent weeders.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08687405949813448691noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033692746208637865.post-56893160559889117542007-11-02T10:32:00.000-06:002007-11-05T13:38:27.871-07:00

Seems impossible doesn't it?There is still time for Winterizing -- What is it and what to do?While we all know winter is coming, the recommendation to 'winterize' is short on details. For those who haven't grown up gardening, the term can be downright mystifying. Here is a list of those tasks to undertake while temperatures cool down, and plants begin to sleep.#1. Keep watering! Root systems are

for urbiphytes & independent weeders.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08687405949813448691noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033692746208637865.post-41669472173780675122007-11-01T11:10:00.000-06:002007-11-05T13:15:17.584-07:00

for urbiphytes & independent weeders.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08687405949813448691noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033692746208637865.post-58065394412326839992007-10-24T19:59:00.001-06:002008-09-02T07:56:55.970-06:00

Well, melting of the Northwest Passage has made this mythological throughway an economic and environmental reality. At least 10 years sooner than expected, open waters in the Artic have Russians planting their flag on the sea bottom floor. That's only the beginning. The first question coming to mind as footage plays on international news: "When did that happen?" Strangely enough, scientists were

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Do you know where your houseplants are? Who lived outdoors for the summer? Don't forget to bring them in! Check for bugs, and don't water right away after moving them inside. This gives your plants a chance to adjust to the new conditions. Do avoid placing plants near heating vents, and reposition any of those inside that may be in a draft. All plant appreciate being raised from the floor, even a

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It's not a surprise that many urban gardeners have forgotten, or never learned about, the moon's power. The ol' wax 'n' wane...It guides the earth's tides, and sprouts mushrooms. The moon affects all liquids on earth. With over 70% of the human body composed of water, there's no escaping a little slish-slosh.Most other cultures do have important celebrations scheduled by phases of the moon. The

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As a service to the public, Gardeners'Guild provides direct access to folks who will answer your questions about urban and extreme gardening. We can help! or find someone else with an answer.

for urbiphytes & independent weeders.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08687405949813448691noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033692746208637865.post-26435588638013327732007-10-17T22:57:00.001-06:002008-09-02T07:57:53.118-06:00

Here are a few details for any that would like to know the background of the guild for gardeners, and why it exists.Gardeners’Guild is a membership-supported self-sustaining organization with supply shop, created to help city gardeners with their outdoor spaces. Five of seven days, assistance is on hand for questions (Wednesday through Sunday) at the Albuquerque NM location. For those in or out

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starting seeds!a general 'what to know'...Seed quality is most important: freshness and germination rate are the two basics. Quality seeds sprout better, and stay better preserved when not planted in that away.Some seed companies offer seed with germination rates as low as one of 1 out of 4. Good quality seed companies will be sure to deliver better germination rates and stronger varieties.

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On these pages, explore a wide range of topics included for your special interests.Any information found on these pages that could be construed as advice or 'correct' information is not, in fact, that. All perspectives are merely well-informed perspectives from a variety of highly reputable sources, formed through experience and the skill of observation which is a shared quality amongst GG

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unraveling the soil mysteries!college chemistry not required.The USDA said back in the 40's that our agricultural lands were becoming depleted of minerals and nutrients that plants pass on to us. This affects the quality of our food, the nutrients it provides for us and requires that gardeners be aware of the practices that can help to rebuild or recondition the soil. Texture of soil is important

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composting in arid climates: make it easier despite obstacles.Reduce the need for turning and watering for maintenance.Increase the speed of composting process.Minimize attaction for urban pests: rodents and roaches.Provide opportunity for easy indoor composting - no smell!This kind of composting can be continued year round.the scoop on composting:Composting, and general soil health, relies on a

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the path to enlightenment (enlightened gardening) is mulched.Mulching shades the soil which keeps it softMulching reduces evaporationMulching discourages weedsMulching encourages earthworm activityMulching adds a design element wth minimal expense why, where, when, what to use?Mulching can save time, energy and the environment with a modest investments. Let's look at the basics...choose what is

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arid climates make water an issue?Consider your needs: water is an integral element in any garden design. Whether as a decorative feature, or basic sustainance for your plants, design the space to be wise about water. Group plants together to create focal points and increase watering efficiency.Capture and conserve: these two simple ideas can easily green your garden. Every gallon saved has an

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