June in Jacques’ garden

June in Jacques’ garden

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...
Supporting The Yard Posts

Supporting The Yard Posts

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...
May in Jacques’ garden

May in Jacques’ garden

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...
Curating your yard’s weeds

Curating your yard’s weeds

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...
African gardens put ours into perspective

African gardens put ours into perspective

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...
February in Jacques’ food garden

February in Jacques’ food garden

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’...
January in Jacques’ Food Garden

January in Jacques’ Food Garden

“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....
The layout of a food garden: where to plant what?

The layout of a food garden: where to plant what?

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...
Fires, Farms, and being Neighbors

Fires, Farms, and being Neighbors

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...
Lessons from the September 2024 heat wave

Lessons from the September 2024 heat wave

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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