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.

Berkeley Crop Swap by Dana

After our crop swap on 7/28/14 Darnell and I went to the Berkeley Crop Swap.  It was awesome, there was so many people there that we had to draw cards. We brought peaches. Once our number was called we were able to choose what crops we wanted.

My First Crop Swap by Dana

Yesterday I attended my first Crop Swap with Darnell.  It was a success.  A few people came up and took some fruit.  One lady mentioned she didn't know about the swap, so that's another project for us advertising the swaps a little better,  but anyway we addressed questions some had and just really enjoyed the conversations.  We were located on the corner of Carlson and Huntington Ave near the park.

Iko Iko Peppers by Dana

Our Iko Iko Peppers are growing.  They are purple.  When I researched about these particular peppers I learned that they are sweet and they will eventually turn red.  They're good for salads, making salsa, frying or just eating fresh.

Iko Iko Peppers