by Greg Alder | Jul 4, 2025 | Misc |
Now we’re into summer and the stone fruits are ripening in abundance, as are less common treats that Jacques grows that you might not have tried, such as Kei apples and Surinam cherries (which aren’t actually apples or cherries at all!). Come along: More...
by Greg Alder | Jun 13, 2025 | Misc |
My goal with The Yard Posts is to help others grow food at home, with a focus on vegetables and fruits — especially avocados — in Southern California. How do I do this? I write short articles – “posts” – each Friday, and I augment each post with photos and...
by Greg Alder | Jun 6, 2025 | Misc |
What is there to eat in Jacques’ food garden in the month of May? He’s got some snacks that you might grow too, as well as some that you might not. Come along to find out . . . Other months in Jacques’ garden: January, February, March, April. Thank you...
by Greg Alder | May 31, 2025 | Misc |
Twelve summers ago, we moved to this property and there were tumbleweeds growing across the bottom half. No, I said. I don’t accept having to walk through prickly tumbleweeds. I decided right then that I would figure out how to eliminate them. Because...
by Greg Alder | May 2, 2025 | Misc |
In March I traveled throughout South Africa and Lesotho, where I visited a number of farms, nurseries, and home gardens. On my return flight, I recalled the G.K. Chesterton quote, “The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set...
by Greg Alder | Feb 28, 2025 | February, Misc |
What’s ripe in February on the fruit trees and other edible plants in Jacques’ eclectic food garden? A lot of citrus and more. Have a look: Do you grow some of these same plants? Do they also taste good in February? See other months in Jacques’...
by Greg Alder | Jan 31, 2025 | January, Misc |
“Be Your Own Farmer,” reads the sticker on the back of Jacques’ truck. And he lives it. And his family reaps the rewards. As do I. I’ve never visited Jacques’ place without him taking me on a tour and sharing samples of whatever is ripe....
by Greg Alder | Dec 7, 2024 | Misc |
You might be planning a food garden for the first time, or you might be wondering if your vegetables and fruit trees are planted in the best places. Either way, this post is for you. I have built food gardens in a couple different yards for myself and my family, and I...
by Greg Alder | Nov 15, 2024 | Avocados, Misc |
Do you remember my interview with John Schoustra? He is – I thought about this for a while to make sure I wasn’t forgetting anyone or exaggerating – the most innovative, open-minded, and experimental avocado farmer I know. (Please refresh your memory by checking this...
by Greg Alder | Sep 14, 2024 | Misc |
Rather than a whimper, summer in Southern California often goes out with a bang, with a heat wave around Labor Day. I’m glad this one is over, as at my place it was 100-degrees or higher for nine days straight. But before putting it in the back of my mind, I want to...
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