Chilacoyote Fig Leaf Gourd

About 1 year ago while working on a garden project for our Introduction to Horticulture class at Oakland's Merritt college, I found a Chilacoyote under some overgrown roses. At the time I didn't know what is was, that was until Joe, another classmate showed up and identified it, he then cut it up and distributed the seeds to other classmates. Joe planted his seeds and you can now see the results, his first Chilacoyote fruit has developed.

Monarch Butterfly

This past Monday a young couple participated in my crop swap by bringing Parsley. To my surprise there was a Monarch Butterfly Caterpillar roaming about. After some research I needed to feed it by getting a milkweed plant that it can feed on. If you want some Monarch butterflies then get some milkweed to attracted them.

Prep for weekly crop swap

Chinese Pears, Apples, Garlic and Quince- extra from El Cerrito, Ca waiting for the next #cropswsp #huntingtonpark #playndirt

Blackberry Tea by Dana

Yesterday I made some blackberry tea.  I researched online to see what the beneficial properties of blackberry leaves are and according to Livestrong.com "blackberry leaves can be made into a tea or use as a gargle solution...."( Livestrong.com )

Shiozak's Garden by Dana

Had a great time harvesting from John's & Allison Shiozaki garden, Thanks!!

John and Alison

Macintosh apples, Myer Lemons, Grapefruit Cocktail and Grapes

 Cape gooseberry and Squash

 Sweet Lemons and Plums

Eggplant, Potatoes, Grapes, Jalapeno peppers, Green peppers

 Herbs and more

Rhubarb and more

 Some I'll use at home and the rest at this Saturday's crop swap at noon at Ohio st. and 16th st. on the Richmond Greenway. 

Urban Tilth, Doria Robinson

Shiitake Mushrooms by Dana

Over the weekend I learned how to grow my own Shiitake mushrooms using a cut log.

1. Get cut log, ie Oak

2. Purchase plugs with Shiitake mushroom mycelium 

3. Drill holes slightly longer than plugs 

4. Hammer in plugs 

5. Cover holes with wax 

6. Wet log or soak in water overnight

7. Store in cool, shaded area, mist occasionally 

8. Now I'll have to exercise patience. 

I'll have Shiitake mushrooms in about 8 months.