Fall Gardening Symposium

Farmer Fred... Lance Walheim... Rosalind Creasy... Robert Kourik... need I say more?

http://groups.ucanr.org/sactomg/symposium/

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Program Speakers Location Registration Symposium Brochure Symposium location: Education Center Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church 11427 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks, CA, 95628 Questions? Call the UC Cooperative Extension at 916-875-6913.

Heatwave Tomato Followup

In a previous post, I said I'd report back on 'Heatwave' tomato and here's my conclusion-- with this summer's late fruit onset (was it me? was it the weather?), 'Heatwave' was my best producer.

Yes, it stood up to Sacramento heat. Fruits are fairly large, round, bright red, and very meaty. These are not pulpy tomatoes that, when sliced, turn your sandwich bread into gross pink wet glop. Compared to other varieties I've grown, 'Heatwave' feels firmer than usual when ripe. They also seem to last well on the counter when picked a little on the firm side.

Don't get me wrong. I like me a wet, pulpy tomato... just not between two slices of bread. A soft, juicy heirloom seems more at home on a plate with mozzarella and olive oil or in a salad.

And the flavor? Drum roll, please... I pronounce 'Heatwave' flavor to be... decent. It reminds me of 'Early Girl', which I dubbed 'Late Girl' this year. 'Heatwave' won't rock your world... nor will it break your heart. There's something to be said for that.

I'll try to remember to post a pic.

How come nobody told me?

How come nobody told me a first class postage stamp now costs, or is soon to cost, 41 cents?!!! I think I need to sit down. Oh, I am sitting down. I think I need to lie down.

Well, at least the USPS is lessening the 41-cent sting by coming out with these beauties...

Windmill Nursery's Fall & Xmas Open House Charity Event

Hey, this looks like fun. It's for charity and you'll have the opportunity to eat, drink, shop, mingle with nursery sales reps, and maybe hear about hot new plants for the upcoming gardening season! No charge for the event, but they do ask that you RSVP.

Saturday October 13th from 4:00 till....

"We will also have some special guests. You will have an opportunity to meet with many of our sales reps to ask questions and they may have some sneak peaks at some up and coming items. We were very busy this last year in search of all new gifts and decor for the Holiday Season so don't miss out."

Food and drinks, including beer and wine, will be served around 5:30.

For more info or to R.S.V.P. by phone: 916 972-0794 or email andrew@windmillnurseryinc.com

Windmill Nursery Events Calendar

Scent of a tomato, indeed

I want to go to one of her tastings! This is nuts. This is wonderful. This is why we live in "Sacratomato".

Scent of a tomato
Farmers want to cater to connoisseurs
By Jim Downing - Bee Staff Writer

Published 12:00 am PDT Sunday, August 19, 2007
Story appeared in BUSINESS section, Page D1

Organic/IPM techie California gardeners rejoice!

Coming to a California nursery, library, county fair, garden exhibit, or plant clinic near you!

Touch-Screen Pest Management Kiosks

The University of California Statewide IPM Program has developed a touch-screen kiosk to help consumers around the state solve pest problems, protect the environment, and prevent runoff from residential landscapes. Read more.

New Radio Program: Organic Veggie Gardening with Sue

New to me, anyway. I'll have to have a listen!

Listen to - "Organic veggie gardening with Sue"
1240AM KSAC or online at www.1240talkcity.com
on Friday afternoons at 4:00pm
Join us: Fri. August 17th

Saw this on http://sacgardens.org/

Back from Mendo

I didn't have Wi-Fi at the house this time, so I had to restrict my internet use to Wi-Fi hot spots in the village. The only problem with that is that "free" wi-fi is actually quite costly calorically. At Frankie's Ice Cream Parlour, the price was really good pizza and homemade Cowlick's ice cream. I'll also be paying (at the gym) for those excellent lattes from Moody's Organic Coffee Bar.

I went on a couple great bike rides, attended a yoga class, got a massage, hung out with friends and family, took in the incredible scenery, enjoyed regional cheeses, breads, organic wines and coffees, restaurants and more. As always, I didn't get to do everything I wanted and can't wait to go back. Next time I'm determined to expand my Mendocino horizons by trying lake or river kayaking. I think I'll leave sharky ocean kayaking to those fearless outdoorsy folks I admire safely from shore.

Mendocino bound

Back Friday, August 10. Will try to check in via laptop.